Water Based Or Oil Based Polyurethane For Floors

In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane.

Water based or oil based polyurethane for 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. Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them. Hardwood floors provide a shiny and finished look if you coated it well.

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. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting.

Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane. Advantages of water based polyurethane. 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. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.

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 used to be unquestionably more durable. You can use water based or oil based polyurethane to make your wooden surface glow. Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night.

Water based polyurethane dries faster.