Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. EMTECH EM6500 WB Bright White / Custom Tint Lacquer, SIGN UP TO RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL WOOD FINISHING TIPS AND SPECIAL OFFERS, turbine kit that contains the Q5 Turbine and a T75G gun, Emtech EM9300 Water Based Polycarbonate Urethane. oil based polyurethane will take about two to three times longer to dry between coats compared to faster-drying water based polyurethane. And todays new waterbased finishes are becoming widely accepted for their exceptional performance, too. The EM9300 will remain clear/non-yellowing and will magnify the existing wood grain and color. Jolie Home Premier Decorative Paints And More, Quality Woodworking Tools and Project Kits, All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, Household Polyurethanes, Shellac & Varnish. Thank you for your inquiry I recommend using our EM2000wvx Waterborne Varnish over stain to create a warm color tone. And so, if you read articles written as far back as the mid-2010s, you will find that the consensus agreement is that oil-based polyurethane is way more durable. All you need is water and a bit of dish soap. I am burning a plywood subfloor and coating with polyurethane. Of course, when you hear a topcoat dries clear, you dont expect it to change the color of your hardwood floor. Minwax polycrylic sealer has a low odor and a water-based formula. NR4000 is compatible with all of Target Coatings topcoats, but if youre looking for a recommendation, Id go with EM6000 production lacquer; not only is it a top-notch performer, but its very easy to apply by hand or with spray finishing equipment. While this has its advantages, it is a frequent source of frustration for new woodworkers. (Atosun), Pro Grade - Paint Brushes - 5 Ea - Paint Brush Set, 1 gal Rust-Oleum Brands 230231 Clear Varathane, Diamond Water-Based Interior Floor Polyurethane, Satin, ZAR 34512 Semi Gloss Aqua Water Based Polyurethane, Rust-Oleum 250241H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Satin Finish, Rust-Oleum 250041H Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based, Quart, Gloss Finish, ZAR 32512 Water Based Polyurethane, QT, Clear, Rust-Oleum 284486 Woodcare Triple Thick Polyurethane, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Satin, 1 gal Rust-Oleum Brands 200131 Crystal Clear Varathane, Diamond Water-Based Interior Polyurethane, Semi-Gloss, United Gilsonite Laboratories 34212 Zar Exterior Water Based Polyurethane, General Finishes Enduro Water Based Clear Poly, 1 Quart, Satin, Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane Finish Gloss, Quart, RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish, 1, Eco-Poly Polyurethane Sealer & Floor Finish, Wood Floor Sealer & Concrete Sealer, Non Toxic Water Based Sealer, 1 Gallon, Matte Sealer, TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 (Quart), FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Acrylic Paint - Textured Coating for 100% Skid Resistance - Ideal for Sport Courts, Pool Areas, Sidewalks, & Parking Lots - Color: Cobalt (1 Gal), Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane, Quart, Gloss, Jo Sonja Polyrethane Varnish Gloss - 8oz Bottle, Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin, 1 Quart, 1 gal Rust-Oleum Brands 250231 Clear Varathane, Diamond Water-Based Spar Urethane, Satin, Magimate Small Paint Roller Set 4 inch Painting Rollers for Walls and Crafts, Mini Roller Covers Paint Stain, Pack of 10, General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Topcoat, 1 Quart, Semi-Gloss, 1 Gallon Gloss Interior Water-Based Diamond Polyurethane Finish 20003 [Set of 2]. It leaves crystal clear finishes and brightens cool colors. After all, polyurethane is a sturdy, reliable, almost unbreakable coat that wont let you down. With that in mind, here is a head-to-head comparison of how water based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane stack up. When chemicals spill on water based finishes, they often change color. When you are proficient, you will most likely prefer water based polys for hardwood floors, at least because you can finish the job quickly. Go for it. Hello! EM2000 will offer very good moisture resistance and has a pH that will not create a major color change of the cedar. However, some people argue the opposite because oil-based polyurethane tends to attract more dust nibs. That means you must sand it between coats to create a mechanical bond to the next layer. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. The FujiSpray T75G is a turbine driven HVLP gu, it works off of several FujiSpray electric turbines made by FujiSpray. We have been debating about whether to use oil or water based stain. So, why is this the only thing that matters? Emtech top coats are too slippery/fast, and do not meet the anti-slip properties required. Emtech EM9300 Waterborne Polycarbonate Urethane is an excellent choice for this type of application. The government has been cracking down on indoor VOCs and is banning products that go above a certain threshold. Besides that, abrading the surface helps subsequent layers to adhere better. This is my first refinishing project and have been doing a great amount of research going into it. Hello, CP. Thus, fast-drying water-based polyurethane dries in roughly half the time for both products. The stairs dont need to be refinished as they were covered previously. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. I do have a few questions about the paint you are suing, so please feel free to contact my office so we can review in greater detail. The battle of water based vs oil based polyurethane is a delicate and tricky business, so its my job to simplify it for you. Thinning polyurethane makes it easier to use as it levels better and brush marks disappear easier. Even as you begin to apply it, parts of it will still look like white washed hardwood floor, but it wont take long before it begins to clear. If youve been working with natural tung oil, you might think thats not bad, but it is absolutely ridiculous compared to water-based poly, which only needs 4 to 6 hours. See Terms & Conditions, Phone:800.752.9922 (USA & Canada)+1.201.821.0150 (International), Sales / Administration / Warehouse:Target Coatings, Inc.17-12 River RoadFair Lawn, NJ 07410 USADirections for online order pickup, Water Based SealersWater Based PrimersWater Based LacquersWater Based VarishesWater Based UrethanesWater Based Pigmented LacquersWater Based StainsWater Based Additives. I lost the dark rich brown color. Thanks so much! However, the low solvents in water based polyurethane gives it a longer pot life (the amount of time you can work with it before it becomes unusable) and it is easier on your equipment. This option is by Appointment Only. hello, i need to put a clear topcoat that doesnt yellow on new soft maple kitchen cabinets ive built. Polyurethane sealers are topcoats used for enhancing and maintaining the beauty of your homes wood surfaces. So, to make it clear (pun intended), dries clear is used to describe oil-based finishes, while dries crystal clear is for water-based finishes. If we add everything up, heres the scoreboard: Depending on the importance or weight you place on the categories above, your scoreboard might come out looking differently. My suggestion at this point would be for you to go back to them and ask for clarification. Darryl Thank you for your inquiry. In the in-depth comparison below, you will decide which type of polyurethane to use depending on the project you are working on. The EM2000 will color-shift to a warm amber color tone as it ages, which will look really nice on the vintage oak. WOuld that be a good fit? In addition, both products resist scratches and scuffs, are water resistance and heat resistant. However, oil-based poly is arguably more durable in one aspect: chemical resistance. However, you might have realized that it is not a straightforward process. Ally Thank you for your inquiry. Water-based polyurethane is one of the easiest finishes to clean. While I personally lean towards penetrating oils for wood counters, you can use a film forming finish such as our Emtech EM9300 Polycarbonate Urethane for this application. I plan on using water based polyurethane for the indoor furniture as I want to limit fumes and the water based polyurethane seems it is fast drying and better for furniture. This water-based polyurethane has a durable formula and leaves a crystal clear satin finish. Also, if you are on a budget and working on a project that isnt time-sensitive, oil based polyurethane floor comes in very handy. I have one barn quilt in part afternoon shade (north facing) and another in full afternoon sun. Of course, the polyurethane wont be damaged, and it will still protect your hardwood floor, but you probably wont like the way it looks. It has exceptional durability and a low odor. You may also choose not to thin polyurethane, especially water-based polyurethane. It has very low odor and releases much fewer VOCs, It is grain-raising, so it requires more coats, Oil-based wood floor finish - Classic Clear Gloss, Excellent self-leveling eliminates brush marks, It has an amber hue that makes hardwood floor shine. after going to target coatings web site i noticed a couple of different sprayers, witch would work best to use on my new cabinets a T75G turbine or Fuji LX-20. In contrast, you can apply five coats of water-based poly in half the time. It provides durable and long-lasting results. However, if youre using fast-drying polyurethane finishes, they could be dry to the touch and ready for a recoat for 6 hours. It has several decades worth of layered paints in various colors that have a chipped almost calico finish. It's fragrance-free, provides UV protection and is non-flammable. First, however, you need to fully understand how different these twin products are to make the right decision. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Eco-Friendly Waterproofing Wood Sealers & Stains, Seal-Once Nano Penetrating Wood Sealer - Premium Waterproof Sealant - 1 Gallon Clear Wood Sealant, Seal-Once Exotic Premium - Wood Stain and Waterproof Sealer in One for Exotic Wood - 1 Gallon & Clear, Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer - Waterproof Sealant - Wood Stain and Sealer in One - 1 Gallon & Clear. Oil-based polyurethane can also be applied with a wider variety of rollers without bubbling. After the final coat, water-based polyurethane is ready to walk on in 24 to 72 hours and fully cures in 21 days. This finish is wood raising, so you need to apply more coats to get a smooth finish. Regarding your question about polycarbonate urethane and polyurethane being the same No, the term polyurethane is a generic term that is used to describe a urethane coting that is made from either polyester diol or from a polycarbonate diol. In either case is it necessary to sand the stained surface first? Before you get excited about one type or another, we need to consider the other factors that affect the ease of application. Oil-based poly is a brownish-looking liquid that appears thicker than water. Frankly, this is a personal choice and will depend on the project. As a result, it is a milky-looking substance that dries crystal clear. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your inquiry. If not removed these oils can cause adhesion and film leveling problems hen a water based finish is applied onto the stain. Before you can decide whether water based polyurethane or oil based polyurethane is best for your project, you need to define what you want the end result to look like and how you want it to perform. I am installing cedar wood to the ceiling of my outdoor covered screened in patio. Hi, I just purchased a new unfinished dresser and stained it with an oil based wood finish. Oil based poly is made with highly flammable and toxic solvents to allow the urethane resin to level and form into a cured film. The first and main difference between these two products is the color. I am venturing into making outdoor barn quilts. Spray application is the fastest but not always the easiest way to go. Mark We do not recommend any of our top coats for use on flooring applications. Hello. This can really bring out the beauty of the grain and make any dull wood color come alive. As long as you apply water-based poly correctly and with the right number of coats, you can expect it to last for years. Not being familiar with that particular chalk paint, I went to Annie Sloans website to see if they had any recommendations for topcoating, and noted they recommend Seal it with Clear Soft Wax and age it with Dark Soft Wax. Thank you. However, it is possible to apply subsequent coats of water based polys if there are no dust nibs, streaks, or bubbles and if you do it reasonably quickly. There can certainly be exceptions (some of which are noted below) but the below overview should make your decision easy 90% of the time. Jaclyn Thank you for your inquiry. Do you have experience using (or questions about) water based poly vs. oil based poly? Pick the least noticeable area and see how things go. Passing a verdict on the previous section might be a little misleading, and here is why. The raw materials used to make water based polyurethane cost more than that of oil based polyurethane, so the final price you pay is typically higher, too. Should I just stick to exterior paint? When applying water-based polyurethanes on surfaces that will see a lot of traffic, you should apply between 5 to 7 coats or whatever the manufacturer suggests. Ft, 32 fl oz (Makes 1 Gallon), 45PCS Sandpaper,Atosun Premium Wet Dry Waterproof Sand Paper, 120 to 5000 Assorted Grit Sanding Paper for Wood Furniture Finishing, Metal Sanding and Automotive Polishing, 9 x 3.6 Inches. But no one mentions that the water based can look terrible on dark paint. It provides excellent resistance to stains and scratches, and a single quart covers up to 125 square feet. The one application method unique to oil-based poly is wipe-on. For more information, check out this quick guide on how long does polyurethane take to dry on wood furniture. Required fields are marked *. Contact Us for more details. Which would be preferable for this application in a high traffic area with lots of natural light? Thanks, Michael. Yes, you can thin polyurethane. The clean-up process, too, requires exposure to high-odor hydrocarbon solvents now well documented to cause short- and long-term health problems. I am wondering if this is true, if you have any tips for my first time, and if I am able to use the water based polyurethane for the oil based stain? I am looking into the Oil-based urethane option. Jackie Thank you for our inquiry. A well-engineered water based poly usually contains little or no ingredients considered hazardous chemicals as defined by OSHA. If youre trying to make something virtually bombproof, oil based may be the way to go, but the hazardous additives and flammable solvents youd need means you would almost be making a bomb. I recommend that you use our EM2000wvx Waterborne Varnish for your specific application. Visit the link above. Do you know what kind of finish was used on that line of products? It was the original polyurethane, and as such, it remains the favored option for many OG woodworkers. Now, both types of polyurethane can protect your wood for up to a decade if taken care of properly. You still have the issue of which type to choose. Thanks. Should I buy a sprayer? Warehouse is CLOSED on Saturdays & Sundays and all major holidays. Natural brushes are made from animal hair to hold more of the thicker poly than a nylon brush. Water-based polyurethane has grown in popularity because it has a low odor, dries quickly, and is easy to apply. This clear wood sealer is made with water-based materials. It is worth mentioning that some water-based products will revert to remain clear in a few days, while some dont have this problem at all. Luke It is also scratch and scuff-resistant, waterproof, and dries just as hard as oil-based poly. Keep in mind that any film forming coating will chip, requiring regular maintenance. correct me if im wrong but it looks like em9300 would be the one to use. As long as you apply polyurethane the right way, whether oil-based or water-based, you and everybody around the product will be safe. A 20gal air tank is recommended. While comparing the price of a quart of oil base to a quart of water base may make it appear that oil is a lower cost, when you factor in the cost of the solvent you are using to clean up with you have to add in a quart of some type of solvent also. Great article, quite informative! The resins are classified as a polyurethane but each resin is made from a different type of diol ester. Thank you for your time. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Some people prefer the warm, amber hue that oil-modified polyurethane imparts to wood, but keep in mind, this yellowing will continue and intensify over time. This is ideal if you want the natural color of your wood to remain constant. So, basic items like household products or pet urine could leave a whitish blotch on your water-based topcoat. Is there a color you can recommend? I also agree about the safety particularly when spraying the product, water base wins hands down. My ceiling does not get any direct sunlight but I live in Florida. You can find the EM9300 at http://www.targetcoatings.com/shop, Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any specific questions. His goal is to help you become a successful woodworker, whether as a hobbyist or as a professional. The good thing, though, is that you dont necessarily need to sand between coats. That is why the application method is a critical factor when choosing between these two types of poly. Once polyurethane has fully cured (21 days for water-based and 30 days for oil-based), it is no longer toxic. Therefore, you should also think about how quickly it takes you to complete the entire task unless, of course, you are applying only one coat, which rarely happens. I would like to have a satin finish ( no shine). This is a fast and easy method of applying this type of polyurethane on small projects or hard-to-reach areas. I am doing a huge project this summer. On the other hand, oil-based polyurethane finishes look brownish in the can. Megan Thank you for your inquiry. We are not sure if we should use the oil-based or water-based poly. Despite what they say, Id recommend you always use soap after rinsing out. Lets start with why you would use polyurethane in the first place vs. other types of wood finishes such as shellac, lacquer, varnish, etc. I found it necessary to scuff sand between coats with water based poly. While there was once a time that water-based polyurethanes were inferior to oil-base polyurethane, that has changed within the past decade. As the name implies, water-based polyurethane uses water as its base or primary agent instead of oil (solvents) to carry the polyurethane solids. For example, for me, safety to the wood finisher and the environment is worth at least +5 points, in which case water based polyurethane wins by an even larger margin. Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler. Penetrating oils are easier to repair for the average home owner. Oil-based polyurethane is also perfect for dull woods that need a pop of color. As a result, you require more skill to use water-based poly than oil-based poly. Using water based polyurethanes will allow for a fast recoat time, very low odor / non-flammable environment, and our EM9300 Polycarbonate Urethane offer very good UV and water resistance. With all the preamble out of the way, its time to pick a winner between water-based polyurethane Vs. oil-based polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane can be used on any woodworking project and various finishes and stains but is most commonly used on hardwood floors. Goodell has been in love with woodworking for more than two decades. I got bluish milky streaks throughout. You may need to choose polyurethanes depending on the project you are working on: size, wood, duration, and look. So naturally, all of the research and development went into perfecting oil-based polyurethane. Thank You! This will tell you how long ground/home delivery will take to arrive. In CT, they have now (over last few years) banned oil based poly. The original polyurethane has been a life-saver, or should I say wood-saver for decades, and will continue to be so. However, its manufacture has improved a lot in the last decade. -JeffW-. The good thing about polyurethane is that when it dries, it no longer emits VOCs. Refinishing indoor furniture and making an outdoor welcome sign. Ive already sanded the swing down and removed most of the easily chipped pieces, but I want to preserve the look and finish because it reminds my wife of all the places the swing lived. Learn more about polyurethane fumes side effects. Thinning oil-based polyurethane enables it to dry slightly quicker while also making your product last longer. Another harmful product in polyurethanes is isocyanates, of which oil-based polys also emit more. Warehouse hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday -Thursday. I bought an acrylic polyurethane but dont want it to turn yellow which I was told this could happen. Hence, it is well-suited for use on tables, countertops, floors, and furniture that will see a lot of traffic. While water based polyurethane cost a bit more than oil-base polyurethane, the prompt application means you finish the job quicker and get paid faster. A good, easy to use option for refinishing these types of finishes is to use our EM8000cv Conversion Varnish with our CL100 Crosslinker added in to it. It is OK to use an oil-based stain and then clear coat it with a water based polyurethane. Instead of a synthetic brush, you need a natural bristle brush to apply oil-based poly. Oil-based poly is ready for light use in 3 to 7 days and fully cures in 30 days. Product Use, Technical Information and Safety Data Sheets. oil has a very strong smell that will linger but is very durable. Minwax Satin Clear Fast-Drying Polyurethane 1 pt. I am getting ready to refinish my floors. We used water-based (Bona) and it turned out great. Your email address will not be published. On the other hand, oil-based polyurethane is thick, so three coats are usually enough to protect your wood for years, while water-based might require twice as many coats. It is rated as a polyurethane but is built with a polycarbonate resin backbone, which gives it very good UV resistance. So I had to sand, prim (5 coats) then paint 5 coats of the chalk paint again. Likewise, some people find oil based poly dents and peels easier, whereas water based poly might scratch easier. But of course, even fast-drying water based polys dries quicker in 2 hours. Incidentally, just because a company carries other manufacturers products (which I am assuming is the case here) should never be construed as a recommendation to use them together. Both can be brush-applied. Of course, if you have toddlers on the premises and there is no way to cordon off the area, then please stick with water-based polyurethane. I recommend that you consider our Emtech EM9300 Water Based Polycarbonate Urethane as your clear coat of choice over the craft paints being used on your folk art. This light cleaning will remove any oil or wax that my be sitting on the surface of the stain which will cause adhesion or leveling issues with the water based polyurethane if not removed. Excellent review, just what I needed. 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Thank you for your inquiry. If oil-based polyurethanes cannot be kept below that level, they will soon cease to exist. The second option is the EM7000HBL Lacquer which is a non-yellowing acrylic lacquer. Its been sanded, cleaned with denature alcohol and conditioned with oil based conditioner.