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.
Timber floor finishes water based.
Water based polyurethane has a quick drying time and won t yellow your wood floors like its oil based counterparts.
Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.
But on light color or natural wood it makes the wood look more yellow and dated and it yellows more over time.
The biggest difference is in appearance.
This serves two purposes.
This is more than the amount of coats required for oil based finishes.
If you are going for lighter and more natural color or using a gray or white washed color water based poly is a better option.
Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.
Smell and long dry times.
One reason water based floor finishes rose in popularity is because they are manufactured with less vocs than oil based finishes.
Here are our expert tips.
This is great for darker colors as it gives you a darker and richer look.
Learn more finish strong.
You should never put a water based finish on top of an oil based finish.
By using a clear water based finish there won t be any conflict between the stain color and finish color.
These are just a few of the qualities that make water based polyurethane one of the most popular hardwood floor finishes for the home.
The oil is the key to getting a natural looking finish.
Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.
The advantage however is the low odor and low voc volatile organic compounds content.
The first choice for wood floor specialists restoration experts craftsmen because of its distinctive character protection.
This variety tends to be more expensive yet less durable than oil based poly.
Water based finish appears milky in the can but appears more or less clear when applied to your floor.
You ve spent hours perfecting it now protect it with beautiful durable easy to use wood stains sealers finishes.
The amount of coats applied in order to give ultimate protection is on average 2 coats.
Go with water based poly if that s a look you want to avoid or choose an oil based finish to enhance it.
Water based polyurethane wbp floor sealers and finishes were introduced to the wood flooring industry in the 1990 s as an answer to obp s two biggest downsides.
Another scenario is if the hardwood floor has been stained.