Hi Randy,

I always use a high gloss varnish or urethane and wet sand or pumice to the gloss level that I want.

From what I have been told, the base is the same for all the finishes and the surface "glare" would be the same. The semi and satin "finish" is achieved by adding something to (polluting?) the clear base. I don't know if this is true of all products.

Hank