Polyurethane Vs Water Based Floor Finish

In general most flooring professionals will tell you that oil based polyurethane is more durable than water borne poly.

Polyurethane vs water based floor finish.

Oil vs water based polyurethane. Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night. Advantages of water based polyurethane. The formulas have really improved.

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly pros. Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them. Very smooth and shiny finish.

Like mentioned previously the appearance between water based and oil based polyurethanes is a noticeable one. Oil based poly can last around 10 years. Low odor and low vocs. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.

Water based polyurethane dries faster. Here are our expert. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners flooring professionals to be equally durable. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

Today though water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Water based provides a more transparent finish and isn t expected to change color over time. Easy application and cleanup. This was not the case 10 year ago.

Though this particular product is available in satin only it gives a beautiful finish that leaves your project the perfection it needs. And this only holds true if it s a high grade water based poly a low grade water poly will be inferior.