Keep the room as clean as possible. It has a more depth - both in color and shine and it looks the way we expect hardwood to look.Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish. Please use the following guidelines: To ensure the color fastness of Minwax Wood Finish prior to applying Minwax Water-Based Polyurethane… Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. How would one be better than the other? Oil-based: Turns slightly amber, which warms up a wood's color. If the polyurethane is too thick, thin it by 10% with mineral spirits. Dust generated from lead-based products can be very harmful to children under the age of 6. As an amateur when it comes to all things painting, I didn’t know there is a difference which led to much confusion and frustration. It i… Water-based polyurethane will give off little if any odor compared to oil-based poly—a real issue if your finish room happens to be in your basement. Oil-based polyurethane has a more distinct odor and takes a longer time to dry than water-based ones. Polyurethane can be oil- or water-based, and you can use either kind over latex paint; however, oil-based polyurethane tends to yellow as it ages, whereas water-based varieties stay transparent. But, now due to all the improvements and added advantages to water borne polyurethane, my answer for whether to use oil or water based polyurethane really depends on the look/stain color choice, budget and type of wood being used. Consider these advantages of oil-based lacquer vs. water-based to determine if it’s a proper application for your hardwood floors: Water-Based Polyurethane. Question I am using an oil base stain on quarter sawn oak plywood. Water-based polyurethane versions dry much more quickly, are a bit more self-leveling, and have less odor when applying than oil-based versions. Water based poly can … Even if the water-based polyurethane was applied after 1978, if the surface you are working on predates 1978, don't sand the surface until you have taken precaution for lead-based paint and stain. Ensure that you remove dirt, grease, and wax from the surface by scrubbing the surface using a wood cleaner or de-glosser. We recommend you apply additional coats every couples of years. Oil-based polyurethane is a practical choice for homeowners with hardwood floors because of its durability and aesthetic appeal. The stain was color matched to our new hickory floors, which are stained a medium-dark true brown (no yellow). Luckily, there are ways around this when it comes to applying finishes. A polyurethane finish can prolong the life of paint and prevent ultra violet rays from causing it to fade. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Oil based polyurethane lasts longer than water based. Finally, water-based poly dries a lot faster, giving dust less time to settle out of the air into your finish. 7 expensive beauty products you can make yourself. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,847 times. Jim Carroll explains why it’s not only acceptable to use a water-based finish over and oil finish – provided you do it correctly – but that it can be the best solution when you want to bring out the natural character and color of the wood. What are the key differences between a water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane? Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30-35% solids (vs. oil based contain 45-50%) solids, you will need to add more coats of water based poly. The main difference is usually color: water based polyurethanes are completely clear and (again, if well engineered) will not yellow over time. Of course, wait for each coat to dry before … You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. June 28, 2005. Oil-based products also dry more slowly than water-based ones, giving you more time to work. What are the key differences between a water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane? Learn more... Oil and water are famous for repelling one another and not mixing. It is also virtually transparent, where as oil-based polyurethane has a slight yellow hue to it. Make sure that you use the right kind. Please see this forum thread. When should there be one used over another (for a given project)? 8 to 10 years ago, I used to recommend oil based polyurethane over water based poly. Less expensive than water-based polys. Consider these advantages of oil-based lacquer vs. water-based to determine if it’s a proper application for your hardwood floors: Please use the following guidelines: To ensure the color fastness of Minwax Wood Finish prior to applying Minwax Water-Based Polyurethane: 1.) The problems with water-based polyurethane are that it doesn't level out as smoothly as an oil-based finish, and it doesn't protect as well against the elements. This is because the curing process for oil … Oil-based Polyurethane. Some of these water-based finishes are not for use over lacquer or shellac. Pros explain, and suggest solutions. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You’ll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane. ... All About Oil Based Varnish ... Can I Put Oil Varnish Over Water-Based Paint? But, now due to all the improvements and added advantages to water borne polyurethane, my answer for whether to use oil or water based polyurethane really depends on the look/stain color choice, budget and type of … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Water-based polyurethane is ideal for lighter woods, as oil-based will give your grain a yellow tone. Oil-based polyurethane can withstand extreme temperatures which makes it a good choice for exterior surfaces and furniture. Shellac works well because it binds to water-based and oil-based polyurethanes while keeping the two separated. Water-based polyurethane contains less odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than its oil-based counterpart, so less hard on your lungs and your nose. Water-based polyurethane contains lesser Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than does oil-based polyurethane. If you sand it lightly and get a fine powder, it is dry and ready to go. With a little bit of extra time and preparation, you can apply the oil-based finish right over the water-based one. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To quote from a Minwax representative: SUBJECT: Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Over Minwax Wood Finish Stains If you’re doing a refurbishing project, you should know the difference between water-based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane. Short answer: yes. When should there be one used over another (for a given project)? If you already laid down a water-based finish and decided to go for an oil-based one, do not fret. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Any dust will get caught and embedded in the finish. The water-based coating must be fully cured, otherwise the oil-based one will not cure properly. The two different finishes are created to bond to hardwood in a very different manner. Oil-based poly darkens over time, giving your wood darker amber hues. Here is another detail. Contain 45 to 50 percent solids, which creates a more protective finish. It will also provide a longer lasting protection which will cut the costs even more. Water-based Polyurethane vs Oil-based Polyurethane Water based polyurethane is much lower in toxicity than its oil-based counterpart, and produces significantly less odor. A high-gloss finish is not necessary or recommended for floors. Furniture shouldn’t be placed on the flooring for 12 hours after the last coat is applied. 8 to 10 years ago, I used to recommend oil based polyurethane over water based poly. It can be applied over oil-based stains like Minwax® Wood Finish™ or Minwax® Gel Stain . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Oil-based products also dry more slowly than water-based ones, giving you more time to … I'd like to use a water-based polyurethane over a staircase I stained last night with a Sherwin Williams oil-based stain to avoid yellowing. By using our site, you agree to our. Because there are less solids in water-based poly, four coats may be needed as opposed to three coats of oil-based poly. You should remove grease, dirt and wax by scrubbing the surface with a wood prep/cleaner/de-glosser, or … Another downside of oil-based polyurethane is that if you decide to use brushes, you will have to take time to clean them with a thinner. Unfortunately, when many do-it-yourselfers apply polyurethane over a water-based latex or acrylic paint, they end up with rampant flaking. The water based polyurethane (left) is lighter and duller than the oil based … Today though, water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane. Sure they share a slot of similar characteristics but the chemical makeup, performance, odor, and appearance are factors you need to take into before you know which one is right for you. Water Borne Polyurethane Water borne polyurethane goes on clear and has a low luster. If you diluted one of your cans of polyurethane, then you should apply the diluted one now. How Water Based and Oil Based Polyurethane Are Different. Water-based polyurethane dries faster than oil-based. SUBJECT: Minwax Water Based Polyurethane Over Minwax Wood Finish Stains. This color difference is less noticeable over a stained hardwood floor, but an oil based poly will still exhibit an amber hue that will continue to darken over time. Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane is ideal for use on all interior bare or stained wood surfaces including furniture, cabinets, doors and floors. I do the opposite on most of my floors— I use three coats of water based poly over an oil-modfied/based poly or stain. Woodworking Myth: You should never put a water-based finish on top of an oil-based finish. Woodworking Myth: You should never put a water-based finish on top of an oil-based finish. You'll want the oil-based drying agent to completely vaporize from the stain before applying the water-based finish. If you're committed to an oil-based finish, hand rubbing with polish or wipe-on varnish is probably the most effective way to cut the sheen. This article has been viewed 34,847 times. Water-based polyurethane contains lesser Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than does oil-based polyurethane. Forms a hard, durable film in a few coats. It can also help bring out the beauty of wooden surfaces with the downside being it leaves a light-yellow tint. https://www.familyhandyman.com/floor/how-to-use-oil-based-polyurethane-over-water-based-polyurethane/view-all, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDKZFGvpYpw, http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/finishing/finishing-for-first-timers, http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/finishing/polyurethane, usar poliuretano de aceite sobre el poliuretano a base de agua, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. usually yes— I do it all the time on my hardwood floors. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. However, water-based polyurethane dries faster, saving you a lot of time if you are working on a large project. Work in an area with lots of reflected light. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If you are using water-based polyurethane... Don't sand the floor with steel wool; Don't tack the floor with paint thinner; You will need a special water based polyurethane applicator. BUT always test it first using a scrap of wood. Can I apply water-based polyurethane over an oil based stain? I do the opposite on most of my floors— I use three coats of water based poly over an oil-modfied/based poly or stain. I just finished a wood floor with oil based polyurethane.I only have one coat. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It dries faster, as well. Drying time: Water based polyurethane can be recoated in 4-6 hours. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Dries more slowly than water-based polys, so there's a longer wait between coats. If the surface is cool to the touch, it's not dry. On the downside, water-based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood, is susceptible to watermarks, and can be temperamental when applied over … Let’s cover a few basics before discussing which is best for specific wood types. We recommend you apply additional coats every couples … This should be ok if you gave the stain 3-4 days to properly dry out. 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. 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