The biggest difference is in appearance.
Water based polyurethane floor varnish.
Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable.
Floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly pros.
Water based polyurethane dries faster.
However any water based.
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.
Use coarse to medium synthetic wool between coats.
Easy application and cleanup.
Traditional steel wool will leave behind bits of steel which will react with the water and leave rust stains in the clear coat.
Polyurethane is widely revered as one of the most durable yet easy to apply protective wood finishes polyurethanes are commonly available in both oil based and water based formulas and there are minor differences between the two in both performance and application.
Today though water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane.
Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.
Synthetic wool comes in various grades and is readily available where water based finishes are sold.
High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners flooring professionals to be equally durable.
Often used to finish hardwood floors the newer water based oil modified polyurethane lends a more robust level of protection than traditional water based poly.
Over the years we have tested many brands of polyurethane on thousands of floors and i want to share with you the best water based poly that we have found for hardwood flooring.
Very smooth and shiny finish.
Advantages of water based polyurethane.
Low odor and low vocs.
Though this particular product is available in satin only it gives a beautiful finish that leaves your project the perfection it needs.
In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane.
Oil based poly can last around 10 years.
Synthetic wool is a must have product with water based finishes.
If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane.
Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.
Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.
Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them.
High durability water borne polyurethane brands the top 3 choices.