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Oil based polyurethane lasts longer than water based. There is no contest on the durability between the 2 options. Water based polyurethane has lower VOC’s – which is a bit of an environmental benefit (more about that in a moment) – but because it has lower VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), it doesn’t last as long.
Which is better water or oil based polyurethane?
1. Oil based polyurethane looks better. It has a more depth – both in color and shine and it looks the way we expect hardwood to look. Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish.
What is the downside of oil based polyurethane?
Cons of Oil-Based Polyurethane Longer dry times. Dents easier due to it softer finish. The odor is unbearable (respirator use is recommended). The floor darkens over time.
How long does water based polyurethane last?
Durability: water based: can last around 10 years when high quality product is applied by professionals, inexpensive lower quality product may last only 5-6 years.
Is water based or oil based polyurethane better for furniture?
Oil-based poly adds depth and richness to darker woods like walnut and cherry, but darkens light-colored woods. In short, if you want the wood to maintain its light color, use water-based polyurethane.
Is water based polyurethane any good?
Water-based and oil-based polyurethane each offer good protection; the biggest difference is in appearance. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. There’s debate over which finish is harder, but some experts maintain that hardness isn’t necessarily a good attribute of a floor finish.
What is the hardest polyurethane finish?
Moisture-cured urethane is considered one of the hardest finishes available, but also has one of the highest VOC’s. Because it dries so fast, it’s difficult to apply, so it’s not recommended for DIY’ers.
What lasts longer oil or water based polyurethane?
Oil based polyurethane lasts longer than water based. Water based polyurethane has lower VOC’s – which is a bit of an environmental benefit (more about that in a moment) – but because it has lower VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), it doesn’t last as long.
Does water based polyurethane make wood waterproof?
No, polyurethane does not make hardwood waterproof, but it does make wood water resistant. Polyurethane gives hardwood its protection. It repels water and prevents water absorption, but it never fully blocks it so it will never make it 100% waterproof. Polyurethane also protects wood for scratches and discoloration.
Does water based polyurethane dry faster than oil based?
It takes anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours for the polyurethane to dry, depending on the type of polyurethane you use. Water-based polyurethane takes about 2 hours while oil-based polyurethane needs about 8 hours to dry.
Does oil based polyurethane turn yellow?
Oil based polyurethanes turn the floors yellow…and over time, they become more yellow…and sometimes even a bit orangish. It’s the UV rays from the sun that turn them a darker yellow or amber and the more they are exposed over time, the yellower they get. This holds true for viirtually all species.
Do you have to sand between coats of water-based polyurethane?
Sanding between coats is not required for adhesion as long as the time between coats is less than 6 hours. However, screening or sanding between coats usually produces a smoother better looking finish. A minimum of 3 coats of finish are recommended. Sand between coats with 120-150 grit sandpaper or maroon abrasive pad.
Can I use oil based polyurethane over water-based polyurethane?
Flooring wholesalers and veteran floor finishers agree that you can recoat water-based poly with oil-based as long as the original coating has completely cured—generally 30 to 60 days. You’ll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane.
What’s the difference between water-based polyurethane and oil based polyurethane?
THICKNESS AND HARDNESS: Oil based poly is a thicker poly, but it is also softer. Water-based poly, an acrylic product, is a thinner, but harder coating. Oil poly can be more susceptible to dents, while water-based poly can be more susceptible to surface scratching.
Is water-based polyurethane good for table tops?
As a result, oil-based is often considered the best polyurethane for tabletops. To retain that appearance of lighter wood, you may want to choose a water-based polyurethane. Water-based products provide a clear finish over wood. They dry more quickly, which means you can finish the overall project faster.
Does water-based polyurethane dry clear?
Water-Based Polyurethane Finishes Because water-based polyurethane dry quickly, more coats can be applied in less time than with oil-based products. Water-based polyurethane begins milky-white in the can but dries clear. Very little, if any, color is imparted by the water-based polyurethane.
Is oil or water-based stain better?
If the wood is going to be in direct exposure to wind, rain, and sunlight, an oil-based stain is the best choice. This is because it is more durable than a water-base and will provide a more complete protective layer against these elements.
How do I get a smooth finish with water-based polyurethane?
First use a degreaser cleaner like Formula 409 or Fantastik to clean away any buildup of grease or cooking oil. Scuff-sand the old finish with fine synthetic wool, then seal with Zinsser SealCoat. Sand the seal coat with fine synthetic wool, then brush on two to three coats of water-based poly to complete the job.
How long does oil-based polyurethane last?
Gloss oil-based varnish, polyurethane and Danish oil can last 10 or 20 years, though satin finishes and stains may fail sooner as pigments and flattening agents disable the driers. Water-based coatings and paints can also be viable longer than three years. Shellac, though, can go bad in under a year.
