Sale. The reviews are outstanding. If your hardwood floors are stained white or gray or have a white-wash stain, you need to use a water-based polyurethane. Also, there is no risk of damaging the floor with this coat as it’s completely safe to use. Bona has certainly proven itself over the long term of 10+ years and Loba just hasn’t had enough lapses time to prove itself for that duration (as it’s a newer product. Minwax One Coat Polyurethane Satin Water-Based Polyurethane (1-Quart) Item #740144 Model #356050000. To help you with that, let’s review some of the best water based polyurethanes that are perfect for floors and a detailed buyer’s guide to help you pick the best one. Considering that this is a Rust-Oleum product and the price,… They are considered to be a thicker coating than the other protective wood finishes like lacquers. The Minwax 64444444 Polycrylic Protective Finish Water Based is a solid option for you if you are looking for a solid water based polyurethane coat for your floor. Use Current Location. A water based polyurethane can help to make your furniture, bedding, or even carpets in some cases more durable. Remember, don’t go for saving extra money if you have to compromise the quality. Answer: You should wait for at least 1 to 2 hours before you put another layer on top of the coat. Water-based: Looks like milk in the can but dries crystal clear. The water based polyurethane can provide you pretty good durability, and that’s amazing for your floor. I have Berkshire County, MA cherry floors that have a coat of oil base poly and three coats of a Benjamin Moore water borne poly install (9 years ago). Water based polyurethane is the perfect fit for you if you want to have a hassle-free coating on the floor that doesn’t smell too much, dries out quickly, and comes affordable as well. Amazing Durability: Having enhanced longevity is the main reason for using the polyurethane on your floor. What is the Best Water Based Polyurethane? Also, it doesn’t cause color residue whatsoever. Read more here. You can get done very quickly with the whole process. You should apply at least 4 coats to get the best results with the coating. It’s also a great polyurethane because it’s … water based. Less expensive than water-based polys. Bona Mega is a mid grade water borne polyurethane. Varathane Water-based Polyurethane Diamond Floor Finish for Hardwood Floors. 79%. Also, it’s pretty affordable too if you compare it to the oil based coat. Rick – I’m not familiar w/ Benjamin moore poly, as an FYI. You can just use warm water to clean it off, it’s that easy. Not sure how long to wait before using them? And the water based polyurethane is just the perfect fit in that case. You should have a local professional look at the floors in person to let you know if it will work. Rust-Oleum 200241H Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane is undoubtedly one of the best coats that you can get for your floor. Customer reviews. This durable polyurethane is designed to prolong the life of your wood surface and create a smooth, lasting finish. The cost of the two products is virtually the same. Excellent for a water-based poly, today's synthetic bristle brushes combine excellent long-lasting longevity, paired with consistent application and an affordable price. Varathane 200261H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane is one of the best water based coats that you can get for your floor. BEST WATER-BASED POLYURETHANE BONA TRAFFIC HD. Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2016. RUST-OLEUM 230231 Satin Water Floor Finish. 403 Reviews. 3.  When you are refinishing maple and going natural.  While maple is lighter than oak, it’s is more sensitive to the light and UV rays, so if you use an oil based poly, it will turn yellow…and look very dated and worn quickly (often within 1 year). If it’s gone through the color or they are deep scratch marks, those may still show. It’s the most durable, looks the best, yellows the least, smells less and cures fastest. Also, it looks more clear, natural, and it gives way more durability as well. Quick Dry: The Varathane 200261H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane dries out very quickly. To help you pick the best one, let’s review the top 5 water based polyurethane that you can use on your floor. No one in the big stores believed there was a product that could mix the stain in with the polyurethane and make it work with a water base. So, either way, go for a coat that looks the best to you. Fantastic product. The final product we are … In the flooring industry, it is best when clients are “silent” after the installation of their floor. And you can reapply the coating after 2 hours. Varathane provides outstanding scratch and stain resistance to keep your interior wood projects looking great longer. Rust-Oleum Varathane Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane (200241H), 2. This is the polyurethane solvent of choice for … And that is to increase the durability of your floor and to help it maintain the new form for longer. Water based polyurethane can dry pretty fast, which is amazing. Satin Polycrylic™ Protective Finish is a crystal clear, ultra fast-drying protective topcoat. Contrary to what many may instinctively think, there are some super durable brands of water-borne polyurethane that are HIGHLY DURABLE…and in fact EQUALLY as durable as the top oil based polyurethane brands. A water based polyurethane will give you a clear and pretty natural look on the floor. So, you can simply avoid oil based ones and get water based coating for the floor. Also, it sounds like you may have done this yourself, and that is the cause of the bubble (from the mixing). The best water-based polyurethane for floor review will serve your curiosity.  1.  When you are using a gray stain, white wash, gray or greige blend (ONLY use water borne poly for these and ideally Bona Traffic HD, oil based will turn these yellow and lower grade water based poly won’t be as bad as oil based, but they will be a bit more amber and turn more yellow over time). Can a single coat of the Bona be applied over the existing coats as a refresher coat and would it get rid if the friction scuff issues? In that case, you should only buy from branded companies that maintain VOC and environmental standards, which is critical. Another brilliant feature of this water based polyurethane is that It only takes 30 minutes to dry and gives a clear coat so it is recommended to use on any wood. 2.  When you have a dark species.  Often darker and redder woods, such as Brazilian Cherry and Brazilian Walnut, tend to look better and richer with an oil based poly. However, water based polyurethane has naturally less smell, which is a great thing for you. We use this when our customers want (or are required by their co-op) to use water borne poly, but their budget won’t accomodate Bona Traffic. DOWNLOAD YOUR FLOOR TIMELINE HERE! That’s why it’s better to get a coating which is easy to clean and doesn’t require much effort at all. On the other hand, an oil based coat can be a bit shiny, which some people might find appealing. Bona Traffic HD (Heavy Duty) is hands down the best water borne polyurethane on the market.  It has the highest durability and is considered commercial grade which means it’s great for busy restaurants and retail stores, and will certainly hold up in your residential home.  Bona Traffic definitely costs more, but it is worth it.  If you ask almost any experienced flooring professional, they will agree. But not all the products you see in the market live up to their price. It is a two-part product as it comes with a hardener that is used to mix in and makes hard and durable. If you live in Westchester County NY, I offer color consultations to advise customers on paint colors and stain choices. Best brands of polyurethane (both oil and water based). I’d recommend that you use a professional this time, and I’d probably use Bona Traffic HD for a lighter look without the yellow. In this article, I will share the best brands of water based polyurethane on the market, where you can buy them, as well as when water based poly makes more sense than oil based poly. Easy Clean: The Minwax 64444444 Polycrylic Protective Finish is very easy to clean as well. I recommend them as they are good products. That’s why you should go for a roller as it’s a far better option than a brush. Yet, you can use a brush for that as well if you want to. Reviews. Minwax Polyurethane For Floors Semi Gloss Water Based The Best Water Based Polyurethanes For Diy Projects 2020 Minwax one coat polyurethane protective finish minwax fast drying polyurethane clear wood finish minwax polyshades review you 5 best polyurethane for hardwood floors reviews guide the which are the best brands of polyurethane for floors. If you are looking … DISCLAIMER: THERE ARE AFFILIATE LINKS IN THIS POST. That’s just perfect for the floor, and it also gives amazing protection as well. That’s a vital feature that you must have if you have some kind of breathing issues. Generally, if you are getting a much lower price on refinishing using a water borne poly, chances are the installer is using an inferior water borne product. And, I will delve into when you should consider oil based poly. No Odor: The most impressive feature of this water based polyurethane is that it has no odor. 5  When timing is tight.  Often, when you use water borne poly, it can save you 1-2 days in the process, and you can move the furniture back sooner.  Also, because it cures faster than oil based poly, dogs can go on the floors sooner, and they are less likely to cause scratches over the first few weeks. Some of the features that help to make it an exceptional coating for your floor. 4 star. You can read more about polyurethane in these 2 articles:  Best brands of polyurethane (both oil and water based) and Oil vs Water based poly – pros and cons. Verified Purchase. That’s going to help you get a more effective coating overall, which is vital. Right now, our top pick is the Minwax 33333000 Water-Based Polycrylic Clear Spray, 11.5 ounce Aerosol, Satin which feature incredible active. On the other hand, water based polyurethane has less smell to it and it tends to dry pretty quickly. Comes in 3 different forms; satin, gloss, and semi … Since polyurethane is so durable, it can stand up to most house-hold cleaning products. Over the years, we have tested MANY brands of polyurethane…on thousands of floors, and I want to share with you the best water based poly that we have found for hardwood flooring. I’m hoping the manufacturer will get back to me on the last product they used. However, you don’t need to wait for more than 6 hours when you put the final coating on the floor. Please note that these are products I know/use and recommend to my customers. When To Use Water-Based Polyurethane. When it comes to water based polyurethane, there is a lot of misunderstanding and confusion out there. Crystal Clear Satin Water-Based Polyurethane for Floors. Minwax 64444444 Polycrylic Protective Finish Water Based. Excellent Durability: The RUST-OLEUM 230231 Satin Water Floor Finish gives your floor amazing durability, which saves it from scratches and stains. And you’ll be able to clean it off with some water and soap, and that’s very easy to do as well. Bona Traffic HD (Heavy Duty) is hands down the best water borne polyurethane on the market. (134) Write a Review. Question 1: Is water based polyurethane going to be better for my floor? It gives you a clean and natural finish without any yellow effect. Your email address will not be published. 4  When smell is a major concern.  This could be because you or a family member would prefer to reduce odor (as well as the VOCs, if you have young ones, or if you live in an apartment, and you are concerned about the smell for the neighbors.  Or it could be if you plan to say in another part of the house while the work will be done. Amazing Finish: This water based coat gives a very good finish that is clear and looks very natural on your floor. But you can save money by being water based polyurethane rather than going for an oil based one. Minwax is another well-renowned company that produces some high-quality coats that you can use on your floor. Also, their products are fairly cheap and still maintain high quality. Your email address will not be published. It’s available in extra matte, satin, and semi-gloss finishes (extra matte and satin are most popular). Contain 45 to 50 percent solids, which creates a … Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish. It seems to have all the qualities of Bona Traffic – high durability, virtually no yellowing, low VOCs, low smell, quick drying and curing time. felt pads, vent covers, Hardwood supplies e.g. Answer: Rollers will be a better option than using a brush as it has a better converge and other benefits. 7. It’s water based so it produces less fumes and cleans up easily with warm water. Good if you're trying to preserve a wood's color. Please note that this article contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you purchase them.  I only recommend products we use and love.  You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page. That’s great for someone that has a breathing problem, which can be a massive issue. This application provides better indoor air quality and eases the process of finishing the floors yourself. You should never compromise the quality to save money when it comes to getting a coat for your floor. The good news is, we’ve tested tons of these increasingly popular true water based polyurethane, and found the best of the best. ZAR 32512 Aqua Water Based Polyurethane. Enhance Durability: This water based polyurethane helps to increase the longevity of your floor and protects it from scratches and stains. Bona Traffic is the best product for gray and white wash stains, as well as maple as it amberizes (or yellows) the least vs any other product.  Also, if you want your oak floors to be as light as possible (and the least yellow), this is the best option. You can see all my recos on my Amazon Influencer page. You can’t go wrong with either of these, and you’ll be in great shape with either selection.  it’s really when you move down a grade to the number 3 choice that you’ll start to see a quality difference. Questions and Answers. That depends on how you prefer the floor to look in the first place. Pros: Not too expensive; very durable; resists … now the floors are yellow and we are thinking of just replacing them with LVP or engineered wood. Bona Traffic HD. It can be a bit of an issue if you get a coating that’s hard to clean, especially if you have to clean it regularly. 1 qt. 1. Non-yellowing poly designed to protect interior wood floors. More watery than oil-based polys, so more coats are needed. The surface has been prone to showing friction scuff marks from grandkids sliding knees and feet. While I love high grade water based polyurethane brands (as they are durable, smell less, dry faster and have lower VOCs), I have to warn you that there are many inferior brands out there.  In fact, there are more bad ones than good, and more and more brands enter the market each year. Tons of these increasingly popular true water based Oil-Modified polyurethane is the best water coat... Or engineered wood based, 3 it and it also gives your product a hand rubbed look which! 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