Extra Matt, Matt, or Silk Matt: How to Choose the Right Lacquer Sheen for Your Wooden Floor

Choosing a finish for a newly sanded wooden floor isn't just about colour. One of the biggest decisions is the sheen level of the lacquer, as this determines how much light reflects from the surface and has a huge influence on the overall look of the room.

Whether you're a homeowner restoring original floorboards or a contractor advising a client, understanding the difference between extra matt, matt and silk matt finishes can make all the difference to the final result.

At Ultimate Floor Care, we believe seeing products in real-world conditions is far more valuable than relying on brochures or online images. That's why we tested the full range of Bona Mega Evo sheen levels side by side, allowing customers and professional contractors to see exactly how each finish performs once applied.

In this guide, we'll explain what each sheen level offers, how they compare, and how to choose the right wood floor lacquer for your next project.

What Is a Lacquer Sheen Level?

The sheen level of a lacquer refers to how much light is reflected from the finished surface. A higher sheen creates a brighter, more reflective appearance, while a lower sheen gives a softer, more natural look.

It's important to remember that sheen does not affect the colour of the timber. Instead, it changes how the floor catches the light and how much of the natural grain is emphasised.

For professional contractors, understanding sheen levels helps set realistic customer expectations. For homeowners, it makes choosing a finish much easier before work begins. The way they test the sheen level of a product, especially with Bona Mega Evo is Detecting percentage of light reflection on glass at 60 degrees and having the following readings.

When using Bona Mega Evo, the three available sheen levels are:

• Ultra Matt – approximately 5% light reflection
• Extra Matt – approximately 9% light reflection
• Matt – approximately 20% light reflection
• Silk Matt – approximately 40% light reflection

Although the protection offered by each finish is comparable, the visual appearance changes significantly.

Comparing Extra Matt, Matt and Silk Matt

One of the best ways to understand the difference is to see the finishes applied side by side. During our testing, each lacquer was applied to the same prepared timber sample before being allowed to dry naturally. And once that has dried, checking it at an angle, reflecting off natural light. In our case, coming from a bay window.

Extra Matt

Extra Matt produces the most natural-looking finish of the three. Something close to an oil look. With only around 9% light reflection, it creates an almost untreated appearance while still providing the protection of a professional wood floor lacquer.

Extra Matt is an excellent choice for:

• Modern interiors
• Scandinavian-inspired homes
• Character properties where preserving a natural timber appearance is important
• Customers wanting minimal reflection from windows or lighting

This finish has become increasingly popular as homeowners move towards more subtle, contemporary interiors.

Matt

Matt offers an excellent balance between natural appearance and a slight level of warmth. At approximately 20% gloss, it provides a little more reflection than Extra Matt without appearing shiny. For many contractors, this is the safest recommendation because it suits a wide range of people's homes and interior styles.

Matt is ideal for:

• Family homes
• Living rooms
• Hallways
• Open-plan spaces
• General residential renovations

If a customer isn't sure which finish to choose, Matt is often the perfect middle ground.

Silk Matt

Silk Matt has the highest sheen level within the Bona Mega Evo range. Full gloss is available in their other product ranges such as Bona Traffic HD. With approximately 40% light reflection, it produces a richer finish that highlights the natural grain of the timber and creates a more traditional appearance.

Silk Matt works particularly well in:

• Period properties
• Traditional interiors
• Larger rooms with controlled lighting
• Commercial reception areas
• Clients who prefer a more polished finish

Although it reflects more light, it still maintains the professional appearance expected from a premium waterborne lacquer.

Why Sample Boards Make Choosing Easier

One of the biggest challenges when selecting a finish is that photographs rarely tell the full story. Lighting, camera settings and screen brightness can all change how a sheen level appears.

During our demonstration, each lacquer was applied to identical sample boards using the same primer and application method before drying naturally. Viewing the boards under natural daylight immediately highlighted the subtle but noticeable differences between each sheen level.

For contractors, preparing sample boards can help customers make informed decisions before work begins. Rather than relying on imagination, clients can physically compare finishes and choose the appearance they prefer with confidence.

Does a Second Coat Change the Sheen?

A common question we receive is whether additional coats affect the final appearance.

During our testing with Bona Mega Evo, there was only a slight difference between the sheen levels after the first coat. Once the second coat had been applied and fully dried, however, the variations became much clearer. This reinforces an important point.

Judging a lacquer after only one coat can be misleading. Professional floor finishers should always assess the completed system once the recommended number of coats has been applied and allowed to cure correctly. Only then does the final sheen become fully visible.

Bona Mega Evo vs Bona Mega

Many contractors are familiar with the original Bona Mega range and naturally ask how it compares with Bona Mega Evo.

The good news is that the sheen options remain very similar.

While the exact gloss percentages differ slightly between the two products, the finished appearance remains consistent enough that contractors can confidently recommend either system depending on project requirements.

Bona Mega Evo continues to offer:

• Excellent durability for domestic and light commercial environments
• Simple one-component application
• Fast drying times
• Low odour during application
• Professional-quality results
• Non-yellowing formulation

At Ultimate Floor Care, we're continuing to test the latest Bona products alongside the manufacturer's technical specialists to provide practical advice based on real-world application rather than marketing literature alone.

Helping Customers Choose the Right Finish

Every project is different, and there isn't a single "best" sheen level. Instead, the right choice depends on several factors.

When advising customers, consider:

• How much natural light enters the room
• Whether the property is modern or traditional
• The desired overall appearance
• Existing décor and furniture
• Customer expectations regarding maintenance
• Personal preference

Some homeowners love the almost invisible appearance of Extra Matt, while others prefer the warmer character created by Silk Matt.

Taking time to explain the differences helps avoid disappointment and ensures the finished floor matches the customer's expectations.

Why Contractors Trust Ultimate Floor Care

Choosing the right wood floor lacquer isn't simply about buying a product from a catalogue.

It's about understanding how that product performs on real timber in real working conditions.

That's why our team regularly tests products, demonstrates new technologies and shares practical advice through videos, articles and hands-on experience.

Whether you're a professional contractor completing commercial wood floor finishing projects or a homeowner restoring a single room, we're here to help you choose the right products with confidence.

Our range includes:

• Bona Mega Evo
• Bona primers
• Professional application rollers
• Floor coating solutions
• Abrasives
• Professional floor sanding equipment
• Wood floor maintenance products

Because we work closely with manufacturers and flooring professionals every day, we can provide practical guidance that goes beyond simply supplying products.

The sheen level that you choose has a significant impact on the finished appearance of a wooden floor.

Extra Matt offers a beautifully natural finish, Matt provides an excellent all-round option for most homes, and Silk Matt delivers a richer, more traditional look with increased light reflection.

The best way to choose is to see the finishes in real conditions, compare them side by side and consider how they'll look in the space once natural daylight fills the room.

At Ultimate Floor Care, we're committed to helping both homeowners and flooring professionals make informed decisions with trusted advice, product demonstrations and expert support.

Whether you're looking for wood floor lacquer, floor coating solutions, or professional guidance on your next project, our experienced team will always be happy to help.

Browse Bona Wood Floor Lacquers at Ultimate Floor Care

Looking for the right finish for your next flooring project?

Explore our complete range of Bona Mega Evo, primers, application tools and professional wood floor finishing products at https://ultimatefloorcare.co.uk/.

If you're unsure which sheen level is right for your project, get in touch with our team. We'll help you choose the best solution for your floor, your customer and the finish you're aiming to achieve.