Oil Vs Water Based Floor Finish

Odor along with the.

Oil vs water based floor finish.

Oil based has a high level of voc fumes longer drying time. Keep the area ventilated. These solids are what make up the poly s protective finish. This serves two purposes.

We recommend wearing a respirator and keeping pets and anyone with breathing issues away from the smell. Oil based contain 45 50 solids you will need to add more coats of water based poly. It s due to the chemical makeup. Oil based material has lesser durability but thicker structure.

And when you add in an extra 1 2 coats your cost will increase further. Two less vocs is better for the environment. 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. Oil based poly s have 45 to 50 of solids while water based polys only contain 30 to 35 of solids.

Oil based poly is simply more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane. These solids are what promote the protective finish. Water based finish has a quick drying time and allows you to recoat every two hours. 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.

The biggest difference is in appearance. Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30 35 solids vs. Water based floor finish appearance like mentioned previously the appearance between water based and oil based polyurethanes is a noticeable one. They re far more convenient and eco friendly because they are water based no toxic vapor and they dry fast.

Homeowners usually have more of a choice between the two considering the odor with oil based. One less vocs mean less odor. 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. Oil based polyurethane has a strong fumy odor.

No respirator is required but you might want to crack a couple windows for fresh air. Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. Water based finish has a light odor. Water based poly tends to cost more than oil based poly.

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood. Some manufacturers even use special aluminium oxide formula to make it extremely durable but the material itself is always applied in a thinner layer. Because most water based finishes possess less solid content they deliver a thinner film.