Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Difference between semi gloss and high gloss?

hey all,

Just wondering if anyone has pics of a comparison between semi gloss and high gloss? Perhaps Axiom can post some pics of the differences?

I will NOT answer "Difference between semi gloss and high gloss?" with "the amount of gloss"

Bren R.

The shininess of the gloss.

May I re-phrase...does anyone have pictures of the 2 different sheens?

Sheesh.

Martin and Charlie?

C'mon Charles, didn't you see Robb specifically asked for pictures?

Here you go Robb...



Hope it helps.

I wouldn't pick either, go for real wood.

Thanks for the pics...they really help...

As for the semi vs full gloss, full gloss add 25% more to the real wood veneer, I just am curious if it is worth that extra price hike.

Robb, maybe head over to the local Home Depot and check out the samples they usually have there in the paint department. The Gloss just reflects alot more light than semi-gloss and Satin looks almost like there is no finish on it at all.

High gloss finishes are very tricky to get to look even so the extra cost is warranted on their end. I think it is hard to justify from a consumers point of view; unless you have the money laying around.

It's quite a dramatic difference in person - hard to show very well in a photograph, since photographing high-gloss is not easy.

You can see some high gloss products in the
Wood Studio Gallery

If I had to say it in words, I would say that the difference is one of 'depth' - the speaker looks deeper and more gem-like with the gloss. Of course, I guess it is with 12 coats applied!

Semi gloss is one step above satin, which is a step above flat. Satin is a good finish when the base is less than perfect and you want to hide flaws, but do not want the characteristic of a “dull” lifeless finish of flat. Satin is less reflective than semi gloss and you won’t get that mirror/reflective effect. Semi gloss is a difficult finish to get and requires a lot of patience. It’s a great compromise though. High gloss is sometimes referred to as a Piano finish. The base must be perfect with zero flaws because as you add layers of clear finish, flaws get amplified. It’s done by incremental sanding up to 1000 grit paper (and sometimes higher). Then you start applying coats of a gloss finish of your choosing. After applying a light coat, you let it dry then polish. Repeat this over and over again till you get around a dozen coats. It’s VERY time consuming, which is why you pay a premium for it. I do not have the patience to do it, and most likely never will. I have a set of speakers in black with a piano finish. As Amie said, the depth is beautiful. When they are clean, I can see things on the other side of the room in them. The downside is, well, they’re hard to keep clean. You also need to be VERY careful and use CLEAN, lint free polishing cloths and handle them with very fine gloves. The lightest touch can create minute scratches in the finish. For that reason I’m afraid to touch mine. I would be hesitant to use them in a light controlled HT environment as they will reflect light. But if you have them in a living room or other area where they are displayed with pride, you can’t beat the finish. Folks who visit my home are instantly drawn to them, but hesitant to touch them (which is a good thing). Mine have 24 carrot gold carpet spikes which really look sharp with the piano black finish.

The rule of thumb I have always used is that high gloss lets you see a reflected image, while semi-gloss doesn't quite do it.