Oil Vs Water Based Polyurethane For Floors

The biggest difference is in appearance.

Oil vs water based polyurethane for floors. You ll find it in. 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. With oil based you typically have to wait until the next day to add another coat of polyurethane but water based polyurethane can be recoated in as soon as 2 3 hours. The main difference is usually color.

Water based poly tends to cost more than oil based poly. Water based polyurethane can be recoated in 4 6 hours. Water based polyurethanes are completely clear and again if well engineered will not yellow over time. Furniture shouldn t be placed on the flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied.

These water based products are now top of the line catalyzed floor finishes that by far surpass the newly formulated oil based polyurethanes in terms of being eco friendly wear resistant and convenience. On the other end oil based polyurethane will accent your wood with a rich amber tint. Today though water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. A water based sealer is useful if you have a limited timeline or want an eco friendly coating on the flooring.

A well engineered water based polyurethane will be equal in clarity to oil based polyurethane. Water based polyurethane is a wood finish made with water instead of linseed oil. And when you add in an extra 1 2 coats your cost will increase further. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable.

They re far more convenient and eco friendly because they are water based no toxic vapor and they dry fast. Up to 4 coats can be applied in a day. Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30 35 solids vs. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood.

Oil based contain 45 50 solids you will need to add more coats of water based poly. Like mentioned previously the appearance between water based and oil based polyurethanes is a noticeable one. Water based provides a more transparent finish and isn t expected to change color over time. Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

Oil based poly can be applied in just one or two coats per day depending on the product instructions on the can. Oil based poly can last around 10 years. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners flooring professionals to be equally durable.