Your hardwood floor is the main feature of your home, and finish is the final touch. Polyurethane is the water-resistant layer your contractor applies to protect the wood and give it a beautiful sheen. Water-based polyurethane finish is thebest polyurethane for hardwood floors, and many consider it the future of polyurethanes.High-level water-based polyurethane is as durable as oil, easier to apply, and better for you, your family, your pets, and the environment.
In this post, you’ll find out why the best polyurethane for hardwood floors is water-based and how it compares to oil-based polyurethane.By the end, you’ll know the most important factors to consider when it comes to wood floor finishesand thebrandswe recommend.
Oil Vs Water-Based Polyurethane: Past, Present, and Future
In the past, oil-based polyurethane was the standard finish for protecting and bringing out the beauty of the wood. As water-based alternatives were introduced, oil proved to be superior in almost every way. In the 1990’s, water-based finishes were especially terrible. They peeled, felt rough, and had a dull grey look. They weren’t much better in the early 2000’s, either.
Today, you can buy a water-based finish that’s better than oil-based polyurethane.What’s the difference between then and now?Advancements in waterborne technology. Water-based formulas have progressed to be more chemically efficient.Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re also highly effective.
The finish of the future?
Water-based polyurethane has taken the lead over oil-based finish. One main reason is due to the health risks of products with highVOCs(volatile organic compounds). OSHA and theEPAlist and label oil-based products with high VOCsas potential health hazards. Since 2007, states such asCalifornia,Oregon,Colorado,Ohio, andUtahhave enacted legislation that restricts or bans the use of oil-based polyurethanes. Many other states are doing the same thing. As time goes on, you can expect more VOC limitations and restrictions to come into effect. On a national and state level, the outlook favors less toxic, water-based products.
Low VOCs Improve the Health of Your Home
One major benefit of using low-VOC or 0-VOC products is improved air quality in your home. VOCs are one of the the main contributors to indoor air pollutants. When you breathe them in, they can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. And exposure, especially over time, may lead to the onset of diseases, such as cancer and permanent brain and neurological damage.
All oil-based polyurethanes are combustible, odorous solvents that emit toxic chemical fumes as they dry. Off-gassing of VOCs occurs until the finish is 100% cured, which can take up to 21 days. Anyone in the space will come in contact with these chemicals as they off-gas.
Compared to oil, water-based polyurethanes have lower VOC content. This means they’re much more pet, and family-friendly. Which one would you rather have in your home?
Applying Water-Based Finish is More Efficient
Water-based polyurethane is easier and faster to apply, but only if you’re skilled at floor finishing. The fast-drying time can create problems for inexperienced floor finishers.
If you know what you’re doing, finishing a floor with water-based poly is easier. You don’t need a respirator, and there’s less required for prep and clean-up.
The main obstacle for contractors is uncertainty about waterborne products from bad experiences with products from the past. The main challenge is getting used to a faster-drying formula. Those who make the switch successfully appreciate the benefits. They complete projects faster and get better results.
Skilled contractors using water-based finish can apply a new coat every couple of hours without abrading between every single layer. Oil requires a mechanical bond, so they must abrade in between each coat of finish or the layers won’t stick.
How many coats of water-based polyurethane do you need?
Today, one coat of sealer and 2-3 coats of a high-end water-based finish will give the floor long-lasting protection in less time.In as few as three days, the finish will be fully cured, offering maximum strength against spills, scuffs, scratches and other forms of wear. In the past, contractors needed to apply up to five coats of water-based polyurethane.
The Appearance of Water-Based Polyurethane
Today’s high-quality water-based finish gives you more choice in your floor’s final appearance. You can achieve a variety of looks on any species of wood. Traditionally, some species, such as walnut, required a coat of oil to achieve added depth and richness. Water was reserved for light-colored wood species, such as maple, ash, pine, and fir. Now, though, you have plenty of style options with water-based finish for a stunning final look.
