Oil Vs Water Polyurethane

Less shine oil based.

Oil vs water polyurethane. It basically has two kinds. The first is that it s virtually free of volatile organic compounds although the isocyanates in most formulations. Water based polyurethane cost is two to three times higher than oil based products. 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.

So why use water based when oil based offers improved protection. More suited for dark color wood. Ideal for light colored wood. The biggest difference is in appearance.

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood. Oil based poly will be slightly more resistant to scratches moisture and heat when compared with water based poly. The main difference is usually color. Doesn t change color of wood dries clear and stays clear.

Water based polyurethanes are completely clear and again if well engineered will not yellow over time. Color odor and drying time. Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30 35 solids vs. Darkens the color of wood adding yellowish tone amber tone continues to darken over time.

Oil based polyurethane has a more distinct odor and takes a longer time to dry than water based ones. Water based polyurethane has two important advantages over the oil based variety. Polyurethane paints and varnishes used to only be oil based. Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

Water based poly tends to cost more than oil based poly. Some woodworkers dislike the yellow cast oil based polyurethane puts on white woods such as maple. Oil based contain 45 50 solids you will need to add more coats of water based poly. A well engineered water based polyurethane will be equal in clarity to oil based polyurethane.

This is ideal if you want the natural color of your wood to remain constant. And when you add in an extra 1 2 coats your cost will increase further.