Oil Vs Water Based Polyurethane Table

Water based polys back of lead photo are clear.

Oil vs water based polyurethane table. By eliminating oil and using acrylic and other clear resins water based finishes don t yellow as they age. A good rule of thumb. Resin is what remains behind to form a film once the solvent has evaporated. The addition of urethane to water based finishes makes it tougher and more resistant to scratches.

For every coat of oil based polyurethane you may need to apply at least two coats of water based polyurethane. The biggest difference is in appearance. Oil based poly can be applied in just one or two coats per day depending on the product instructions on the can. It s a bit more forgiving application wise and when it dries it forms a hard impenetrable surface that will protect your tabletop from moisture and food stains.

Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. Finally water based poly dries a lot faster giving dust less time to settle out of the air into your finish. Water based polyurethane has two important advantages over the oil based variety. The first is that it s virtually free of volatile organic compounds although the isocyanates in most formulations.

Reducing the ratio of oil to resin creates a hard finish for indoor use. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood. Polyurethane varnish mixes alkyd and polyurethane resins with different types of drying oils. Oil based polyurethane 1 number of coats available.

Wiping varnish usually a type of polyurethane comes premixed but you can make your own by thinning regular varnish with mineral spirits. Up to 4 coats can be applied in a day. Unlike an oil varnish blend however the ingredients are heated until they combine. Oil based polyurethane front of lead photo adds an amber color and chatoyance.

Furniture shouldn t be placed on the flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners flooring professionals to be equally durable. Oil based poly can last around 10 years. Today though water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane.

Water based polyurethane will give off little if any odor compared to oil based poly a real issue if your finish room happens to be in your basement. The water in water based polyurethane tends to react with the grain more so you often need to apply more coats to achieve a smooth finish. Water based or oil based polyurethane although both have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to picking the best polyurethane for tabletop oil based polyurethane is the way to go. Water based polyurethane can be recoated in 4 6 hours.

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable.