Which Works Better, Advance Gloss or Advance Satin?
Occasionally we get asked which works better, Advance Gloss or Advance Satin? When it comes to performance and longevity there is no doubt about it, a gloss topcoat will outperform a satin topcoat. Why? The most important factor is reflectivity. A smooth glossy surface reflects more ultraviolet (UV) light than a dull one. That’s why automotive finishes don’t come in satin versions and why a shiny coat of wax helps retain a vehicle’s color. The next factor is cleanliness. The smooth, slick surface provided by Advance Gloss sheds dirt easier than the Satin. That’s because the flatting agent used in the Satin results in microscopic imperfections in the surface of the finish where airborne dust, pollen and pollutants can lodge. Although they can be removed with a good washing, it takes a bit more effort than removing dirt from a glossy surface.
The last factor relates to how Advance Gloss reduces carpenter bee damage. A few years ago we did a survey of customers who used both our satin and gloss topcoats and the results clearly revealed that the gloss topcoat substantially reduced the number of carpenter bee holes. Although there was some reduction in carpenter bee activity using Advance Satin it was not nearly as significant as the Gloss.
Whenever requesting exterior finish samples ask for a sample of Advance Gloss even if you are only interested in Advance Satin so that you can see the difference for yourself. You may end up choosing the Gloss because of the way it looks and how it highlights the color of the stain. Although there are other gloss topcoats on the market, none that we have tested retained their gloss for more than a few months. Advance Gloss on the other hand has been on homes for several years and they continue to retain most of their initial gloss.