Water Based Vs Oil 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.

Water based vs oil based polyurethane. For every coat of oil based polyurethane you may need to apply at least two coats of water based polyurethane. This color difference is less noticeable over a stained hardwood floor but an oil based poly will still exhibit an amber hue that will continue to darken over time. 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. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

Oil based polyurethane 1 number of coats available. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based. Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane. The water based material is more expensive so often you will pay around 10 25 more.

The biggest difference is in appearance. An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time while water based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Finally water based poly dries a lot faster giving dust less time to settle out of the air into your finish.

There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting. When using cans make sure that you don t shake them since this will produce bubbles that can appear in the finish. Oil based polyurethane can both be applied by brushes and spray on cans. Water based polyurethane will give off little if any odor compared to oil based poly a real issue if your finish room happens to be in your basement.

Water based vs oil based polyurethane polyurethanes were invented in the 1930s and have found their way into many home improvement products like foams glues finishes and caulks. Oil based polyurethane for countertops. A good rule of thumb. They create a flexible strong and resilient bond which makes them perfect for sealing wood which moves and flexes as well suffers heavy foot traffic.

Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane. But on top of the initial cost you also need to consider that you will need to redo the whole job sooner you will probably redo them almost twice as often.