Water based polyurethane also scores high in the.
Timber floor finishes water based.
This serves two purposes.
Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.
Water based polyurethane has a quick drying time and won t yellow your wood floors like its oil based counterparts.
The advantage however is the low odor and low voc volatile organic compounds content.
If you are going for lighter and more natural color or using a gray or white washed color water based poly is a better option.
By using a clear water based finish there won t be any conflict between the stain color and finish color.
The biggest difference is in appearance.
Jim carroll explains why it s not only acceptable to use a water based finish over and oil finish provided you do it correctly but that it can be the best solution when you want to bring out the natural character and color of the wood.
The second basic type of hardwood flooring finish is a water based finish.
One reason water based floor finishes rose in popularity is because they are manufactured with less vocs than oil based finishes.
But on light color or natural wood it makes the wood look more yellow and dated and it yellows more over time.
This is great for darker colors as it gives you a darker and richer look.
The oil is the key to getting a natural looking finish.
The amount of coats applied in order to give ultimate protection is on average 2 coats.
The first choice for wood floor specialists restoration experts craftsmen because of its distinctive character protection.
Go with water based poly if that s a look you want to avoid or choose an oil based finish to enhance it.
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.
These are just a few of the qualities that make water based polyurethane one of the most popular hardwood floor finishes for the home.
You should never put a water based finish on top of an oil based finish.
This variety tends to be more expensive yet less durable than oil based poly.
Here are our expert tips.
Learn more finish strong.
Water based polyurethane wbp floor sealers and finishes were introduced to the wood flooring industry in the 1990 s as an answer to obp s two biggest downsides.
Smell and long dry times.
Water based finish appears milky in the can but appears more or less clear when applied to your floor.
This is more than the amount of coats required for oil based finishes.
Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.