However, while there were no bubbles in the polyurethane, you. to wood surfaces. For a very long time, General Finishes made the hardest and most durable water-based topcoat on the market. This poly does add a bit of a yellow tinge to the surfaces to which you apply it. Its advisable to recoat polyurethane on the exact same day.Regardless of all the products available nowadays, nothing beats how effective it is to stand in between polyurethane coatings.Yes, it takes time and a little cash, but its certainly worth it for the results, In addition, its the only method that is able to correct any small errors in the application and save you from starting the whole job again.Recommendation: When to Use Water-Based PolyWater-based polyurethane is excellent in most flooring applications, but I particularly recommend it over oil-based options when youre refinishing maple or other light wood or when you want a perfectly natural look.Oil-based polyurethane almost always tinges the surface yellow, which can leave an unnatural or undesirable appearance. The first coat will dry within 2 hours, at which point Minwax suggests a light sanding and cleaning of the resulting dust. Moreover, they offer more traction than a high-gloss finish, making the floor safer to walk on without feeling rough or unpleasant. When this finish fully cures, it is scuff, scratch, and chemical resistant. A smooth finish was easy to produce with some light sanding between coats with a 220-grit pole sander. Whether it is or not, this is still an exceptional water-based floor poly with so many worthy features. and be careful not to let anyone else in your home inhale the fumes. With so many flooring finishes on the market, though, it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for your particular situation. Follow standard procedures to apply it by using a bristle or foam brush or a paint roller with a smooth sleeve. Thankfully, that isnt a problem for most water-based polyurethanes, especially with the Bonas. We offer consumers a complete line of products to meet every wood finishing need. However, you can guard against this by reading reviews and buying better-quality polyurethanes. The floor should be sanded smooth before applying the polyurethane (and often between coats). High-traffic areas wear down much faster than areas of the floor that rarely see action. Oil-based is useful for the longevity it offers and is superior in terms of thickness. Its not nearly as strong as the odor youd get with an oil-based poly, but the smell takes a few days to dissipate entirely. This products built-in UV blockers are designed to reduce the graying and fading effects on any material it covers, including flooring. The General Finishes is also a worthy contender, but it is also more expensive than Bona Mega and you need to sand between coats. You can easily apply three coats with sanding in between in a single day, which means less time your floor is out of commission. PROTECT WOOD SURFACES Minwax Oil-Modified Polyurethane Wood Finish protects and adds beauty to interior projects, including woodwork, floors & more. Low-VOC poly is generally safer to use. Not as scratch resistant as cheaper brands, The product is manufactured in United States, Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish, Superior scuff, adhesion, and scratch resistance, It shouldnt be used on white or pastel paints. Varathane floor finish features a no-odor formula that resists scuffs, abrasions, and scratches to help protect floors. Make sure you pay close attention to the below factors when purchasing, as these will help decide which is best for your purposes. A good option would be the Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Stain. Besides the location and emissions, there isnt much that separates these products, so anyone you choose will be excellent. Polyurethane must be sanded in between layers. No poly will be best for all situations, but my overall favorite is the Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Stain. How Long Does Water-Based Polyurethane Last On Floors? In addition, having to sand a large floor space, whether residential or commercial, is labor-intensive and disheartening. I share my best tips about woodworking and DIY., Enable registration in settings - general, Best Water-Based Polyurethanes for Floors My Top Picks. The following sections point out some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for these products. Next, we have another popular water based floor finish from Bona, but a more pocket-friendly version. What sets them apart is if you need to sand between coats, how many coats you need, and the tools you can use. The same goes for dark-colored woods. . Finally, we come to another household name that delivers exceptional durability yet at an affordable price point. This finish contains a UV stabilizer to protect the coating from intense UV rays on the floors surface. There are plenty of water-based polyurethanes that are truly clear no matter what surface you apply them to, so I recommend choosing one based on your floor color and whether or not you want to avoid a tint. The best water-based polyurethane for floors comes in a few different levels of shininess, also known as sheen, to create a vibrant, beautiful floor finish. Its useful to bear in mind that if you want to use water-based but would also like to change the color, its possible to varnish the floor before applying the polyurethane.TextureOil-based polyurethane is much thicker and will create a thick layer as a defence for your wood floors. Unlike some of its competitors, however, you need to sand it before applying the next coat. Its easy to apply with standard water-based polyurethane application methods, and it features improved flow, leveling, and build for a professional-grade finish. How it happened and when it happened, nobody knows. It spreads beautifully on your work surface, leaving behind, for your wood floors. While this water-based topcoat dries clear, General Finishes recommends that you dont use it on bright white paint. Although Deft makes this product in accordance with VOC regulations, it does contain volatile organic compounds. After the last layer, I recommend letting it cure for about 48 hours before introducing furniture, appliances, or foot traffic. This only comes in a gloss finish, but its suitable for most flooring applications. Semi-gloss Best for low traffic areas such as rooms used by adults not wearing shoes. Its designed to resist high traffic, and it holds up that promise and offers excellent physical protection to wood surfaces. This polyurethane is thin and very straightforward to apply. It covers the top considerations to keep in mind and reviews some of the best options available. I was very pleased with how, It creates a thick, hard layer over your floor and, Ive seen in a water-based polyurethane. Any hard-to-reach areas still require brushing. , so you can avoid smelling up your entire house. Whichever product you buy will be relatively easy to apply. when using this sealer, which should include the use of a respirator at all times. However, if you plan to place yours on floors that are heavily traveled or will be exposed to scratching and scuffing from pets or furniture, I recommend you select a poly that is formulated to resist heavy wear. This really comes down to personal choice as both water and oil-based polyurethane are effective but lets look at some key differences.ColoroColor is one of the biggest differences between the two. Different solutions can cure faster or slower depending on the curing agents and the ratio of solvent dissolved in them. . Most water-based polyurethanes have a pot life of a year or so, but some have hardening agents that you need to mix in before use. Instead, it relies on an oxygen-crosslinking polyurethane (OCP) formula to deliver its outstanding results. If you have little experience finishing floors, I strongly recommend a poly that leaves few imperfections, like the Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Stain. BuildEazy.com may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. , at which point you can safely sand and apply an additional coat. Each type has its pros and cons, and understanding these will help you make an informed decision. Applying General Finishes is straightforward. Both types of polyurethane work well for flooring, with a few differences. However, you should still ventilate the room properly and wear a respirator while your work. However, some products include fewer per gallon and are considered low-VOC based on VOC regulations. Unlike the Commercial version, this is a one-component finish, so it is not sold with a separate hardener. This product is available in gallon, pint, or quart sizes. You wont have your choice of sheen, and you cant buy in large quantities to save money. However, while there were no bubbles in the polyurethane, you should pay very close attention to drips or streaks and fix them immediately. Its best to wait the longest time possible to avoid ruing the job.What can we conclude? These plans are for personal use only. All polyurethanes are recommended to display the VOC level, although some companies try to hide them. 15 Totally Unexpected DIY Flooring Alternatives. Simply use a synthetic or foam brush, staining pad, or roller with a smooth finish. Water-based polyurethanes are becoming more and more common for finishing floors as they get better at protecting against physical wear. However, they have gotten much better and can now provide a hard, damage-resistant surface suitable for heavy traffic areas. , which makes your job easier and less time-consuming. Even the satin is somewhat shiny, and Id consider it semi-gloss, so keep that in mind when choosing your finish. For a reliable water-based polyurethane for flooring, we recommend General Finishes Topcoat. This water-based wood floor finish is one of the best polyurethane for stair treads. Always check the label. Get Minwax Helmsman polyurethane for floors at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Walmart. But the one thing it cant seem to get right is stain resistance. Id trust this in any room in my home. Yes, but the roller cover must be smooth to apply the polyurethane uniformly. . This is unheard of for oil-based polyurethane. One of the most frustrating parts is having to sand between coats of polyurethane during application. It uses oxygen in the air as the curing agent, so I suggest applying it on a warm or humid day when oxygen levels are higher. What you get is what you see with water-based finishes. It is unfortunate that so many household products contain them, so they are virtually impossible to avoid. I recommend you measure the square footage of the area you plan to finish, multiply by however many coats you intend to apply I recommend three or four and then choose a poly that is affordable enough to cover that number. But now i changed my mind and want to stain the floor cos I dont see any change after the first coat of polyurethane. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. General Finishes has a slight advantage because it can be dry in as little as an hour, but so can the Minwax. An oxygen-crosslinking polyurethane (OCP) waterborne formula. This poly has a very low VOC content. It is crucial that this isnt first because it can lead to disastrous consequences. , so, again, its great if you want to get the job done as quickly as possible. A high viscosity often makes the application more challenging, but this poly strikes a good balance between thickness and comfort. We researched the most sought-after water-based polyurethanes for floors in their respective categories. If it looks past its prime, apply a bit of floor wax to help restore some shine on the surface. Still, even when a product doesnt require sanding, its not worth the risk. Its also generally preferred by homeowners because it dries significantly faster. But given its commercial use, you cant expect any less. Thankfully, mistakes are easily cleaned up with warm water, as long as you catch them before they dry. However, the difference is usually just a few dollars. Its effortless to apply, leaves a smooth, professional-looking finish, and can stand up to plenty of physical abuse in high-traffic areas of your home. Its available in 1-gallon cans, which are relatively expensive. I would recommend this for use in any room with heavy foot traffic or where pets could otherwise damage the floor. Some of the most convenient products feature drying times between coats as short as 1 hour. Another great thing about this water-based floor sealant is that it comes in four sheens, which is rare for a water-based polyurethane. Gloss-It makes the wood look shinier, and since it wont see a lot of traffic, you wont need to refinish the floor for at least a decade. At 125 g/L, this outperforms all other polyurethanes. Some have gotten great results, while others havent. Varathane is known for creating great finishes that stand the test of time, are easy to apply, and are fast drying. This water-based polyurethane is thin, which makes it a breeze to apply. Most water-based polyurethanes have a pot life of a year or so, but some have hardening agents that you need to mix in before use. . With proper sanding and drying time between coats, I was able to get a beautiful, shiny finish that looked professionally done. It also comes in just one tub, making it the easiest to apply. It spreads beautifully on your work surface, leaving behind no bubbles, streaks, or globs. This has a low-VOC formula, making it relatively safe to use. Its not nearly as strong as the odor youd get with an oil-based poly, but the. I had no problems with imperfections, so I feel that a true first-timer would have very few mistakes they would need to fix. It includes some of the best options on the market as well as the shopping considerations to keep in mind when comparing them. I would even be comfortable applying this in rooms pets will frequent. , so you can customize the appearance based on your preference. While you should still wear safety equipment, it is less dangerous than many other options, and it has little odor. Working for hours while wearing a respirator can be uncomfortable, but that is the best option when working with oil-based polyurethane. You only have to wait a few hours in between coats. It goes on smoothly and seems to settle nicely into place as you use it. If you select water-based coating and are wondering about high traffic areas, its suggested to add 4 coats overall.Drying TimesWater-based poly dries out quicker than oil. Can You Sleep In House After Water-Based Polyurethane? It then becomes a matter of how good the product is. It takes just two hours of drying before you can apply an additional coat, which means you can lay down three or four layers with sanding in between in a single day. DIYers who dont mind spending more for innovation may want to give Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish a try. You can use a synthetic bristle brush, a foam brush, or a lambswool applicator. It comes in different finishes depending on your preference, including. Matte suitable for high traffic areas, as it will hide any wear and tear better. This polyurethane is water-based but modified with oil. This poly contains volatile organic compounds, so the fumes are unsafe to inhale. Weve spent hours researching the best water-based poly for floors. Provided you have a powerful pole sander that can smooth each layer quickly, you, , but its suitable for most flooring applications. With the proper application, therefore, using water-based poly could actually be cheaper. But all of a sudden, water-based polyurethane floor finishes became the go-to finish for hardwood floors. , which makes it safer to use than many other options. Most will last for several years with regular use. Final curing time differs among products. I recommend waiting about 24 hours after the final coat before its exposed to furniture or foot traffic, just to be sure that it cures fully. It provides a robust layer of physical protection for your wood floors. Basic Coatings provides high-performance floor sealers and cleaners for individual and professional use. It is almost like they sensed the competition was getting too close and so decided to top themselves (but General Finishes begs to differ). The container says that this is a low-odor poly, but it has a more pungent odor than all of the low-VOC polyurethanes Ive used. . The most common bone of contention is that the can says it is No Odor. , and Id be confident in its ability to stand up to abuse from high traffic and furniture legs. General Finishes High Performance Water-Based Topcoat, Minwax 710330000 Water-Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane, RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish, Bona Hardwood Floor Polish, Low Gloss, 32 Fl Oz, General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Gallon, Satin, Minwax Water Based, Oil-Modified Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, Gallon, Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Satin 1 Gallon, RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish, 1, how to apply water-based polyurethane to hardwood floors, best oil-based polyurethane for hardwood floors, Safe for all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors. It also needs at least three coats. Its relatively expensive, but a single gallon can supply one coat for around 600 square feet. Any remaining sealed areas will not take the stain and will be a light patch. After you have narrowed down the best product for the usage area and the one least harmful to your health, the next logical step is to look at the costs. It goes on smoothly and seems to settle nicely into place as you use it. Get Varathane polyurethane for floors at The Home Depot, Sears, or Walmart. For a visual representation of the kind of protection this poly offers, check out this video: It dries very rapidly, which makes your job easier and less time-consuming. It is possible to stay and sleep in your house after youve coated your floor with water-based polyurethane because unlike oil, it dries rapidly. It dries in about three hours, at which point you can safely sand and apply an additional coat. It is so unfair that there can be only one, but the best water-based floor polyurethane is Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish. I would be confident using this in my homes busiest areas and wouldnt be too concerned with scuffing, scratching, or other physical damage. It tends to settle after its painted on, leading to fewer imperfections like bubbles, streaks, and dense areas. Before starting the project, keep some tips in mind: Water-based polyurethanes usually have less-intense odors than oil-based options. Most floor finishes require more than one coat (three is actually the minimum), so drying time between coats is a major factor when choosing the best water-based polyurethane. This includes my personal experiences, analyzing previous customer reviews, the official brand websites, and other trustworthy resources. If you have read several blogs and watched different woodworkers talk about polyurethane, you may have heard water-based poly is not as durable as oil-based polyurethane. Some products like the Varathane and Bona Traffic HD are almost odorless, but even the others are not nearly as strong as oil-based alternatives. to which you apply it. You can easily apply three coats with sanding in between in a single day, which means less time your floor is out of commission. Sand again, be sure that all of the varnish is removed. General Finishes has been manufacturing high-quality protective solutions for wood products for nearly 100 years, and they specialize in water-based varnishes. Typically, these finishes may take only a few hours to dry between coats, but curing usually takes days. The poly dries very quickly and begins to cure almost immediately after you put it down, so you have little time to correct any issues. Each coat should take 2 hours to dry, after which Minwax suggests lightly sanding it with 220-grit sandpaper, removing the dust, and applying another coat. You can apply the next coat while the previous one is still a bit moist, as long as the surface is clean because water-based poly tends to adhere better. The one downside about this water-based floor finish compared to the others is the price, as it is twice as much as some of the other options. Goodell is the founder of this website and an avid woodworker. A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST Minwax is Americas leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Many water-based polyurethanes have finishing agents in them that provide a sheen or glossy appearance once they have cured. After Bona made the Traffic, they decided to take their game to a new level with the Commercial HD. However, a few options may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so its a good idea to open windows for ventilation and wear a mask during application. It can cause a bit of a milky appearance if youve previously faux-aged your wood with oxalic acid. The Bona Traffic HD doesnt need sanding between coats, but you first have to mix the two different components together and then go through the hassle of fine straining it. High-traffic areas are susceptible to scrapes, scratches, dulling, and other undesirable marks. Polyurethane takes time to cure, and water-based solutions generally need to remain undisturbed for 24-48 hours to allow for the hardest, most protective surface possible. However, if you plan to place yours on floors that are heavily traveled or will be exposed to scratching and scuffing from pets or furniture, I recommend you select a poly that is formulated to resist heavy wear. Those that create a tough, durable layer will usually cost more, especially based on the square footage it can cover. Bona Mega does not require sanding between coats, although you can if warranted. The floors in your home receive constant physical abuse from foot traffic, furniture legs, and, in some cases, pets. While most of these top products require multiple coats, each has a fast curing time of 2 to 24 hours (although one takes 7 days to fully cure) for a scratch-, abrasion-, and scuff-resistant finish, even in high-traffic areas. These levels can easily be met with water-based polyurethane. Luckily, this poly isnt prone to problems. A regular sweeping should be enough. . Dan's interest in woodworking began while watching his dad build furniture in a pieced-together home workshop. General Finishes recommends applying this water-based polyurethane at a temperature no greater than 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent humidity. The minor color change isnt an issue for most natural wood floors or dark floors, but I. , as the discoloration will be pronounced. This sealer is VOC (volatile organic compound) compliant, which means its relatively safe to use. . Another culprit could be in the seams, like glue-ups. 5 images maximum / 31.25MB per image / jpeg, pjpeg, png, gif. I put a single coat of varathane water based polyurethane on a freshly sanded floor. This is a minor step that barely takes up any time. , as this will leave you with a beautiful finish, and. Even the super fast-drying oil-based polyurethanes arent dry for at least four hours, and that will be considered slow for a water-based polyurethane. I would even be comfortable applying this in rooms pets will frequent. VOCs are notorious for causing a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer. So, youll probably need to keep the room ventilated and wear a respirator when applying it. I had, If you do make a mistake or experience drips, its, and begins to cure almost immediately after you put it down, so you have. Ensure the floor is completely clean before applying the polyurethane; otherwise, the finish will be rough and unattractive. Oil-based poly often takes multiple days to dry, so youll need to wait 24-48 hours between coats and four entire days before it can support traffic and furniture. But you can still learn how to apply water-based polyurethane to hardwood floors. Give it about 24 hours to completely cure. For a hard, durable polyurethane, check out General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat. However, some people dont mind the odor and can tolerate it.Water-based polyurethane has a much lower volatile organic compound than the oil formula, so produces much less of a smell. The fast drying time is convenient for reducing the overall time you spend refinishing your floor. This polyurethane is very thin, which makes it straightforward to apply. Each coat takes around 4 hours to dry, at which point a light sanding and cleaning are required before adding another coat. Adds a protective layer & fills in micro-scratches, Plastic Gallon Jug - due to an metal can shortage, product may come in a plastic jug instead of a metal container, The hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane top coat on the market today, Dry Time Between Coats is only 1 to 2 Hours, It should not be applied over white paint. , making it relatively safe to use. Polyurethane of any variety used on floors in front of very sunny windows wears down much faster than in a shadier room.