Oil Vs Water Based Floor Finish

Homeowners usually have more of a choice between the two considering the odor with oil based.

Oil vs water based floor finish. And when you add in an extra 1 2 coats your cost will increase further. We recommend wearing a respirator and keeping pets and anyone with breathing issues away from the smell. These water based products are now top of the line catalyzed floor finishes that by far surpass the newly formulated oil based polyurethanes in terms of being eco friendly wear resistant and convenience. Water based poly tends to cost more than oil based poly.

The biggest difference is in appearance. One reason water based floor finishes rose in popularity is because they are manufactured with less vocs than oil based finishes. Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30 35 solids vs. Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

Keep the area ventilated. The main reason more coats have to be applied in comparison to oil based finishes is that the percentage of solids contained in the finish is lower. These solids are what promote the protective finish. Odor along with the.

Drytime voc s odor of water based vs oil based the three main differences between oil based water based are the effect on the wood color the drying time odor from voc s. It s due to the chemical makeup. Water based finish on the other hand is more durable. Because most water based finishes possess less solid content they deliver a thinner film.

No respirator is required but you might want to crack a couple windows for fresh air. Water based finish has a quick drying time and allows you to recoat every two hours. This serves two purposes. Some manufacturers even use special aluminium oxide formula to make it extremely durable but the material itself is always applied in a thinner layer.

Oil based contain 45 50 solids you will need to add more coats of water based poly. Oil based has a high level of voc fumes longer drying time. Two less vocs is better for the environment. Oil based material has lesser durability but thicker structure.

Water based finish has a light odor. Water based floor finish appearance like mentioned previously the appearance between water based and oil based polyurethanes is a noticeable one. One less vocs mean less odor. They re far more convenient and eco friendly because they are water based no toxic vapor and they dry fast.

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood. Oil based poly is simply more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane. These solids are what make up the poly s protective finish.