Oil Vs. Water-Based Wood Floor Sealer
Oil-based and water-based wood floor sealers, also known as polyurethane finishes, offer excellent protection. Apply the finish, available in satin, semi-glass or high-gloss, to natural or stained wood floors. The application time, and the over-all appearance of the floor are what differentiates the two choices. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Water-based Polyurethane
-
Water-based polyurethane is very easy to apply and has little odor. This crystal-clear finish does not yellow or darken with time. Four coats are recommended to build a proper coating, but it dries quickly--recoat every two hours. Use of a water-based polyurethane with an added hardener additive creates a floor surface harder than you'd find with any oil-based polyurethane available. It's highly resistant to water and spills clean up easily. Tools also clean effortlessly after an application--just use soap and water.
Water-based Polyurethane Disadvantages
-
Water-based polyurethane can raise the grain of the wood on the first coat. This requires a light sanding or buffing as recommended by the manufacturer. It generally settles down with subsequent coats. On-going maintenance is required because additional coat applications are recommended every couple of years. As far as cost is concerned, water-based polyurethane is substantially more expensive than oil-based polyurethane. The water-based product also lacks the rich glow of an oil-based polyurethane that many find attractive.
-
Oil-based Polyurethane
-
At one time, oil-based polyurethane was the standard finish. It applies easily and flows over the wood nicely, filling in open wood grain. It provides a strong finish and leaves a warm amber glow. Use an oil remover solvent, similar to paint thinner, for clean-up. Warning: This product is highly flammable. Make sure ample ventilation is available during use.
Oil-based Polyurethane Disadvantages
-
The application process is much lengthier with oil-based polyurethane. It requires a five-hour wait time between the recommended two coats and a 12-hour wait following the final coat. It takes three to seven days for it to cure hard enough to place furniture on it. Some find oil-based polyurethane objectionable solely on the basis of the strong fumes that can linger for weeks.
Sheens
-
Several sheens are available with polyurethane sealers. A satin finish has a soft, non-reflective look. It works well in a traditional decor. Semi-gloss provides a somewhat shiny appearance and looks great in all settings. High-gloss is very reflective and gives that shiny gymnasium-floor look--great in a contemporary-style home, or a commercial setting. Note: High-gloss will show scratches and scuffs more so than the other sheens.
Misconceptions
-
Misconception 1: Polyurethane finishes penetrate the wood.
Not true. It merely remains on the surface to form a protective layer.Misconception 2: The harder the finish, the better.
Not true. An extremely hard surface scratches easily and these scratches are very visible to the naked eye.
-
