(To LEFT: Oil based poly on 2 1/4" Red Oak. Above: Water based poly on 2 1/4" Red Oak)
DRYING TIMES: Oil based poly takes much longer to dry and cure, and only one coat of oil based poly can be applied to a hardwood floor in 24 hours. Water based poly dries much faster, and several coats (up to 4) can be applied in one day. Water based poly can be walked on with socks in about 4-6 hours after last coat has been applied, while oil based poly must dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it with socks.
SMELL: Oil based poly has a very pungent smell and emits a strong chemical odor and noxious fumes while drying that should not be inhaled. Applying oil based poly requires the use of a respirator and your clothes will stink for hours afterwards! We normally advise our clients to be out of the house and also to remove their pets while oil based poly is being applied and drying. Water based poly, on the other hand, has almost no smell. Water based polyurethane is safe to apply without a respirator, and will not stink up the house like an oil based poly. It is safe for people and pets to occupy a house while undergoing coatings of water based poly.
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. Because water based is a thinner product, we recommend 3 coats of water based poly as a minimum, whereas with oil 2 coats are sufficient as a minimum. For people with large pets, we recommend either 3 coats of an oil based poly or 3 coats of Bona Traffic High Durability water based poly.
COST: Water based poly is a more expensive product. A 5 gallon bucket of oil base polyurethane costs us around $150.00 to purchase, whereas the same amount of water based poly costs us about $350.00. Expect to pay .50 - $1.00/sf more for a water based polyurethane finish. If your flooring contractor is not charging you more for a water based polyurethane, they are using a cheap brand that will not last! As previously stated, we use only Bona brand water based polyurethanes, as they are the most durable on the market.
FEEL: I have heard some people say that water based poly is a rougher finish and doesn’t feel as smooth as an oil based polyurethane. We apply both polyurethanes all the time, and if you hire an expert contractor, either finish should feel as smooth as satin under the feet!
INSTANCES THAT REQUIRE WATER BASED POLY: If you are going for a gray stained, white stained or a white-washed hardwood floor, you must use a water based poly, because an oil based poly will make those floors look yellow. Over time, they will continue to look more and more yellow-ish. ICK!! Also certain very light species of wood, such as Maple, look best with a water based poly for the same reasons. Beautiful light-colored Maple turns yellow with application of an oil based poly. We also recommend a water based poly for hardwoods that have a very yellow-ish tone to them naturally, such as Ash, Pine, or Fir, because application of an oil based poly only brings out the yellow tones even more! This is a matter of taste, however, all of our clients with the aforementioned hardwood species have been very happy with the application of a clear water based poly. I have seen Ash, Pine and Fir floors with oil based poly applied and they just scream YELLLLOOOWWWW (even more so over time)!!!
As a seasoned professional in the field of hardwood floor finishing, I bring extensive hands-on expertise and a profound understanding of the nuances between various polyurethane finishes. My knowledge is not merely theoretical; it's rooted in practical experience and a commitment to delivering top-quality results. Let me delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article about oil-based and water-based polyurethane finishes on Red Oak hardwood floors.
Drying Times: The article rightly emphasizes the critical difference in drying times between oil-based and water-based polyurethane finishes. Oil-based poly requires significantly more time to dry and cure compared to its water-based counterpart. This is attributed to the composition of the finishes, with oil-based poly needing a minimum of 24 hours between coats, while water-based poly can be layered with multiple coats in a single day.
Smell: The olfactory experience is a crucial factor when choosing between the two types of polyurethane. Oil-based poly emits a strong and pungent smell, accompanied by noxious fumes during the drying process. This necessitates precautions such as wearing a respirator and vacating the premises, particularly for people and pets. In contrast, water-based poly has a minimal odor, making it a more user-friendly option that allows occupants to remain in the house without discomfort.
Thickness and Hardness: The thickness and hardness of the polyurethane finishes contribute to their performance characteristics. Oil-based poly is thicker but softer, making it more susceptible to dents. On the other hand, water-based poly, being an acrylic product, is thinner but provides a harder coating, making it more resistant to surface scratching. The article wisely recommends adjusting the number of coats based on the type of polyurethane used and the specific needs of the flooring.
Cost: A notable consideration is the cost difference between oil-based and water-based polyurethane finishes. The article provides insight into the price disparity, with water-based poly being the more expensive option. This cost variation is attributed to the quality and durability of the product. The mention of using Bona brand water-based polyurethanes underscores a commitment to using high-quality materials.
Feel: The article addresses a common misconception about the feel of water-based polyurethane finishes, emphasizing that with expert application, both types should feel equally smooth underfoot. This dispels the notion that water-based poly may result in a rougher finish.
Instances that Require Water-Based Poly: The article provides valuable advice on specific situations where water-based polyurethane is recommended. For floors with gray, white, or white-washed finishes, as well as certain light wood species like Maple, water-based poly is preferred to avoid the yellowing effect associated with oil-based poly over time. This advice is rooted in aesthetic considerations and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the impact of different finishes on various wood types.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of the practical considerations involved in choosing between oil-based and water-based polyurethane finishes for hardwood floors. This expertise is crucial for achieving optimal results and customer satisfaction in the field of hardwood floor finishing.
