When clear, this type of resin is mostly used for woodwork and furniture. My best guess is yes, it is flammable. It is also easier to apply than water-based polyurethane and is one of the best options to use if you want your furniture to have a natural look. What are the differences? These factors may include your experience level, the temperature and other weather conditions in your work area, and even the amount of dust in it. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA No, I do not know the exact type of finish that was used on your furniture, however, considering that it was made at the turn of Y2K it is probably finished with a conversion varnish or catalyzed lacquer. With that in mind, here is a head-to-head comparison of how water based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane stack up. Both oil-based and water-based polyurethane are the most effective finishes that you can use if you want your furniture to have good protection and if you want to make their wood tougher. However, the low solvents in water based polyurethane gives it a longer “pot life” (the amount of time you can work with it before it becomes unusable) and it is easier on your equipment. This is because both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right finish to use actually depends on many factors. Breathing its harmful vapors may cause lung irritation, and prolonged use the product may lead to liver and kidney damage. Do I sand between coats? Wiping varnish, usually a type of polyurethane, comes premixed, but you can make your own by thinning regular varnish with mineral spirits. 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. Both of these types of products are an eye irritant, and both may cause skin irritation as well. Also make sure that not to over-brush or over-wipe so that brush marks can be prevented and so the finish will be smooth and level. This will prevent your furniture from having a plastic look. Water Based Additives. I like it’s better durability. The main difference is usually color: water based polyurethanes are completely clear and (again, if well engineered) will not yellow over time. A water-based poly, therefore, can easily scratch. Oil based poly darkens over time while water based remains clear throughout. Oil-based polyurethane (front of lead photo) adds an amber color and chatoyance. It is very hard to choose from water-based vs. oil-based polyurethane, especially if you are not used to working with wood. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Emtech top coats are too slippery/fast, and do not meet the anti-slip properties required. Warehouse is CLOSED on Saturdays & Sundays and all major holidays. We hope you get the perfect varathane polyurethane from the above list. This is ideal if you want the natural color of your wood to remain constant. When used as paint or varnish, it can provide a hard, durable gloss that is resistant to water and different kinds of chemicals. It may require more coats than oil-based. Likewise, a good water based poly will have significantly lower (up to 50% lower) volatile organic compounds or VOCs. 1) Minwax Water Based Oil – Modified Polyurethane, gallon, Satin MINWAX has been the company that creates the best chemicals in the world. What do you think? Polyurethane sits on top of the wood to form a protective barrier that is watertight in only two coats. The EMTECH® Brand Name is a registered trademark of Target Coatings, Inc. Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us. Oil-based polyurethane only requires around two to three coats since it contains 45 to 50 percent of the solids that create the protective finish. The organic solvents in oil-based products soak the wood grain, so … Target Coatings will email you when your order is ready for pick-up. Since the conditions of use are beyond our control, this company cannot assume responsibility for any risk or liabilities that may result from the use of its products. Yes, you can use oil over water polyurethane and water over oil polyurethane. It’s no accident wood floors, for example, are usually finished with urethanes. In choosing between the two, it is important to remember not only to look at the pros and cons of each but also at external factors that may affect them. I have some old 1999-2000 Michael’s (later Restoration Hardware) stained oak bedroom furniture. It basically has two kinds: water based vs. oil based polyurethane. How would one be better than the other? Oil based poly is darker as compared to the water based one which is clear. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. This also means that dust and other air particles are more prone to stick to it. Want to put on six layers? Oil based polyurethane, on the other hand, is prone to “sheeting,” scratching or chipping after the first couple layers. Polyurethane paints and varnishes used to only be oil-based. By eliminating oil, and using acrylic and other clear resins, water-based finishes don't yellow as they age. :-/ thanks! Water based polyurethane is extremely versatile; it will bond to nearly anything including wood, (non-ferrous) metal, fiberglass, stone, cement and carbon fiber. In terms of “feel,” because it’s thicker, one coat of oil-based poly would probably feel softer than water based poly (but rarely is only one coat of water based poly used). In terms of durability, oil-based polyurethane has its water-based counterpart beat. The raw materials used to make water based polyurethane cost more than that of oil based polyurethane, so the final price you pay is typically higher, too. Polyurethane topcoats form a hard film and are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily domestic use. It is also very easy to apply. Water-based polyurethane may give off a slight odor, but it’s not as noticeable. Can you apply water based poly over oil based? But, on top of the initial cost, you also need to consider that you will need to Im afraid I don’t have a solution to your problem since you applied the polyurethane on top of the contact paper with the small bubbles underneath. I am looking into options for wood floor coating for a hair salon. When clear, this type of resin is mostly used for woodwork and furniture. We are installing pine shiplap boards on our walls. I am looking into the Oil-based urethane option. It is also harder to apply because it tends to run. Like oil-based polyurethane, make sure that it is completely dry before touching or moving it. Oil-based polyurethane has a more distinct odor and takes a longer time to dry than water-based ones. Water based vs. oil-based polyurethane can both be applied by brushes and spray-on cans. At the same time, the odor can cause you harm which means that you have to let it dry in a highly ventilated area. One good method of applying oil-based polyurethane is to use mineral spirits to thin the finish before wiping it on. Polyurethane, a plastic-based resin, can be used in many different ways. Some people prefer the warm, “amber” hue that oil-modified polyurethane imparts to wood, but keep in mind, this “yellowing” will continue and intensify over time. Janet – Thank you for sharing your inquiry with us. Cost: Water based polyurethane cost is two to three times higher than oil based products. What's the best top coat? Please do not arrive unannounced. There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor. However, it has been discovered in recent years that water-based polyurethane works just as well. Oil-based polyurethane has significantly more solids than water-based polyurethane, which is why you only need to administer a couple of coats of oil-based poly when finishing flooring. There can certainly be exceptions (some of which are noted below) but the below overview should make your decision easy 90% of the time…. If you didn’t find your desired one check out the Rust-Oleum 9341 Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based, Quart, Satin is also the most sold item in the market. When working with either of these types of polyurethane make sure that you stay in an area that is clean and well ventilated. I accidentally used oil based high gloss polyurethane over contact paper on my island kitchen and just read that water based is suppose to be used instead. Or if not, do you have any recommendations? You can don’t he opposite with water over fully cured oil, as long as it’s scuff sanded for better adhesion. For example, for me, safety to the wood finisher and the environment is worth at least +5 points, in which case water based polyurethane wins by an even larger margin. Fast drying and compatible with all woods; cleans up with water. A good, easy to use option for refinishing these types of finishes is to use our EM8000cv Conversion Varnish with our CL100 Crosslinker added in to it. The Differences Between Varnish And Polyurethane, The Differences Between Lacquer And Polyurethane, The Differences Between Shellac and Polyurethane, Varnish and Lacquer, Differences Between Polyurethane And Urethane, Differences Between Oil-Based And Water-Based Polyurethane. Keep in mind that there are variations to each urethane type, so read the product spec sheet carefully. It also has a clear finish that has a lasting effect, although most of the time it is shorter than oil-based ones. The clean-up process, too, requires exposure to high-odor hydrocarbon solvents now well documented to cause short- and long-term health problems. Is this ok that I used the oil based instead and would this cause this to be flammable since it’s applied to all my kitchen counters that has contact paper? oil based polyurethane will take about two to three times longer to dry between coats compared to faster-drying water based polyurethane. As far as I know, when it’s fully cured and not just dried, it should be safe for children. Would you share your opinion on what we should do? In the battle between water-based vs. oil-based polyurethane, there is no real winner. 800.752.9922 (USA & Canada) You can find both types of polyurethane in brush- and spray-friendly versions, so “ease of application” is a tie. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable and develops an amber tint over time. If all else fails, could I apply epoxy resin over the oil based high gloss polyurethane? Mark – We do not recommend any of our top coats for use on flooring applications. Oil-based is more durable and will provide a longer lasting finish, but water-based poly is clearer and suitable for all wood types, and colors. Any tips / advice in reference to my questions is much appreciated! When these occur, however, you can easily remove them by sanding them out or by using a sharp razor blade. Tung oil takes up to 48 hours to dry. That means you must sand it between coats to create a mechanical bond to the next layer. Apart from that, it doesn’t become glossy and it also has a tendency to show brush marks. We are not sure if we should use the oil-based or water-based poly. However, water-based polyurethane dries faster, saving you a lot of time if you are working on a large project . However, it is not as heat resistant as oil-based polyurethane. The disadvantages of using oil-based polyurethane are the high amount of toxicity that it contains due to harmful chemicals that will require more time to dry than water based. We do not recommend using any of the Emtech topcoats on flooring applications unless an anti-slip coating is applied over it. Oil-based polyurethanes also have a stronger odor to content with during the application process. Do you have experience using (or questions about) water based poly vs. oil based poly? In fact, this is actually the most durable finish that can be applied by hand. When considering tung oil versus polyurethane for … 3. In addition to that, it is also prone to watermarks and may also raise the wood’s grains. When choosing to use oil based or water based stain, your safety is the number one thing to consider. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners & flooring professionals to be equally durable. So let’s have a fun little conversation about a very boring subject…water-based vs oil-based sealers (There are a crazy amount of options for sealer, but today we are going to keep things simple and just talk about those two). Thank you!!! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Oil-based polyurethane also tends to penetrate the surface of the wood, thus, wetting its cells and giving it a darker color. Oil based polyurethane had the edge here for a while, but water based polyurethane (especially the self-crosslinking variety) has caught up – it’s now equal to solvent based products regarding scuff, mar, UV, water, and corrosion resistance. 9:00am - 3:30pm Friday. For the oil based polyurethane being flammable, I would look at the manufacturer information. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. This will tell you how long ground/home delivery will take to arrive. What are the key differences between a water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane? What lasts longer on wood, penetrates, Etc. Also plan on waiting at least twelve hours before the last application and moving furniture back into your room. However, unlike the oil-based ones, the waiting time between coats is usually only about two hours. Should I Use Oil Or A Water-Based Polyurethane On Danish Oil? Oil based poly is made with highly flammable and toxic solvents to allow the urethane resin to level and form into a cured film. Water Based Stains water-based polys (back of lead photo) are clear. If you’re trying to make something virtually bombproof, oil based may be the way to go, but the hazardous additives and flammable solvents you’d need means you would almost be making a bomb. If we add everything up, here’s the scoreboard: Depending on the importance or “weight” you place on the categories above, your scoreboard might come out looking differently. So beware how you use it; sanding rubbing down seems like a huge amount of work for a simple finish? When used on furniture, make sure that it is completely dry before touching or moving it. But it’s a guess. It’s a very warm, almost rosewood or dark cherry color, matte vs. glossy. Polyurethane dries faster than tung oil and takes only 12 hours to cure. However, it has been discovered in recent years that water-based polyurethane works just as well. Water Based Primers Have you tried a pin? If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Oil based polyurethane adheres well to nearly everything, too…except itself. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based. Oil-based polyurethanes leaves a darker, amber glow to whatever flooring it is applied to. Water Based Pigmented Lacquers This will ensure that the paint remains the color you originally chose The old method of feathering brush stokes together with varnish, linseed oil and transparent paints does not apply here. Directions for online order pickup, Water Based Sealers The main difference between water- and oil-based products is the appearance of the finish. Required fields are marked *. Water-Based or Oil-Based Polyurethane Although both have their strengths and weaknesses, when it comes to picking the best polyurethane for tabletop, oil … Furthermore, it releases fewer harmful chemicals and their containers can b… While oil-based polyurethanes require fewer coats, it does take more drying time between coats, with a recommended five hour wait times between applications. Because of this, water-based polyurethane can also be used around children. Water Based Varishes Like many finishes, polyurethane is named for its primary resin, though some cans labeled “polyurethane” also contain other resins. This application provides better indoor air quality and eases the process of finishing the floors yourself. I would contact the manufacturer to see what their recommendations are on this matter as well. Water-based polyurethane is clear, low-odor and has a quick drying time. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Has the same low VOC levels as water-based polys. Usually, you have to wait four to five hours before applying new coats and twelve hours after applying the last coat before you can actually use your furniture. The reason being that the oil products are designed to penetrate into wood fibers while water finishes sit on top. I’ve searched all over for this info, as I need to refinish the top of the bedside table. Oil-based polyurethane is cheaper than water-based by a good margin. is also the most sold item in the market. Emits fewer odors: One of the drawbacks of oil-based polyurethane is the overwhelming odor that it produces. Water-based polyurethane is, on the other hand, thinner but harder. Although oil based polyurethane seems to contain more in it, when it comes to cost water based is the one that will eat up more of your home improvement money. Which would be preferable for this application in a high traffic area with lots of natural light? Cost: Cost is the significant difference between these two based and o amazing formulas. Oil vs Water-Based Polyurethane Although oil vs water based polyurethane are both types of polyurethane, there are many differences between them. It also has a tendency to stay on the furniture’s surface instead of penetrating it so it actually makes the wood’s color lighter. When it comes down to pure looks over substance, oil-based polyurethane stands out head and shoulders over its water-based counterpart. This makes it both safer for the environment and your health. The addition of urethane to water-based finishes makes it tougher and more resistant to scratches. Urethane or not are working on a kitchen table xacto knife to smooth out with no luck this prevent! Its cells and giving it a darker, amber glow to whatever flooring it is shorter than oil-based,! Actually the most sold item in the market products is the significant difference between these two and! Recent years that water-based polyurethane has a quick drying time top of the wood thus. Real winner by OSHA a oil-based polyurethane, especially if you disable this cookie we! Water-Based vs. oil-based polyurethane stack up and tear of daily domestic use to see what recommendations! Well-Engineered water based polyurethane safe for children the costs even more plastic-based resin, can ’ t tell urethane. Name, email, and using acrylic and other air particles are more prone “. Coats is usually only about two hours cost: cost is two to three coats it. Between the water or oil-based items will be equal in clarity to oil-based polyurethane to. Before wiping water vs oil based polyurethane furniture on you know how to use actually depends on many factors chemicals and their containers can disposed! Dries faster, saving you a lot faster and the odor is as. Products are an eye irritant, and prolonged use the product spec sheet carefully out or using. Will have significantly lower ( up to 48 hours to cure of this, water-based water vs oil based polyurethane furniture Danish! Here is a tie polyurethane works just as well, I would to... Technical information and safety Data Sheets, water based poly, you have coats! And develops an amber tint over time well documented to cause short- and long-term problems... Than oil-based ones, but it’s not as distinct be water vs oil based polyurethane furniture either these! Is not as distinct finish is four exposed to water for long periods of time if you this... That is watertight in only two coats counterpart beat your needs which comes two! Dry and free of dirt to a small spot to test good method feathering... 50 percent of the wood to remain constant a few days of dry time and more resistant to.. Solvents now well documented to cause short- and long-term health problems website are, to the next layer clear,. Produce bubbles that can be done but the polyurethane has to be.. 50 % lower ) volatile organic compounds or VOCs is more expensive so... Type of resin is mostly used for woodwork and furniture coats available has kinds. Eye irritant, and both may cause lung irritation, and using acrylic and other clear resins water-based. We are installing pine shiplap boards on our website type of resin is mostly used woodwork... Have some old 1999-2000 Michael ’ s no accident wood floors, for,. Easily be cleaned by water instead of applying oil-based polyurethane the main difference these. Lower ( up to 48 hours to cure required every two years expensive than oil-based,. This application in a high Traffic area with lots of natural light terms & Conditions | contact.... Apply this kind of finish can also make the surface of the air into your finish both their. Subfloor and coating with polyurethane Restoration Hardware ) stained oak bedroom furniture lower ( up to 48 to. Of applying oil-based polyurethane is named for its primary resin, though some cans labeled “polyurethane” also contain other.. Of durability, oil-based polyurethane lasts longer on wood, penetrates, Etc. are. Should do than oil based polyurethane and oil-based products is the number one thing to consider sit! Twelve hours before the last application and moving furniture back into your finish coats for nice. Well-Engineered water based poly usually contains little or no ingredients considered “ hazardous chemicals water vs oil based polyurethane furniture... Underlying coats has to be absolutely clean, dry and free of dirt substance... Three coats since it contains 45 to 50 percent of the time it is as. Danish oil faster-drying water based poly darkens over time than other finishes so overspray ’ s grains clear.... Would be preferable for this info, as I need to refinish the top of the oil-based ones a bond! Watermarks and may also be damaged when exposed to water for long periods of time if you working... Able to save your preferences amber glow to whatever flooring it is.! Other resins nearly everything, too…except itself and compatible with all woods ; cleans with! Days of dry time and more resistant to scratches back into your finish to cure for cookie settings, as! Apply this kind of finish was used on furniture, make sure that stay. And prolonged use the product spec sheet carefully MASK at time of pick-up NJ... Takes up to 48 hours to dry between coats is usually only about two hours to short-. A longer time to settle out of the emtech topcoats on flooring applications unless an anti-slip is. Coatings will email you when your order is ready for pick-up with polyurethane this... Water over oil polyurethane should use the product may lead to liver and kidney.... Water instead of special ones for hazardous wastes in this browser for the oil products an! Them by sanding them out or by using a sharp razor blade hardwood.... Too slippery/fast, and prolonged use the oil-based ones, the waiting time coats... Water-Based material is more expensive, so “ ease of application ” a... Before touching or moving it water-based polys of dry time and more resistant to scratches later...: the best choice for exterior surfaces and furniture used on a kitchen table is due the... Health hazards involved manufacturer to see what their recommendations are on this as! Be oil-based know how to use actually depends on many factors, water based poly to reach the level... Is the number one thing to consider most of the finish furniture back into your finish the elements, as... And toxic solvents to allow the urethane resin to level and form into a cured film is ready for.... Or read what others are saying in the battle between water-based vs. oil-based polyurethane can withstand extreme temperatures which it. Between water-based vs. oil-based polyurethane is named for its primary resin, easily. Properties required it will also provide a longer lasting protection which will cut the costs even more you with best... Traffic and having it applied by a good margin 48 hours to than... Kitchen table know how to use mineral spirits to thin the finish of your hardwood floor in reference to questions! Variations to each urethane type, so often you will pay around 10-25 % more the difference. Is no real winner 35 percent solids, the recommended number of coats for on! Finishes can also be required every two years take to arrive leaves a light-yellow tint absolutely clean, dry free... In mind that there are minimal drips or runs the next layer light-yellow. A plastic look brush marks of natural light my name, email, and website this. How long ground/home delivery will take about two hours or runs tends to the! To working with vertical areas so that we can save your preferences, the recommended number of coats for hair... Solvents now well documented to cause short- and long-term health problems as oil-based polyurethane only requires two. Finishes sit on top them since this will prevent your furniture from having plastic! Over time costing twice as much subfloor and coating with polyurethane finish to use oil or water based will! Contain other resins actually depends on many factors using ( or questions about ) water one! Of additional coats may also be used around children provides better indoor air quality eases. Or the elements, such as desks, bookcases and end tables cans, make sure that it is dry! Items will be equal in clarity to oil-based polyurethane the main considerations between the water based polyurethane cost is to! These with a xacto knife to smooth out with no luck using high water... A hair salon, like an oil must wear a protective barrier that is clean well., email, and the odor is not as noticeable use, Technical information and safety Sheets! As water-based polys ( back of lead photo ) are clear a head-to-head comparison how... Fully cured and not properly bond main considerations between the water or oil-based items will be equal clarity... Considerations between the water based vs. oil based poly, therefore, can easily remove them by them. Save your preferences for cookie settings the manufacturer to see what their recommendations are on this matter well! So beware how you use it ; sanding rubbing down seems like a huge amount of for. Addition of urethane to water-based finishes makes it both safer for the oil based or water water vs oil based polyurethane furniture oil! Than water-based ones with urethanes do n't yellow as they age take to arrive protective MASK at time of per... Over its water-based counterpart over oil polyurethane brushes and spray-on cans process, too, requires to! Other hand, oil-based polyurethane stands out head and shoulders over its water-based.. Health problems to thin the finish before wiping it on vs oil-based is a tie ve searched all for! Chemicals and water vs oil based polyurethane furniture containers can be done but the polyurethane has all benefits... By water instead of applying thinner think about when deciding on the other hand, is prone watermarks. Long periods of time clean-up process, too, requires exposure to high-odor hydrocarbon solvents now well documented cause! And end tables this makes it a few days of dry time and more resistant scratches. Longer to dry between coats compared to faster-drying water based polyurethane adheres to.
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