Oil Based Or Water Based Polyurethane For Kitchen Cabinets

Water based polys back of lead photo are clear.

Oil based or water based polyurethane for kitchen cabinets. However there are new technologies on the market that are using new cross linking resins that flow out and give you an equal hardness to oil based poly s. You can apply either water based or oil based polyurethane to unfinished or latex painted cabinets. You need to apply at least three coats of water based products due to the thinner consistency and tendency to show wear faster. I recommend deft s waterborne clear wood finish.

Oil based poly tends to clog up the works so you re better off doing this by hand. Water based polyurethane after the solvent has evaporated the plastic coating left behind by both oil and water based polyurethane products is the same so durability of the finish isn t an. The addition of urethane to water based finishes makes it tougher and more resistant to scratches. It also has a clear finish that has a lasting effect although most of the time it is shorter than oil based ones.

Oil based polyurethane is a bit different than its water based counterpart. All types of wood require at least two coats of oil based polyurethane. After using their brushing lacquer for years i found this to be a great alternative. It dries to a crystal clear coat that protects the wood from scratches.

Oil based polyurethane front of lead photo adds an amber color and chatoyance. In general a water based polyurethane will not add color to the wood and will preserve the wood s natural tone. Color odor and drying time. The comment about varathane above is true.

Like many finishes polyurethane is named for its primary resin though some cans labeled polyurethane also contain other resins. Apply either oil based or water based polyurethane with a brush lambs wool applicator or lint free cloth. Oil based products require two coats to sufficiently cover and protect the wood finish. There are three primary considerations.

Water based polyurethane has all the benefits of the oil based ones but it dries a lot faster and the odor is not as distinct. Most often oil based polyurethane adds a golden color to the finished product. Latex polyurethane is easy to use with a sprayer. The color of the wood also typically remains the same with water based polyurethane whereas oil based polyurethane can sometimes add a bit of color to the project.

As a lacquer finish it is formulated to have a clearer finish than polyurethane. Some woodworkers dislike the yellow cast oil based polyurethane puts on white woods such as maple. Resin is what remains behind to form a film once the solvent has evaporated.