Have you ever wondered what the advantages are of using water-based polyurethane over oil-based polyurethane? It is always interesting to compare different types of solutions especially when it comes to performance. This is what you are going to want to compare when it’s time to assess Water-based polyurethane vs. Oil-based.
- Water-Based Polyurethane Dries Faster
Water-based jobs can take around 2 days and can be walked on at night. However, oil-based jobs can take around 3-5 days, and this even depends on the humidity of your environment. You must also have to wait at least 24 hours for polyurethane for floors to dry before you can start walking on them.
The overall dry time is the first thing most people start to notice because it affects right away. You are going to know the dry time will be effective right away and it’s going to work out as planned. You will know the dry time is going to rapid and isn’t going to delay the project.
Water-based polyurethane is especially advantageous for commercial businesses like restaurant wooden floors that need quick-drying methods in order to open as soon as possible.
2. Water-Based Polyurethane is not as fragrant
One disadvantage of oil-based polyurethane is that it can often have a strong, pungent, unpleasant smell. However, if you choose to use water-based polyurethane, it will not smell as bad.
This will be especially helpful if you do not want to disturb your neighbors with the strong smell of the polyurethane. However, it is also important to note that both water-based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane smell, it is just that water-based does not smell as badly or as strongly as oil-based.
3. Water-Based Polyurethane Is More Environmentally-Friendly
Water-based polyurethane contains lesser Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than does oil-based polyurethane. This can help benefit the environment significantly. Although, it is important to note that water-based polyurethane only has LOWER levels of VOCs, not an inexistent level of VOCs.
You are going to be helping the planet with something like this and that alone is beneficial. You will know it is going to last for a long time and isn’t going to be as damaging. The reason it is beneficial has a lot to do with reducing chemicals in the air.
It is these details that matter the most when you are trying to figure things out. You will want an efficient polyurethane for wooden floors that is sleek because that is what matters in the long-term.
This particular environmental benefit has the most impact once it is DRYING time. Once the polyurethane dries up, there will be no difference in smell, off-gassing, and more.
4. Durability
It is one of those things that will matter especially when you are trying to invest such as this one.You will be getting a solution that is not only aesthetically pleasing when it is used but is also going to last for a long time too.
This is key for those who want to simply set it up and then forget about it. If that is the mindset you are going into the process then it is best to start here. The water-based solution can pack a punch and will remain versatile too.
Conclusion
Water-based polyurethane has its own significant advantages over oil-based polyurethane. It is convenient because it dries fast; it is favorable in terms of scent and fragrant; and it is, most importantly, environmentally-friendly. The advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages of oil-based polyurethane.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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