Differences Between Water vs. Oil-Based Poly

Differences Between Water-Based and Oil-Based Finishes

Our customers have a frequent query wanting to know how an oil-based poly differs from a water-based one.

Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes function like a layer of protective covering for hardwood flooring and protect the wood from damage.

Over time, polyurethanes tend to show wear and tear marks and scratches, but water-based and oil-based polyurethanes have their advantages.

Durability:

The discrepancy in durability among the two polyurethanes is barely visible provided the application is done using the best-grade products.

Many customers feel that oil-based polyurethanes are more durable than water-based polymers, but the latest quality water-based polyurethane introductions show that the latter lasts pretty long with the right amount of care.

It is advisable to use only BONA products if you don’t want to compromise quality. On a typical floor, we apply 3 coats of Bona Mega One waterbase finish. For those with large pets and high foot traffic, we recommend the top-of-the-line Bona Traffic HD, which is considerably more expensive than Bona Mega One.

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Durability:

The discrepancy in durability among the two polyurethanes is barely visible provided the application is done using the best-grade products.

Drying Time:

Water-based polyurethanes dry quickly as compared to their oil-based counterparts.

In one day, you can apply up to 2 coats, whereas in the case of oil-based poly, you can apply only a single coat in one day. You have to let it dry for 24 hours before you walk on it wearing socks.

Water-based poly, on the other hand, allows you to walk over it in socks within four to six hours of the first coat application.

Color:

Water-based poly is colorless and clear, while oil-based one has a yellowish-brown or amber shade.

Over time, as long as the hardwood floor is intact, you will find no change in the clarity of water-based poly, but with time the amber color of oil-based polyurethane will keep getting darker.

In the case of a stained hardwood floor, you will notice less of any color difference.

Smell:

Oil-based poly possesses a strong smell and while drying emits toxic fumes and a pungent chemical odor that one must not inhale.

You need to apply oil-based poly with caution using a respirator if you don’t want your clothes to smell horrible hours after the job is done.

Generally, companies ask their customers to get out of their houses along with their pets when they work with oil-based poly.

If this sounds like a problem, water-based poly is your answer, as it is free from smell.

It is safe not only for the clients and their pets but also for those applying it, as a respirator is not required. And no one has to leave the house during the entire process.

Finish:

Many people feel that oil-based polyurethane has a smoother finish than that of water-based poly.

However, many brands offer applications of both types of polyurethanes and claim that both offer a similar finish.

Often a fourth layer of water-based poly is applied to get an oil-like finish and won’t feel rough. Modifications can be done according to the client’s needs.

Hardness and Thickness:

Water-based poly being an acrylic product, is thinner, but surprisingly offers a harder coating.

On the other hand, oil-based poly is relatively thicker and softer. 3 to 4 coats of finish for water-based products is recommended to avoid surface scratching.

Those who have big pets need at least 3 coats of BONA water-based or 4 layers of an oil-based poly. For the polyurethane, we use Bona Woodline Poly.

When Do You Need Water-Based Poly:

Water-based polyurethane is advised when hardwood floors are white-washed, white-stained, or gray-stained.

In such instances, opting for oil-based poly would not be sensible, as the floors would end up looking yellow.

With time, the yellow hue would only get darker.

Certain types of woods have a natural tone to them, and depending on that one is required to choose a suitable poly to make the finish aesthetic.

However, preference is also given to the needs and choices of clients because tastes vary from one person to the other. Light wood species like Maple would fit best with water-based poly.

For hardwoods like Fir, Ash, or Pine oil-based poly is perfect as the natural yellow tone gets further enhanced. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as many clients are also fine with water-based poly on hardwoods.

A good flooring contractor will make sure to keep all the above factors in mind while helping their clients decide the best polyurethane.