Oil Vs Water Based Polyurethane For Wood Floors

The bottom line is both materials have very similar overall durability but based on professional experience water based finishes overall are more durable than oil based.

Oil vs water based polyurethane for wood floors. Price in general depends on the manufacturer but as a rule of thumb water based finish is a bit 10 to 20 cents per sq ft more expensive. Oil based polyurethane is much higher in vocs so it has a strong odor and is not environmentally. Doesn t change color of wood dries clear and stays clear. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.

As you can see from this picture the difference is pretty dramatic. Oil based poly is simply more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. When cost and coats are calculated this works out to about 35 to 50 cents per square foot for oil based poly and 80 cents to 1 35 per square foot for water based polyurethane.

Oil based poly has an amber tone that immediately darkens the wood. Oil based polyurethane has a slight amber or yellowish tint and can yellow even more over time which adds a bit of rich warm amber color to the floors if that s your goal. You ll find it in. When clear this type of resin is mostly used for woodwork and furniture.

However it has been discovered in recent years that water based polyurethane works just as well. 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. Water based polyurethane dries much faster than oil based polyurethane. As it ages the amber hue deepens.

Summary comparison of water based vs oil based polyurethane. Ideal for light colored wood. Darkens the color of wood adding yellowish tone amber tone continues to darken over time. It has a more depth both in color and shine and it looks the way we expect hardwood to look.

These solids are what make up the poly s protective finish. Water based polyurethane cost is two to three times higher than oil based products. Oil based polyurethane drying time. It basically has two kinds.

The biggest difference is in appearance. Here are our expert tips. Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish. Oil based poly s have 45 to 50 of solids while water based polys only contain 30 to 35 of solids.

Oil based polyurethane looks better. 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. With oil based you typically have. More suited for dark color wood.