Water Based Or Oil Based Polyurethane For Floors

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable.

Water based or oil based polyurethane for floors.

Here are our expert. 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. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish. Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night.

The biggest difference is in appearance. Hardwood floors provide a shiny and finished look if you coated it well. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane.

Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them. In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. Advantages of water based polyurethane.

There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting. Polyurethane is the liquid which is used to serve this purpose. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil 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.

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.