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.
Water based or oil based polyurethane for floors.
Here are our expert.
Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane.
Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night.
Advantages of water based polyurethane.
Hardwood floors provide a shiny and finished look if you coated it well.
Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane.
Polyurethane is the liquid which is used to serve this purpose.
Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.
Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable.
Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.
Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.
Water based polyurethane dries faster.
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.
There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting.
In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane.
Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them.
If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane.