Up front I must say that of all the finishes in the industry, if I had my choice in most situations, I’d favor the new water-based polyurethane. I suppose my opinion is biased. However, I’ve been using both water-borne and oil-based finishes for the past 14 years. During that time I’ve seen the water-based polyurethane finishes evolve into probably the best finishes in many ways.

When I think of all the homes I invade with my machinery and noise, one reality that must be addressed is that people want me out of their homes as soon as possible. In light of this, consider these facts about water-based poly:

• One coat down every hour. This one fact enables me to knock 1-2 days off the job which greatly satisfies the homeowner and allows them to get back to their routine of life sooner than if I had used oil-based poly.

• There are very few fumes. In fact, by the first day after I’ve finished the last coat, people have told me that they can’t even smell the fumes. Even a customer who has Environmental Illness (allergic to most fumes) was able to safely walk into his house without any reaction the day after I put on the final coat of water-based poly.

• Any given coat will dry enough in 1 hour so that the owners can walk on it.

• The water-based finishes (with hardener) has proven to be tougher, more durable, and more resistant to household spills

Drawbacks

The one drawback evidenced by professionals lies in that water-borne poly can and often will raise the grain of wood thereby causing the flooring to be rough. This only happens with the first coat. After that, the wood is sealed enough so as not to be affected by consecutive coats. Therefore, the professional usually knows how to eliminate the problem by using a special alcohol based sealer.

The alcohol in this sealer does not raise the grain thereby creating a great barrier coat between the bare wood (or stain) and that first coat of water-based poly which would otherwise raise the grain. This alcohol product is a new patented de-waxed shellac. With the wax removed it becomes a universal sealer. When finishing is done this way, it becomes known as a “hybrid finish”. The adherence of poly to this shellac is very good, and it can give you the warm, slightly tinted appearance that you can have with the oil-based, but less severe.

A couple more things about water-based finishes; they will not darken with time as does oil-based poly. Water-based

poly is absolutely clear and remains that way for years. For this reason, water-based poly is becoming more and more desirable on gymnasium floors; the maple flooring remains light and natural without the darkening and ambering. Also, all sheens (satin, semi-gloss, gloss) have the same durability, and a two-component (poly with a hardener additive) water-based poly is harder than any oil-based polyurethane. This is proven through laboratory, 9-step testing.

If the use of water-based poly sounds like more than you want to tackle in your home, don’t hesitate to contact a professional who is well versed in the use of water-borne polyurethane . . . The wave of the future.

In conclusion, I hope I’ve presented a few facts that will help you decide on what’s best for you and the consumer. Understanding the pros and cons of these types of finish can help in making informed decisions. In turn, it can help you to give your floors the best protection that will help maintain your floor’s beauty for years to come.

• Oil Based Finishes

Submitted By: Charles A. Benghauser

Location: Prescott, Arizona

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