Dear hardwoodflooringtalk-
I hope that this message finds you all very well!
I have a question re: my new hardwood floor refinishing and I'd be grateful for your perspective.
I recently had my main floor completely resanded and stained. The workman did a very nice job and took great care to ensure my satisfaction. I was very pleased with the detail and small touches, so I have no cause for complaint.
The problem however, is that the stain that I chose, looks much darker in person and I can't stop looking at it and thinking that I should have gone with a lighter stain.
The interesting thing is that when sunlight shines on it; it looks wonderful! Regrettably most of the time the sun is not shining directly on the floors however, and it appears dull with the matte finish.
Although the installer recommended that I go with matte poly overtop the stain rather than a semi-gloss or gloss, we had a glossy finish before and I really loved it.
My question today, is whether it might lighten things up, if I were to ask him to apply a semi-gloss or gloss poly overtop the current poly?
I really loved the shine and even though many have advised me that it's harder to maintain, if the shine could brighten things up also, I'd be much happier I think.
Much appreciated!!

The prevailing trend for the past several decades has been the reduction of the sheen in wood floor finishes. European standards have always been the more subdued natural look and that is what we've been moving toward here as the less gloss the floor has, the less dirt and wear it shows. All that aside however, this is YOUR floor and it should look the way you want. If you prefer the old school gloss, ask the contractor to come back to screen and recoat with a semi-gloss or gloss. I've been a hardwood flooring manufacturer for 20 years and have learned that despite trends, it 's that particular customer that has to be happy when the job is done. My vote would be to make the change you want. Sincerely, Kevin Pennington

Edited By Admin- removed link

Kevin:

It's always great to see newcomers but we have some rules where one is a waiting period sort of speak, when we do allow personal links. Stick around long enough providing the useful information you have already done so and there will be no problems.

Thanks!