Summary comparison of water based vs oil based polyurethane.
Oil vs water based polyurethane floor.
Ideal for light colored wood.
Water based poly tends to cost more than oil based poly.
And when you add in an extra 1 2 coats your cost will increase further.
Here are our expert.
Oil based poly has an amber tone that immediately darkens the wood.
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.
An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time while water based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor.
Unlike oil based polyurethane water based hardwood floor sealer has a transparent shiny finish and it doesn t add a yellow tint to your hardwood floors.
Oil based poly has an amber hue whereas water based poly is clear.
Water based polyurethane dries clear and remains clear.
Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30 35 solids vs.
More suited for dark color wood.
Darkens the color of wood adding yellowish tone amber tone continues to darken over time.
Doesn t change color of wood dries clear and stays clear.
These solids are what make up the poly s protective finish.
Water based polyurethane cost is two to three times higher than oil based products.
Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.
It s due to the chemical makeup.
Keep in mind that the finish may look a little milky in the can but it dries clear.
As it ages the amber hue deepens.
Oil based poly s have 45 to 50 of solids while water based polys only contain 30 to 35 of solids.