Oil Based Hardwood Floor Finish Vs Water Based

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood.

Oil based hardwood floor finish vs water based. Water based provides a more transparent finish and isn t expected to change color over time. However the catch is that oil based finish requires a much longer dry time. These water based products are now top of the line catalyzed floor finishes that by far surpass the newly formulated oil based polyurethanes in terms of being eco friendly wear resistant and convenience. So while oil based typically only needs three or four coats you must wait several hours in between coats.

They re far more convenient and eco friendly because they are water based no toxic vapor and they dry fast. The biggest difference is in appearance. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish. Oil based finish requires fewer coats than water based finish.

Some people don t appreciate this change in color so this is an essential factor to consider and discuss with any hardwood flooring company you decide to hire. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. In general it takes 3 layers of oil based finish to complete the job or 4 to 5 layers of water based finish. 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.

Go with water based poly if that s a look you want to avoid or choose an oil based finish to enhance it. Floors that are finished with oil based polyurethane tend to amber turn an orangey yellow over time whereas floors finished with water based polyurethane are not expected to change color with age. As you can see from this picture the difference is pretty dramatic. Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish. For natural maple hardwood water based poly tends to look better especially over time. Water based finish appears milky in the can but appears more or less clear when applied to your floor. The water based polyurethane left is lighter and duller.

On the other end oil based polyurethane will accent your wood with a rich amber tint. The amount of coats applied in order to give ultimate protection is on average 2 coats. Generally maple without a stain looks better with water borne poly.