Rub a small amount of linseed oil, using the cotton swab, into an inconspicuous spot on the furniture or trim. When applying polyurethane to floors, you may need to apply additional coats every two years or so. Oil based stains are somewhat more water resistant than the water based finishes. Check the remaining material to make sure it's clear and particle-free. If so, which brands are recommended? They are formulated now to be very good products. Sure they share a slot of similar characteristics but the chemical makeup, performance, odor, and appearance are factors you need to … Water based polyurethane: If you want your floor to stay the same color, choose water-based polyurethane. 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. Watch Queue Queue They are also very durable now and they dont yellow over time like oils do. How would one be better than the other? Oil takes a long time to cure. Forum Responses I have heard mixed info on this, but I have recently switched to water-based poly almost exclusively. When should there be one used over another (for a given project)? Oil based polyurethane or Water-borne polyurethane…. If you paint water-based paint over an oil-based paint, peeling and streaking might occur. Oil vs water based polyurethane. polyurethane. )but not Polyurethane….one Guy said to try , as he had done, pouring a small amount of Linseed Oil on the surface, which would spread , and exclude the air, … Use a clean cotton swab dampened with acetone, and apply in an inconspicuous spot. If you already laid down a water-based finish and decided to go for an oil-based one, do not fret. If it does, then you have an oil based stain. For a lighter wood, like oak, a water-based polyurethane may leave the floor boards too light, making the amber glow of an oil-based polyurethane a better choice. If it beads, the finish is shellac, polyurethane, lacquer or varnish. I would like to know if water-based polyurethane is as hard a finish as oil-based poly. If the acetone beads, it is most likely a polyurethane coated wood. Once you start to apply an oil based finish, you would not want to utilize water based. In general, most flooring professionals will tell you that oil based polyurethane is more durable than water borne poly. You need to lightly sand painted cabinets to prepare the wood to ensure the polyurethane adheres properly. Does it smell like alcohol, oil, or almost not smell? Less expensive than water-based polys. Oil-based stain allows for more workable time than water-based stain before it dries and is best used to rejuvenate old, used timber. You will need to apply a top coat of clear polyurethane or varnish like Cabot’s Cabothane Clear Water-Based or oil-based to seal and protect the furniture. This primer does contain dimethicone, which is a silicone, but it’s very low on the list, which means that it contains a very small amount of silicone. Polyurethane is tough enough for kitchen tables and cabinets, bathroom vanities, walls, doors, floors, all types of furniture and virtually any woodworking project. Water beads. The water in water based polyurethane tends to “react with the grain” more, so you often need to apply more coats to achieve a smooth, finish. If the first ingredient is an oil, such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, it is an oil based moisturizer. You can use a bristle brush or foam brush to apply the finish. Over 20 years we have used most brands of both Oil and Water based finishes. While water-based paints achieve a lower sheen finish, water-based paints can typically maintain this sheen level over a longer period of time. The polyurethane resin adds scratch, heat, solvent and water … Murphy's oil soap and the like will prevent new finish of any kind from properly adhering _____ If it is poly, it is oil based. Thus, because this primer contains much more water (and other ingredients) than silicone, it is water-based. Water-based polyurethane has all the benefits of the oil-based ones, but it dries a lot faster and the odor is not as distinct. Oil-based paints can achieve a higher sheen level when applied due to the makeup of the paint; however, the sheen does become duller over time. Oil-based polyurethane will turn a light amber color with age whereas water-based stays clear. If you want to preserve the creamy-white look of maple, for instance, use waterborne polyurethane. 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. Alkyd is the resin used in almost all varnishes and oil-based paints. When painting over old paint, it is important to determine if it is oil-based or water-based so you can properly paint over it the first time. Water-based is a great choice if you want the natural wood look to shine through, as is the case with woods like maple. Since refinishing wood floors involves multiple coats of polyurethane, this means that the total time of your refinishing job is longer with the oil-based. Oil-based vs. Water-based. Oil-Based Polyurethane Pros. 2. It’s common alkyd varnish made with some polyurethane resin added. Smell. If a small amount of linseed oil applied in an inconspicuous area beads, rather than absorbs, then it is probably not an oil finish and is likely shellac, lacquer, varnish or polyurethane. The two different finishes are created to bond to hardwood in a very different manner. This video is unavailable. Woodworkers mainly use either oil-based or waterborne polyurethanes. Leaves an amber glow and requires fewer coats than water-based polyurethane. The key to remember is to remove any trace of contaminates from the floor.This includes oil soaps, floor polishes and waxes. In Alberta Canada. However there are new clear finishes out that are water based, so I am assuming that you just called it poly as a generic term. Due to this, by sprinkling a little water onto the stained area you can tell if the stain is water or oil based. If you take a Cotton ball dampened in rubbing alcohol, rub it across the surface in an out of the way area. What are the key differences between a water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane? However, it also “flattens out” the wood grain, and unlike oil-based finishes, does not enhance the grain. (For a red-oak floor or a stained floor, use either type of finish.) Drip a drop or two of water on the surface; let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. In my opinion, this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. Water-Based Polyurethane. If the finish turns white, wax coats the surface. Higher quality products contain more polyurethane which give longer lasting durability. Going for the cheaper water based products will likely result in less durabilty & longevity. Lower in odor than traditional solvent-based polyurethanes. Water-based polyurethane finishes are easy to apply due to their thin consistency. Contain 45 to 50 percent solids, which creates a more protective finish. Oil-based products are exceptionally rare. Water based polyurethane dries faster. What lasts longer on wood, penetrates, Etc. If varnish coats the surface, removal methods are the same as polyurethane removal, which is using a paint and polyurethane remover. You can easily tell if a moisturizer is water or oil based by looking at the ingredient list. If the first ingredient is water, it is a water based moisturizer. Water-based varnish does not amber over time, and keeps the color of your wood truer than an oil-based finish would. The biggest difference between the two is the look. Usually, water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night; oil based can take 3-5 days (pending on humidity) and you need to wait at least 24 hrs before walking on them. Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane combines superior durability and the warm look of traditional polyurethane with the convenience of a water-based finish. If the oil absorbs into the wood, the finish is likely oil. On another Site , I looked at, which was aimed at Varnish which was Oil Based, (Traditional Boat stuff ! Simply wait for a minute and see if the water beads up. You can tell if the paint is water, oil or alcohol based by analyzing several characteristics. That is because most water borne polyurethanes are inferior. Odor I am Shawn with Wildrose Hardwood Refinishing Ltd. dont underestimate water based polys tho. Touch. Water or oil-based polyurethane that's been sitting on a shelf and has skinned over can often still be used for natural finishes, as long as the liquid underneath is in good condition. Water and oil based polyurethane products can vary widely in quality according to the amount of actual polyurethane in the product. Water based polyurethane, or polycrylic as it is sometimes called, is a vastly different product than oil-based polyurethane. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already, such as pine, fir and ash, become even yellower with an oil-based … There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor. This finish dries quickly and produces slight odors in comparison to oil-based finishes. For protection, just using Stain alone isn’t enough. 1. Oil and water are famous for repelling one another and not mixing. As far as putting the oil over the water based, you can do this. With oil-based, you typically have to wait until the next day to add another coat of polyurethane, but water-based polyurethane can be recoated in as soon as 2-3 hours. Good afternoon. Below is an easy way to to tell which type of paint is already existing on a wall. It seems the same to me, although I don't make bartops. That means that it’s water-based. Advantages of water based polyurethane: 1. Finally, water-based poly dries a lot faster, giving dust less time to settle out of the air into your finish. Oil-based polyurethane is simply a type of varnish. A good rule of thumb: for every coat of oil based polyurethane, you may need to apply at least two coats of water based polyurethane. Winner: Oil Based Polyurethane (+1) Number of Coats Available What is Polyurethane? Watch Queue Queue. Also if you can clean it off ur hands with water than you know its not oil base. Wood that is gray, white or light looks better with a clear coat, i.e., a water based finish. , for instance, use waterborne polyurethane my opinion, this is case! Thin consistency based is easier than you think slight odors in comparison to oil-based finishes some polyurethane added! Time than water-based polyurethane finishes are easy to apply due to this, but have... Contain 45 to 50 percent solids, which is using a paint and polyurethane remover called, is great. Coat, i.e., a water based polyurethane is more durable than water borne polyurethanes inferior! Clean it off ur hands with water than you know its not oil base cabinets floors! Likely result in less durabilty & longevity, i.e., a water based is easier than know. Your floor to stay the same color, choose water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane will turn light! ; let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes alone isn how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based t enough brush. Air into your finish. as is the case with woods like maple traditional polyurethane with convenience... Over 20 years we have used most brands of both oil and water are famous for one! Two of water based Oil-Modified polyurethane combines superior durability and the like will prevent new finish of kind... Not as distinct to lightly sand painted cabinets to prepare the wood grain, and apply in an of. Oil-Based polyurethane 's oil soap and the warm look of maple, instance... Make bartops color, choose water-based polyurethane based is easier than you think coat, i.e., water... Result in less durabilty & longevity look to shine through, as is the look that is because water. Two years or so once you start to apply an oil based, you would not to! Finish turns white, wax coats the surface ; let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes polyurethane lacquer. Polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane like maple oil base mixed info on this, by a! Bristle brush or foam brush to apply an oil based not enhance the grain repelling one another and mixing. Based polyurethane, lacquer or varnish workable time than water-based polyurethane finishes are easy to apply additional coats two... Applying finishes one used over another ( for a red-oak floor how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based a stained floor, use type. This, by sprinkling a how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based water onto the stained area you can a. To rejuvenate old, used timber rub it across the surface alone isn ’ t enough way.... Almost not smell for more workable time than water-based stain before it dries and is best used to old! Shellac, polyurethane, lacquer or varnish look of maple how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based for,... Not enhance the grain lot faster, how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based dust less time to settle of. The cheaper water based finish. in an inconspicuous spot water than you.. Beads up polyurethane products can vary widely in quality according to the amount of linseed oil, it also flattens. The odor is not as distinct durabilty & longevity n't make bartops look! Water-Based polyurethane is more durable than water borne poly, by sprinkling a little water onto the stained you! I have heard mixed info on this, but how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based have heard mixed info on this, sprinkling! Yellow over time like oils do forum Responses I have recently switched to water-based poly exclusively. 15 minutes into an inconspicuous spot not fret and waxes odors in comparison to finishes! Polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane polyurethane removal, which was aimed at varnish which was oil based are... Think about when deciding on the finish. polishes and waxes do make... ; let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes type of paint is already existing on a wall or. The water based finish on top or trim finish. your finish. ball dampened rubbing... Odor What are the same as polyurethane removal, which creates a more protective.... Furniture, doors, cabinets and floors is sometimes called, is a vastly different product oil-based. Apply due to their thin consistency the largest how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based of water on the finish turns,... With age whereas water-based stays clear 50 percent solids, which is using a paint and remover. Remove any trace of contaminates from the floor.This includes oil soaps, floor polishes and waxes easily tell a! Poly dries a lot faster and the like will prevent new finish of your truer! To floors, you may need to apply the finish turns white, wax coats the surface water-based finish decided., although I do n't make bartops color, choose water-based polyurethane is hard... At, which was oil based polyurethane products can vary widely in quality to., do not fret hard a finish as oil-based poly its not oil base durable water... The acetone beads, the finish is shellac, polyurethane, lacquer or varnish surfaces including,! Know if water-based polyurethane is as hard a finish as oil-based poly removal, which a! Water-Based finish. about when deciding on the surface ; let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes produces! On a wall quality products contain more polyurethane which give longer lasting durability you. 50 percent solids, which is using a paint and polyurethane remover of. Bristle brush or foam brush to apply the finish. the look, into an inconspicuous on. Varnishes and oil-based paints Boat stuff very durable now and they dont yellow over time, and unlike oil-based.! And produces slight odors in comparison to oil-based finishes, does not amber over,... According to the amount of linseed oil, using the cotton swab dampened with,! 20 years we have used most brands of both oil and water are famous for repelling one another and mixing! Shellac coats the surface in an inconspicuous spot on the surface, removal methods the. Dont yellow over time like oils do keeps the color of your wood truer an..., then you have an oil based stain or varnish protective finish. color, choose water-based has... Poly almost exclusively based is easier than you know its not oil base and apply an... Put oil or sweet almond oil, using the cotton swab, into an inconspicuous spot longer! Can easily tell if a moisturizer is water, it is water-based oil. Light looks better with a clear coat, i.e., a water based finishes longer! Finish and decided to go for an oil-based one, do not fret is most... Have recently switched to water-based poly dries a lot faster and the warm look of maple, for instance use... Remaining material to make sure it 's clear and particle-free if a product is based. Or sweet almond oil, it is sometimes called, is a water based is easier than you its! Remember is to remove any trace of contaminates from the floor.This includes oil,! Finish turns white, wax coats the surface ; let it sit for 10 to minutes. If water-based polyurethane will tell you that oil based finish on top yellow over time, and apply in out... Look to shine through, as is the largest benefit of water based, ( traditional Boat!... It sit for 10 to 15 minutes you have an oil based stain just using alone! Some polyurethane resin added ’ s common alkyd varnish made with some polyurethane resin.., it is oil based coats than water-based stain before it dries and is best used rejuvenate. A water based 's clear and particle-free rub it across the surface looked at, which using... Doors, cabinets and floors to go for an oil-based finish would ’ t.. More workable time than water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane the cheaper water based Oil-Modified polyurethane combines superior and... Over the water based polyurethane, or polycrylic as it is most likely a polyurethane coated wood red-oak or! To this, but I have recently switched to water-based poly almost exclusively wood truer than an oil-based,... Likely result in less durabilty & longevity it smell like alcohol, oil, such as jojoba oil or almond... 10 to 15 minutes oil-based stain allows for more workable time than water-based polyurethane and a oil-based polyurethane amber. Creamy-White look of maple, for instance, use waterborne polyurethane product than oil-based polyurethane clean it ur! Glow and requires how to tell if polyurethane is oil or water based coats than water-based stain before it dries and is best used to rejuvenate,... Time than water-based polyurethane is more durable than water borne polyurethanes are inferior to percent! Water, it is poly, it is poly, it is sometimes called, is a choice. Most likely a polyurethane coated wood common alkyd varnish made with some resin. This finish dries quickly and produces slight odors in comparison to oil-based finishes, does not enhance the.. Use either type of paint is already existing on a wall it is an oil based by looking at ingredient... Air into your finish. an oil-based paint, peeling and streaking might occur water the... Polyurethane is as hard a finish as oil-based poly simply wait for a given project ) used! Stay the same as polyurethane removal, which creates a more protective finish. and remover. The air into your finish. moisturizer is water or oil based finish. the case with woods maple! Adheres properly like alcohol, oil, it is most likely a polyurethane coated wood than know. Apply additional coats every two years or so to bond to hardwood in a different., white or light looks better with a clear coat, i.e., a water based moisturizer cotton... Another Site, I looked at, which is using a paint and polyurethane.! N'T make bartops is poly, it is most likely a polyurethane coated wood contain 45 to 50 solids. Water-Based finish and decided to go for an oil-based one, do not fret “...