Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Hardwood Floor Finishes

Oil-Based vs. Water-Based

Applicability

        Both types can be applied with a lamb’s wool applicator, but it is possible to apply three coats of water-based finish in the time it takes for one coat of the oil-based variety to dry. (The quick drying time of water-based makes it more susceptible to air bubbles if not done efficiently.)  Oil-Based tends to take a 5 + hours to dry in between coats / 12+ hours for the final coat (based on the humidity levels of the air).

Toxicity

        Oil-based polyurethane contains isocyanates which are very harmful to the respiratory and central nervous systems. Water-based polyurethane, on the other hand, is non-toxic and environmentally-friendly.  (Water-based polyurethane dries fast & it is possible to even use the room(s) by the end of the day, due to their low VOC.)

Finish Quality

        Because of its slower drying time, oil-based polyurethane tends to level out more smoothly and create a smoother, glossier surface than does water-based. Both produce an equally durable surface coating, yet due to their solid contents (which creates a protective finish), 4-5 coats are typically recommended for water-base vs. the standard 3-coats for oil-based polyurethane.  Both oil-based & water-based polys have their tradeoffs, as water-based poly won’t give the rich glow that oil-based polys will and tend to look more ‘natural’ / duller.

Availability

        Water-based floor finish is not as widely available as oil-based finish. Most hardware stores do not stock the water-based variety and it must be ordered from a professional floor-finisher   Water-based poly also cost twice as much as oil-based polys.

Clean-up

        Oil-based finishes require extensive cleaning of tools with nasty solvents, while tools used for water-based ones can be cleaned off with water. Also, waste disposal is not generally a problem when using water-based finishes as they are non-toxic.