Did you first stir the poly before applying---and are you stirring about every 10 minutes during use?

All poly is gloss. To dull the sheen, flattening agents are added.

The flattening agents in the poly precipitate to the bottom rather quickly. That means it must be stirred to redistribute those flatteners.

Do not shake, that causes bubbles, simply use a flat stirrer in a figure 8 pattern periodically.

If you are stirring and the satin is still too glossy, make the final coat matte.

Yes, I'm stirring thoroughly and often. It's just a matter of the Minwax being too glossy, so I'm looking for an alternative flat or matte (even better, since I do want some sheen), and I was hoping to get some recommendations here rather than trial and error.

Red Scotch-Brite pads might work better than steel wool. They will snag, though not as badly.

A great deal of finishing is done initially by trial and error. Until the desired result is reached.

I am using it on my maple woodwork now, and there is very little sheen. I just put down a couple thin coats.

Mike - because the beams are not going to get much wear, try this: http://www.amazon.com/each-Krylon-Resistant-Finish-K01309/dp/B001THX3OS

It is EXTREMELY MATTE!

I've had this problem and understand Benjamin Moore makes a truly satin finish. I went back to ordering Aqua Thane online...pricey, but goes a long way and gives perfect results.

I know it has been awhile since you posted this. I found it because I have the same question. You are correct that the composition of Minwax Satin Poly has changed. I can't continue with my floor refinishing project until I find a comparable matte product.

I did a lazy 1 coat finish with minwax on a door jam which came out plastic like, and I had to sand drops and bubbles and overall reduce the thickness. I did a good job sanding but it came out whitish. What worked very well to reduce the white-ish sheen was Old English.

General Finish has what you want. Here.