Oil Based Sealer Vs Polyurethane For Wood Floors

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Oil based sealer vs polyurethane for wood floors. Yes it s not quite as cut and dry as oil vs. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Oil based polyurethane 1 number of coats available. Polyurethane finish systems are applied on top of a wood floor.

A good rule of thumb. Oil based polyurethane will take longer to cure than a water based product and you can only apply one layer every 24 hours. Quick comparison guide on water based vs oil based polyurethane pros and cons please note that this article may contain affiliate links. On the other hand penetrating oil actually incorporates itself into the wood.

If the project is wooden sometimes an oil based sealer is a better choice because it gives the wood depth and color than water based can t provide. The key difference between penetrating oil and polyurethane is how the finish interacts with the hardwood floor. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page. This creates a wear layer that people pets and furniture stand on top of.

For every coat of oil based polyurethane you may need to apply at least two coats of water based polyurethane. Oil finishes have increased in popularity recently mainly due to a movement towards a low sheen chic and natural matte aesthetic. Yes the oil based does smell strong but we would much prefer to get the best durability and so the tradeoff is worth it. We chose oil based for our hardwood floors which are being refinished right now.

With a water based polyurethane finish you can typically apply up to four coats in one day. You ll find it in. The water in water based polyurethane tends to react with the grain more so you often need to apply more coats to achieve a smooth finish. The biggest difference is in appearance.

If you are sealing a wood that usually looks great with an orangy amber tint choose an oil based sealer water based may make your project look dull and lifeless. Consumers will actually find both water based and oil based varieties of polyurethane. Best water based polyurethane brands for hardwood floors in october 2019 1. The difference oiled finish hardwood floors matte finish and easy to maintain.

Excellent information about oil vs water based polyurethane. In fact diyers have even more options. Oil based polyurethane has a slight amber or yellowish tint and can yellow even more over time which adds a bit of rich warm amber color to the floors if that s your goal.