Semi-Gloss or High Gloss?

If you could build your own custom board (or have it built), would you prefer a high gloss or semi-gloss finish to it? I've been told that boards with a high gloss finish put off too much of a shine and might distract players studying the positions. I've also been told it detracts from the natural beauty of the wood because it bounces light off its surface, giving the wood a mirror-like quality.

I've played on high gloss, semi-gloss, satin finish and matte boards. I prefer the "satin" finish. Most of the boards you see on House of Staunton's site have this finish. It doesn't reflect light the way a high-gloss finish does, but instead it endows the board with a soft glow. So the board doesn't look as "naked" as it does with a matte finish, but it still has a luster to it.

For me, semi-gloss and matte are questionable. I've heard they offer less protection, and I don't like looking at bare wood. I want some type of pronounced coating, either high gloss or, preferably, satin finish.

What's your opinion, your preference?

Polished hardwood, no lacquer.

So you don't care for the shine?

Do you agree that it can interfere with your game?

Depends on the lighting I guess, though it can.  But mainly I just prefer the aesthetic feel of polished wood compared to lacquer.

I don't like too much shine so satin or matte for me. Gloss, semi-gloss, and satin can all have the same protection value. If you use lacquer, you can apply and polish it in different ways to achieve all three of those finishes. I usually associate matte with an oil finish. Oil finishes don't have as much protection as lacquer but I think they often look nicer.

I received HOS's Birds-Eye Maple and Greenwood board as part of a set about a year ago. I didn't think I'd like it much because it wasn't natural wood. Now I have to say it's very nice to play on because it has a nice satin finish and the colors are easy on the eyes. It's not nearly as bright as the HOS pictures make it out to be.

Ok, I guess I've blown that horn enough. Satin or matte, that's what I like.