Oil Vs Water Based Polyurethane Red Oak

Red oak floor stain oil water based polyurethane or a stain.

Oil vs water based polyurethane red oak. Oil based poly s have 45 to 50 of solids while water based polys only contain 30 to 35 of solids. 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. My main level floors are natural oak and i love them. For a lighter wood like oak a water based polyurethane may leave the floor boards too light making the amber glow of an oil based polyurethane a better choice.

However some woods like the oak shown. It has a more depth both in color and shine and it looks the way we expect hardwood to look. To test stain just wipe each stain. Some woodworkers dislike the yellow cast oil based polyurethane puts on white woods such as maple.

In general a water based polyurethane will not add color to the wood and will preserve the wood s natural tone. Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish. As you can see from this picture the difference is pretty dramatic. It also has a clear finish that has a lasting effect although most of the time it is shorter than oil based ones.

There are three primary considerations. As it ages the amber hue deepens. The addition of urethane to water based finishes makes it tougher and more resistant to scratches. Water based is a great choice if you want the natural wood look to shine through as is the case with woods like maple.

Color odor and drying time. 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. You ll find it in.

Oil based poly has an amber hue whereas water based poly is clear. 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. Oil based poly has an amber tone that immediately darkens the wood. The biggest difference between the two is the look.

The oil based polyurethane will amber over time while water based will not or not as much. Water based polyurethane dries clear and remains clear. The darker floors do show dust a bit more. My upstairs floors are gunstock and i like them too.

Oil based polyurethane looks better. It s due to the chemical makeup. 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.