Refinishing Floors With Water Based Polyurethane

How to restore hardwood floors with water based poly.

Refinishing floors with water based polyurethane. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Don t sand the floor with steel wool. In my opinion this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. Don t tack the floor with paint thinner.

The biggest difference is in appearance. Water based polyurethane dries faster. Water based polyurethane versions dry much more quickly are a bit more self leveling and have less odor when applying than oil based versions. If you are using oil based polyurethane and would like a very thin coat then use a synthetic paint pad instead of a lamb s wool applicator.

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 some wood stains. This question comes up often when people are sanding their hardwood floors with water borne polyurethane especially as these coats are thinner and many brands of water based poly are not as durable. This water based polyurethane finish is made with anti scratch and chemical resistant components which protect the floor from damages that may occur in the future. With either type of polyurethane be sure it s recommended for refinishing wood floors before you buy.

Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. Usually water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night. Though this particular product is available in satin only it gives a beautiful finish that leaves your project the perfection it needs. Since refinishing wood floors involves multiple coats of polyurethane this means that the total time of your refinishing job is longer with the oil based.

Oil based can take 3 5 days pending on humidity and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them. Floors in need of a clear finish that dries quickly pros. Required tools for this project. Low odor and low vocs.

Advantages of water based polyurethane. Easy application and cleanup. The milky color makes them easy to see so you re less likely to miss spots while refinishing hardwood floors. Still water based products are harder to apply because they dry fast.

You will need a special water based polyurethane applicator. Here are our expert. Very smooth and shiny finish. Also once the last coat of polyurethane has been placed on the floor the time before you can walk on your floors and put your furniture and rugs back is much shorter with water based.