Polyurethane Vs Water Based Floor Finish

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Polyurethane vs water based floor finish.

Advantages of water based polyurethane. Oil vs water based polyurethane. Water based polyurethane dries faster. Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them.

Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. Oil based poly can last around 10 years. And this only holds true if it s a high grade water based poly a low grade water poly will be inferior. In general most flooring professionals will tell you that oil based polyurethane is more durable than water borne poly.

In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. Today though water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. Easy application and cleanup.

Water based provides a more transparent finish and isn t expected to change color over time. Floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly pros. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night.

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. On the other end oil based polyurethane will accent your wood with a rich amber tint. This water based polyurethane finish is made with anti scratch and chemical resistant components which protect the floor from damages that may occur in the future. If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane.

Like mentioned previously the appearance between water based and oil based polyurethanes is a noticeable one. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish. Very smooth and shiny finish. The biggest difference is in appearance.

Though this particular product is available in satin only it gives a beautiful finish that leaves your project the perfection it needs. The formulas have really improved.