So, you’ve spent hours on a woodworking project, and it looks beautiful. You love the grain, the texture, and the rich color of the wood. Now comes the hard part: sealing it without making it look like a plastic-coated piece of furniture. You want a finish that’s there to protect, not to shine.
Achieving a perfectly matte wood finish might sound tricky, but the truth is, there are a few simple ways to do it. It all comes down to choosing the right product and technique for the job. Forget the high gloss—this guide is all about that subtle, natural, and modern look.
Let’s dive into the three best ways to get a beautiful matte finish on your next project.
Method 1: The Easiest Way – Using a Matte Varnish or Polyurethane to achieve a Perfectly Matte Wood Finish
This is, by far, the most straightforward and foolproof method for a matte finish. You simply use a finish that is formulated to dry with a low-sheen, non-reflective surface.
How It Works
Matte and satin finishes aren’t just “less shiny” versions of their glossy counterparts. They have a flattening agent (often a powder like silica) suspended in the liquid. When the finish dries, these particles scatter the light, which is what gives you that beautiful, low-sheen look.
Key Tip: Stir, Don’t Shake!
Because of these particles, you must stir the can thoroughly before and during application. If you shake the can, you’ll create bubbles. If you don’t stir it, the flattening agents will settle at the bottom, and your finish will come out glossy. So, remember: stir it up like a good pot of soup!
Application
- Prep: Make sure your wood is sanded to at least 220 grit and is completely dust-free.
- Apply: Use a high-quality brush or a lint-free rag to apply a thin, even coat of your chosen matte finish.
- Light Sanding: After the first coat dries, give it a light sanding with 320 or 400-grit sandpaper to smooth any bumps. Wipe clean and apply the next coat.
- Final Coats: For most projects, two or three coats are all you need for great protection.
My Take: This is the best method for beginners or for projects like tabletops and chairs that need a lot of protection. It’s easy, fast, and gives you a predictable, durable result.
Method 2: The Natural Look – Using an Oil-Based Finish to Achieve a Perfectly Matte Wood Finish
If you want a finish that feels like pure, natural wood, a penetrating oil is the way to go. These finishes don’t build a thick layer on top of the wood; they soak in and harden from within.
Check our 12 Best Oil-Based Wood Finishes: A Comprehensive Review
How It Works
Finishes like Pure Tung Oil, Danish Oil, and specialized “hardwax oils” (like Rubio Monocoat or Osmo) penetrate deep into the wood fibers. They fill the pores and protect the wood while leaving a very natural, almost-raw feel to the touch. Because they don’t form a thick film, they naturally create a low-sheen, matte appearance.
Application
- Prep: Sand your wood to a very high grit (I usually go to 400 or even 600) to get a super-smooth surface.
- Apply Liberally: Pour the oil directly onto the wood and spread it with a rag or foam brush. Let it soak in for about 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe Off the Excess: This is the most crucial step! You must wipe off all excess oil until the wood feels dry to the touch. Any oil left on the surface will become a gummy, sticky mess.
- Cure & Reapply: Wait for the first coat to cure (check the can for timing) and then apply a second coat. The more coats you apply, the more durable and water-resistant the finish will be.
My Take: This method is my favorite for decorative pieces, like bowls, boxes, or cutting boards. It makes the grain “pop” and feels incredible to the touch. The trade-off is that it’s not as durable as a film finish and requires more upkeep.
Method 3: The Pro Trick – The Buffing Method
This is a bit more advanced but can give you a perfect, velvety smooth matte finish, especially on turned pieces or smaller projects. It’s a great trick for an artisan look.
How It Works
This method involves applying a few coats of a full-gloss finish (like a clear lacquer or glossy polyurethane). You then use a super-fine abrasive to “dull” the surface and buff it back to a matte sheen.
The Process
- Finish with Gloss: Apply 2-3 coats of a high-gloss finish, sanding lightly between coats. Let the final coat cure completely.
- Use an Abrasive: Using 0000 steel wool, a fine grey or white sanding pad, or a high-grit abrasive paper (2000+ grit), lightly rub the surface in the direction of the grain.
- Check Your Sheen: Keep checking the sheen as you go. You’ll see the finish transform from glossy to a beautiful satin or matte.
- Clean: Wipe off all dust and particles to reveal your perfect finish.
My Take: This is a great way to salvage a finish that came out too glossy, and it’s a brilliant way to get a perfectly even matte surface without the risk of the flattening agents settling.
FAQs on Perfectly Matte Wood Finish
Q1: What is the best product for achieving a matte wood finish?
A matte polyurethane or a high-quality matte varnish is the most common choice. They provide durability while keeping the wood’s natural look without a glossy shine.
Q2: Can I make a glossy finish look matte?
Yes. You can lightly sand a glossy surface with fine-grit sandpaper (around 320–400 grit) and apply a matte topcoat to reduce the shine.
Q3: Does a matte finish protect wood as well as a glossy one?
Absolutely. Matte finishes use the same protective formulas as glossy ones, just with flattening agents that reduce reflection. Protection is nearly the same.
Q4: How many coats of matte finish should I apply?
Typically, 2–3 coats are enough for furniture and woodworking projects. Sand lightly between coats for the smoothest, most even result.
Q5: Can I achieve a matte look using natural oils?
Yes. Oils like Danish oil or tung oil naturally cure with a soft, low-sheen finish. They don’t produce a “plastic” look and are great for hand-rubbed finishes.
Q6: Why does my matte finish still look patchy?
Patchiness usually comes from uneven sanding, dust in the finish, or applying coats too thickly. A light sanding and reapplication of a thin coat usually fixes it.
Q7: Is a matte wood finish harder to clean?
Not really. Matte finishes resist fingerprints better than glossy ones but can show dust more easily. A damp cloth is usually enough for cleaning.
Q8: Can I mix matte and satin finishes?
Yes, many woodworkers mix finishes to fine-tune the sheen level. For example, mixing satin and matte polyurethane can give you a soft, low-luster look.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
- For Durability and Ease: Go with Method 1 and buy a can of pre-flattened matte or satin polyurethane. It’s the easiest path to a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
- For Natural Feel and Look: If the piece is more for display than heavy use, Method 2 (a penetrating oil) is the way to go. You can’t beat the way it feels in your hand.
- For a Flawless, Pro-Level Result: If you’re experienced and want total control, Method 3 gives you the most flexibility to create the exact sheen you’re looking for.
No matter which path you choose, remember that the key to a great finish is always in the preparation. Take your time, sand it smooth, and enjoy the process of bringing your woodworking project to life.
