[TheBigPig]

I'm in the process of getting quotes for having my 90 year old hardwoods refinished. Going into this I was set on only using an oil-based poly finish. A couple of the bids came back with a water-based polyurethane. All the bids are coming back within the same price range, but the guy who I think I like best uses a water-based poly, Polywhey 3500 (link below).

I'm sure there are a ton of opinions out there on this topic, but can anyone give me an answer from experience if water-based poly has truly caught up to oil based in terms of quality and longevity?

Here is the stuff that the one guy likes to use:
https://vermontnaturalcoatings.com/product/polywhey-3500-wood-floor-finish/

Thanks,
The Pig

 

[Windows on Wash]

The water based stuffs are really good these days. Can't see any reason not to use them.

 

[mark sr]

Personally I like how the oil base poly will deepen the colors naturally in the wood. To get the same look of oil poly over unstained oak you have to stain first when using water based poly.

 

[TheBigPig]

Mark,

I didn't realize the finish would be much of a difference between the colors of oil based and water based. We are going with a natural finish. After research, I do prefer the oil based look.

I talked with the guy I'm leaning towards going with and he is fine with doing oil-based at same cost. Thanks for your response.

 

[Yodaman]

If using oil based, will the house be vacant for a few days? I prefer the oil as well, but many say the high end water based are just as good now. When I do them, the homes are vacant with little to no traffic for days.

 

[TheBigPig]

Yeah, we'll be out of the house during the whole process.

 

[stick\shift]

Three coats of oil based poly is my go-to finish for wood. I use a lot of latex paint but I haven't seen fit to move to water based finishes yet.

 

[Calson]

If the house was vacant the oil based off gassing would not be a problem but if it is the house you are living in then the water based will be safer for the health of the inhabitants.

 

[F250]

Oil based polyurethanes will virtually always yellow as they age while the water based alternatives do not. Regardless of which you use, sunlight will darken any of the woods over time. Also, the commercial grade water based poly will cure to a harder finish than any of the oil based alternatives.

I've used water based poly products (all commercial grade) on the floors of my last three houses... 6 years in one, 9 years in the next, and now 12+ years with my current home. With a family of 8, the floors have worn tremendously well with no reason to sand and refinish the initial job in any of my homes.

Based on my experience, I would not ever consider an oil based poly for flooring.

 

[mark sr]

IMO if you use a water based poly it should be the type that requires a catalyst. You won't find it at a big box but your local hardwood supplier should have it. I brought some leftover mixed poly home about 25 yrs ago and painted a door in my shop with it and that finish still looks good.