Oil-based polyurethane can lead to much more vibrant color in cherry, red oak, or exotic woods such as teak. Is a bit stinky. Doesn’t yellow like oil-based polyurethane; Easy to apply; Finally, when wondering between water based vs oil based hardwood floor refinishing, you must know that both are good options. Water based polyurethane: If you want your floor to stay the same color, choose water-based polyurethane. Water-based and oil-based polyurethane each offer good protection; the biggest difference is in appearance. We suggest applying 2 coats of oil based polyurethane because it’s more vulnerable to incur dents, and 3 coats of water based because it’s more likely to scratch. 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. 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. However, it does have the advantage in the long run. Oil Based vs Water Based Gym Floor Polyurethane, which is better? Question I would like to know if water-based polyurethane is as hard a finish as oil-based poly. Posted on November 24, 2020 by Elana Coleir When selecting a finish for your hardwood floors, there are two main options that you’ll want to consider: water or oil polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethane has a deeper luster than water-based and typically does not need to be refinished as often. Oil-based polyurethane can withstand extreme temperatures which makes it a good choice for exterior surfaces and furniture. Below are advantages of each however in our opinion oil based polyurethane is better for use on a gym basketball court floor. There are no significant advantages or disadvantages of applying water-based polyurethane over oil-based. I was thinking of doing a column on urethanes but … Oil vs water based polyurethane. I was searching for different types of finishes and all the results talked about polyurethane in general terms. Very Quick Dry: The Minwax 710330000 Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane dries out very quickly so that you can be more efficient with your time. If you attempt to use oil-based polyurethane over a water-based paint, you will have a difficult time getting the topcoat to take to the paint, and it could lead to flaking. Wood that is gray, white or light looks better with a clear coat, i.e., a water based finish. None mentioned there are two kinds! Interior Oil-Based Polyurethane is recommended for use on interior wood, primed metal, and fiberglass surfaces. The Difference It can also help bring out the beauty of wooden surfaces with the downside being it leaves a light-yellow tint. Oil-based polyurethane will be thicker and lend depth to the color as well as a vibrant shine to floors. Whereas water-based polyurethane has a very minimal odor, the VOCs are much higher in oil-based, causing the robust and funny odor. 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. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already, such as pine, fir and ash, become even yellower with an oil-based … In general, most flooring professionals will tell you that oil based polyurethane is more durable than water borne poly. I didn’t know there are different types of polyurethane, so I couldn’t even Google water-based vs. oil-based. If you make use of dark species Woods such as Brazillian Walnut or Brazillian Cherry are often dark and sometimes red and they tend to look better and richer when coated with oil-based polyurethane. Before you can decide whether water based polyurethane or oil based polyurethane is best for your project, you need to define what you want the end result to look like and how you want it to perform. Oil-based polyurethane is expensive compared to its water-based counterparts. The oil based polyurethane is thicker and softer, whereas the water based product is thinner but harder. oil vs water-based polyurethane – how to choose which one to refinish your hardwood flooring December 27, 2020 December 27, 2020 by Blooming Gardener There are two different types of protective layers of Polyurethane that are used on the hardwood floors to make … It cures slower, so it will take more time to coat. What lasts longer on wood, penetrates, Etc. In terms of durability, oil-based polyurethane has its water-based counterpart beat. Oil based polyurethane was suddenly a totally different product to work with and the new formulation is definitely not as durable; but to this day is sold under the same name. 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. Water-based polyurethane, then, will be thinner and have less shine. The idea for this article on urethanes came from an individual I talked with at a home show in Victorville, California. Here are our expert tips for applying polyurethane. Water-based, however, dries much faster and requires up to three coats. Odor Along with the extended drying time of oil-based, a strong odor also comes along with it. Oil-based will not hit your pocketbook quite as hard as water-based. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. However, there is one thing that you need to have at the back of your mind before doing so. Oil-based polyurethane deepens the color of the hardwood and over time will darken slowly.Oil-based polyurethane: Is less expensive. While drying, it produces smelly fumes that are toxic if inhaled. 3. Don’t forget to also consider the durability required for your finished product, whether you put poly on flooring furniture or other wood projects. Oil Based Polyurethane Polyurethane can be oil or water based. Water-based polyurethane is usually clear, and it remains so even after it dries. Also, keep in mind that oil-based polyurethane is very flammable, so ensure that you keep it far away from any sparks or extreme sources of heat. Finally, water-based poly dries a lot faster, giving dust less time to settle out of the air into your finish. Dries slower. This clear finish can also be used over stained surfaces that have thoroughly dried. Pros/Cons of Applying Water Based Polyurethane Over Oil Based. oil vs water-based polyurethane – how to choose which one to refinish your hardwood flooring December 27, 2020 December 27, 2020 by Blooming Gardener There are two different types of protective layers of Polyurethane that are used on the hardwood floors to make them glow and protect them from scratches and decay. Water vs Oil based Polyurethane on hardwood floors: Which option is best for you? Therefore, one should wear a respirator while applying it. Oil based products were originally the standard in the industry until the development of water based polyurethane. Many people like water-based polyurethane better than oil-based. 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. Water Vs. Oil Based Polyurethane for Countertops. What are the key differences between a water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane? Since refinishing wood floors involves multiple coats of polyurethane, this means that the total time of your refinishing job is longer with the oil-based. At Eagle, we usually suggest oil-based polyurethane to bring out the warmth and brilliance of wood surfaces. You should consider using water-based polyurethane if you have used water-based paint in a flat or eggshell sheen. Urethane – Oil Based Paint vs. Water Based Finishes Painting - Staining | Remodeling text: Tim Carter. Low Odor: This water based polyurethane has the lowest order that you can find on the market. There are water-based polyurethanes not suitable for application over lacquer or shellac. How would one be better than the other? It’s very easy to clean up, requiring only a bit of soap and some water. Consider these advantages of oil-based lacquer vs. water-based to determine if it’s a proper application for your hardwood floors: Let’s start with why you would use polyurethane in the first place vs. other types of wood finishes such as shellac, lacquer, varnish, etc. Odor. Water-based polyurethane, on the other hand, has a very light smell. Oil-based poly will gradually gain an amber glow and yellow over time, while water-based poly will retain its color. Oil-Based Polyurethane. If the area gets a lot of use, you might opt for oil-based vs water based. Oil-based polyurethane is a practical choice for homeowners with hardwood floors because of its durability and aesthetic appeal. Two coats can be completed within a day. They are a lot more durable of the two types and are best for exterior wooden projects. Water based polyurethane has evolved over the past few decades with the demand for a product which is safer, more eco friendly and more efficient. July 18, 2000. Oil-based polyurethane has a strong, pungent odor. We recommend and use a product called Bona Sport Poly 350. Easier to apply. oil vs water based polyurethane, Water based polyurethanes, I've been told, aren't quite as durable, but have the advantage that they don't yellow with age and you can put more coats on faster because The yellowing of an oil based polyurethane (or all "oil based" coatings for that matter) is significant only in low lighting conditions. That is because most water borne polyurethanes are inferior. Satin latex paint can also accept a coat of water-based polyurethane. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of each. The water-based material is more expensive, so often you will pay around 10-25% more. The application process requires less preparation. Oil Based Gym Floor Polyurethane: The reason for this is primarily its very quick drying time. Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Polyurethane. Oil-based Polyurethane. 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