Oil-base vs. Water-Base Finish: Which Polyurethane Finish is Right For You?

So, you have finally given in to your wife’s nagging and are dead set on completing that hardwood floor restoration.

Awesome!

But as you are gathering up your tools, you are suddenly struck with one important question.

“Should I use oil-based or water-based polyurethane for my hardwood floor?â€

To be honest, there is no right answer here.

The finish you choose completely depends on the specific needs of your project.

Here is a comparison of the two, so you can have an easier time deciding.

Oil-Base Polyurethane

Features

Oil or solvent-based polyurethane is considered the standard traditional hardwood finish. It is made from linseed oil mixed in with synthetic resins and plasticizers.

The oil-based finishes can withstand high traffic, making a perfect choice for stairway steps and hallway floors. It also offers great durability and will last for ages.

Pros

Appearance: Solvent-based polyurethane has a yellow hue that darkens with time to give off a classic amber glow.

Affordability: Compared to water-based finishes, this kind of polyurethane is much cheaper. You will get it at almost half the price.

Color Range: Oil-based finishes have a greater range of colors to choose from. This makes for a more coherent look as you can match the flooring to your furniture and décor. 

Durable: Even after multiple years of use, this polyurethane coating will make your hardwood shine bright like a diamond. Plus, you won’t need to worry about recoating as the finish can fight wear and tear quite well. 

Cons

Odor: Oil-based polyurethane emits a pungent stench that you’ll have to put up with for a good while.

Not Eco-friendly: Because of the harsh chemicals ingredients, the finish can be a hazard for both people and the environment.

Flammable: This coating is highly flammable unless completely dry.

Water-Base Finish

Features

Due to its glossy and highly scratch-resistant surface, this sealing product has recently gained much fame.

Instead of finishing oils such as linseed oil, water-based polyurethane is made from water.

At first, the coating looks cloudy on application. However, it dries down clear without any yellow tinge, unlike the oil-based finishes.

Besides this, water-based polyurethane is easier to use because of its quick application process.

Pros 

Environment-friendly: Water-based coating contains significantly fewer toxic chemicals and is a safer option.

No Catching Fire: Unlike its solvent-based alternative, water-based finishes are not prone to go up in flames.

Scratch Resistant: These sealers are highly durable and won’t get scratched easily.

Quick Dry: The water-based polyurethane finishes take a shorter time to dry than oil-based ones. It means you don’t have to wait for an entire day before applying your next coat.

Cons

Less Shine: The final look of water-based coating is less shiny than oil-based polyurethane.

High Cost: While the application process is a breeze, water-based finishes can cost twice or even thrice as much as oil-based ones.

So, Oil-based or Water-based Polyurethane Finish?

While oil-based finishes are tried and tested and water-based sealants more convenient, both types of polyurethane deliver great results.

So the bottom line is… 

What you choose depends on your unique flooring needs and, of course, budget. 

It’s not so much about which type of polyurethane is better. Rather, it all depends on which finish would best fit your project’s requirements.

Need help in making the right choice? 

Contact us at (insert ph). No matter if it’s furniture restoration, floor or staircase finishing, our team of experts is here to guide you. We can also help you connect with the right contractor for your flooring needs.