Oil Based Polyurethane vs. Water Based Polyurethane
Durability of Water Based vs Oil Based Polyurethane
Cost of Water Based vs Oil Based
Drytime, VOC’s & Odor of Water Based vs Oil Based
Wood Color Change – Water Based vs Oil Based Polyurethane
Summary Comparison of Water based vs Oil Based Polyurethane:
Color:
water based: doesn’t change color of wood, dries clear and stays clear. Ideal for light colored wood.
oil based: darkens the color of wood adding yellowish tone, amber tone continues to darken over time. More suited for dark color wood.
Shine:
oil based: more shine
Required coats:
oil based: 3 coats
Dry time:
water based: 2-3 hours between coats, 24 hours to walk on, 72 hours to replace furniture, a total of 4 days (but house can remain occupied)
oil based: one coat a day can be applied, 24 hours to walk on, 48 hours to replace furniture, a total of 5 days.(house must be vacated at least 3 days)
Ease of application:
water based: not easy, requires experience, not recommended for do it yourself because it dries quick & can leave bubbles & overlapping lines, difficult to correct mistakes
oil based: easier to do it yourself, the extended dry time allows time to apply evenly & correct mistakes
Odor/VOC’s:
water based: very low odor & VOC’s compared to oil based, area can be safely occupied during application, much more environmentally friendly
oil based: very strong odor & high VOC’s during application, area must be vacated for at least a few days, odor can linger for days or weeks, requires a respirator to apply
Cost:
water based: quality product can cost 2-3x that of oil based, but because of oil based extended dry time requiring additional trips, contractor prices are often the same whether water or oil based.
oil based: less expensive for the product itself which can save money if you’re doing it yourself
Clean up:
water based: water & soap
oil based: mineral spirits, paint thinner or turpentine
Durability:
water based: can last around 10 years when high quality product is applied by professionals, inexpensive lower quality product may last only 5-6 years. Water based is harder which offers greater dent resistance.
oil based: generally lasts around 10 years. Oil based is softer which can offer greater scratch resistance.