Water or Oil Based Polyurethane Finishes: Which is Better?

Water and oil based polyurethanes are used to protect and coat hardwood flooring, but which option is best? If you’re thinking of coating your floor, but you don’t know which method of floor finishing to go for, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide an insight into the main differences between the two options and help you decide which finish to choose for your home or business.

A brief introduction
Water and oil based polyurethanes are coatings, which are applied to prevent flooring from damage and prolong longevity. In essence, they serve a very similar purpose, but there are differences between the two substances, which may mean that one option works better for your project than the other.

The main differences between oil based and water polyurethane finishes
There are several key differences between these finishes, and it’s wise to bear them in mind before you make a decision:

• Color: one of the most significant differences between water and oil based finishes is the color. With water based polyurethane, you get a clear finish, and this means that the color of the wood will stay largely the same. In contrast, with oil based polyurethane, you will detect a noticeable amber hue, which causes the wood to become darker over the course of time.
• Drying time: if you’re in a hurry to get your floor finished, drying time may prove crucial in the decision-making process. Water based finishes dry much faster than oil based alternatives, and this means that you can apply more coats in a single day. Typically, you can walk on a water based surface after around 6 hours, while with an oil based surface, it’s wise to wait at least 24 hours.
• Cost: there is a considerable margin in terms of cost, and this may influence your decision. Water based polyurethane is more expensive than oil-based versions. For a 5-gallon bucket, you can expect to pay around $200 more for water based products.
• Odor: oil based polyurethane has a very strong odor, which can be unpleasant. If you’re dealing with this material, it’s important that the room is well-ventilated and that you use a protective mask. The smell of water based finishes is much less pungent.
• Durability: both water and oil based finishes provide similar benefits in terms of durability.

Which finish is best for me?
When deciding which type of flooring finish to go for, it’s always beneficial to weigh up the pros and cons and think about the advantages you could enjoy based on your individual project. Oil based polyurethane is more difficult to use, it smells, it has a strong amber hue and it takes a long time to dry, but it also costs a lot less than water based polyurethane. Water based polyurethane is clear and it dries much faster, but if you’re on a budget, it might not be the best option for you.

If you have any questions about floor finishing, or you’d like advice about which option is best for you, we’d be happy to help!