It is thinner than either oil or polyurethane, and may take an extra coat to achieve full hardness and shine. Add an oil-based paint into a clean paint tray. Last time I used Rust-Oleum water-based matte polyurethane. It can also help bring out the beauty of wooden surfaces with the downside being it leaves a light-yellow tint. Longer answer: if you wait for the oil-based stain to properly 'dry' (cure) it's no longer oily. In addition to this, oil-based polyurethane has a stronger scent to it and tends to dry slower than water-based polyurethane. Can I apply water-based polyurethane over an oil based stain? Water based poly needs 24 hours before you can walk upon it with shoes, 2 days until you can bring the furniture and around 2 weeks before you can move in. Our personal opinion is that waterborne polyurethane is better because it is only slightly less durable, has more applications since it doesn't yellow over time, smells less and isn't flammable. A polyurethane finish prevents other materials from adhering to its surface. Water-based polyurethane versions dry much more quickly, are a bit more self-leveling, and have less odor when applying than oil-based versions. Some people like that and others don't. Oil-based polyurethane levels out to a smoother finish, although it takes several hours longer to dry. It will need fewer re-applications over the years compared to the water-based version and also offer slightly better resistance to scratches, heat and moisture. An oil-based varnish can be applied over completely dry acrylic paint with little difficulty. The main difference is usually color: water based polyurethanes are completely clear and (again, if well engineered) will not yellow over time. Jim Carroll explains why it’s not only acceptable to use a water-based finish over and oil finish – provided you do it correctly – but that it can be the best solution when you want … When using a water-based product over an oil-based product, such as water-based High Performance Topcoat over oil-based Gel Stain, wait 72 hours before applying the water-based product. First, there are the surface finishes which form a protective film on top of the wood– shellac, varnish, lacquer. If for example, you apply 3 solvent coats, you'll need 4 or 5 water based to get the same level of protection. It's really up to you. © 2007 - 2021 Floorworks. Yes! Some of these water-based finishes are not for use over lacquer or shellac. Short answer: yes. Furthermore, it releases fewer harmful chemicals and their containers can b… It adds a warm amber glow to the wood which I can appreciate and has a tendency to bring out the character of the wood nicely. Mind, those off-gasses are supposed to be extremely weak and not having any health impact. Then, slowly pour the paint into the reservoir of a clean paint tray. Home Inspectors – Increase Your Referrals with How to Operate Your Home. 8 to 10 years ago, I used to recommend oil based polyurethane over water based poly. You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint, as long as it's clean and has been properly prepared. Painting over polyurethane requires patience, time, and effort. Applicators should use a quality oil-based primer that is compatible with water-based paints. Polyurethane isn't really a type of finish but rather an ingredient which, after sufficient drying, forms a plastic resin on the surface of the wood. A great finish to try is ZAR brand ULTRA Max – a waterborne oil modified polyurethane. All bright white paint will yellow slightly with time, even without topcoat. Barb is right--not all Kilz primer is oil based. Unfortunately, when many do-it-yourselfers apply polyurethane over a water-based latex or acrylic paint, they end up with rampant flaking. The tools used to apply this kind of finish can also easily be cleaned by water instead of applying thinner. A polyurethane finish can prolong the life of paint and prevent ultra violet rays from causing it to fade. They resist chemicals better, usually have a higher gloss, they do not raise wood grain, and are almost always more durable than water based urethanes. Water-based poly has low VOC content, while oil, also known as solvent based poly has particularly high concentration of those. In most cases, it is OK to use a water-based polyurethane over an oil-based finish in good condition. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable than his water-based alternative since it contains a significant amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Product Options. The Difference Between Water And Oil Based Polyurethane, Clear and doesn't change the floor's colour, Having high VOC concentration and strong odour. Well, I much prefer a true satin or matte finish, but having gone through this before, I knew exactly what I needed to do. Polyurethane Finish over Oil-Based Paint It works well, but be aware of the re-coat window. If you want the ease of rinsing your brush in water or want a non-yellowing film, you will not get long term performance. However, what will be the effect if you are exposed to this for months and even years? Still the best for high traffic areas like floors and heat resistance oil-based polyurethane has a higher solids content which means more leftover materials to seal and coat your wood when everything is dry which is why you can get away with only three coats versus the four coat minimum required with water-based polyurethane. If so, stick with an oil based one. This is because the curing process for oil is polymerisation, and polymerised oil is akin to resin. It takes more coats of water based poly to reach the same level of toughness compared to the solvent based. It's all subjective. I needed to just put a clear water-based polyurethane over the paint. Oil-based paints require a distinct solvent to scrub the resources, which makes using oil based paints costly. One word of caution – read the label carefully and follow the specific instructions. You should remove grease, dirt and wax by scrubbing the surface with a wood prep/cleaner/de-glosser, or mineral spirits and synthetic steel wool. Choose between oil-based and water-based polyurethane. Shellac, for example, being a natural product, is completely overshadowed and is now used mostly in conjunction with wax by those who prefer natural alternatives. Furnace fan, to distribute heat throughout the house. Eye watering, headaches, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination are signs that solvent levels are too high. Oil-based paints will adhere to the primer and polyurethane surface best and will last longer than water-based paints. This can distort the colors of the item you have painted. It was fine, … All rights reserved. Water-based acrylic varnish also can be used over any type of latex paint. Oil-based products also dry more slowly than water-based ones, giving you more time to … Also, 30 days is the time needed after the last coat is applied. Both types of polyurethane will emit them but since the concentration in the water version is lower, it will produce significantly less amount of harmful fumes. You can also use mineral spirits . Rent a power buffer and buy a fine (150-grit) screen. Should you do this, the spray paint isn't likely to operate and it's going dry smooth and even. But you must follow ONE simple rule to ensure the best possible finish: the underlying finish must be absolutely dry. How long depends on the type and concentration of the finish but there are registered cases of it lasting for months or even years. Use a water-based product if you're concerned about color because it won't yellow as much as an oil-based one. There’s an ongoing debate over which is more durable & long lasting. Strong, reliable, and tested oil-based polyurethane is still … I thought there were only three types? You should remove grease, dirt and wax by scrubbing the surface with a wood prep/cleaner/de-glosser, or mineral spirits and synthetic steel wool. If we take a look at oil-based poly it is said it will cure in around 30 days, right? Could you please break the tie? Third are the wax finishes which are popular among those who prefer more natural solutions with low toxicity. 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