Flattest Topcoat wanted

I'm staining my kitchen cabinets with a GeneralFinish Java or Espresso:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=291515

The remaining problem that I'm having is that my topcoat makes the result look to "glossy". I used a Minwax poly (clear satin).
Is there a product know to keep the finish flat? Also, since it is a kitchen cabinet, which products are the most durable, scratch resistant?

When I looked at similar finishes in kitchen stores it always seemed to look much flatter.

 

Hi, polyurethane is what you would want to use on cabinets and wood floors. It is a hard durable finish. Varnish is a softer finish. I don't know what to say about your satin finish being to shiney. Maybe try another brand. dave

 

Waterbase polys generally have a little less sheen than their oil base counterpart. Lighting and angle of view will also affect the perceived sheen.
I don't know there is any real difference between varnish and poly sheens, poly does dry to a harder more durable finish. There may be slight sheen differences between brands. Did you stir your poly well before application?

 

typically most satins are between 30 and 40 degrees regardless of what type they are. you can look for a dull finish. Keep in mind that the displays you see have been installed for a while and have had people touching them and can be a little dusty, this will make them look duller. Also the lighting in those stores is different then your house. And another thing to keep in mind is that all finishes have to cure, poly and varnish take weeks, if not months to cure. after they are cured, you will notice a drop in sheen.

Lastly, the displays you are looking at usually have a catalyzed lacquer on them. This cures faster and out performs both polys and varnishes.

 

Benjamin Moore makes a flat oil based polyurethane, but the best I've found is Dead Flat Varnish by Modern Masters. It's a water based product, and is truly flat. Assuming you used water based stain, the other option which I like but which is not competely flat is Aqua Finishing Flat Varnish Plus and/or C-500. Both are excellent products and withstand massive abuse (such as my 3 year-old son administers daily).