Oil Based Or Water Based Polyurethane For Floors

Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane.

Oil based or water based polyurethane for floors. Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. A water based sealer is useful if you have a limited timeline or want an eco friendly coating on the flooring.

Polyurethane is the liquid which is used to serve this purpose. Unlike oil based polyurethane water based hardwood floor sealer has a transparent shiny finish and it doesn t add a yellow tint to your hardwood floors. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.

The biggest difference is in appearance. In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. Advantages 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. 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 polyurethane dries faster.

Hardwood floors provide a shiny and finished look if you coated it well. There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting. You can use water based or oil based polyurethane to make your wooden surface glow.

Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.