Varnish advice please?

aliasojo

I have 2 tins of Ronseal clear varnish - 1 in matt and 1 in Satin.

I've just varnished an offcut of bare wood (2 coats) with both tins and the finish is identical strangely enough, none of us can see any difference in the amount of shine.

So since the appearance seems to be the same.......is there any difference in how effective or otherwise the varnish is? Is there any benefit in using one over the other? (By that I mean is one better than the other - not that I would varnish with one and then overcoat with the other iyswim.)

Btw the varnish is to be used on internal and doors and skirtings.

TIA.

ariba10

I do not see what the problem is. If you do not have enough of either to do do it all with one type why not mix the two together.

aliasojo

Thanks ariba, but there isn't a problem and I have more than enough of both for my needs.

I was just wondering if there was any benefit with one or the other that I was not aware of.

I was assuming matt and satin finishes were as hard wearing as each other.......but since I am not an expert I just thought I'd query it here.

paullwill8

You won't see the difference with only two coats, try 5 coats, with very light sanding in between, then you will see the difference.

cheekymole

I always use satin if that's any help but like paul says, a light sand inbetween each coat makes a whole load of difference