Can you mix different finishes of polyurethanes for hardwood floors?

Question

I am trying to match some prefinished hardwood flooring I bought and the satin poly is too dull, but the semi-gloss is too shiny. Can I just mix the two and get something in-between?

Answer 1

You don't want to get into mixing chemicals as they may have a negative reaction with each other. Try shopping around for another brand. I know you already spent money but you don't want your floor to look like c**p either, you have to live on it.

Answer 2

Generally, satin polyurethane is nothing more than a gloss polyurethane with an additive to reduce the gloss.  This is one reason that a satin finish is not as hard as a glossy finish in the same product -- the additive actually causes the finish to be softer.

For this reason, you can usually do exactly as you stated, mix a glossy product with a satin to get a level of gloss in between.  This is provided you have the same brand, same product line.  Never try to mix different brands or types of poly.

This usually works as long as you follow the rules.  I mix McCloskey polys occasionally and have had good results.  I would tend to test a batch to be sure before trying it on a floor.