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Quick Answer: What Kind Of Polyurethane To Use On Hardwood Floors

Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors is a clear, oil-based, durable, protective finish specifically formulated for use on hardwood floors. Superior durability for hardwood floors. Optimized drying technology results in faster recoat time between coats.

What kind of polyurethane should I use on hardwood floors?

A satin finish provides a subtle sheen with less glare than high gloss finishes. It is the best choice for hardwood floor and won’t show imperfections as much as high-gloss polyurethane will.

What is the most durable polyurethane for hardwood floors?

The best and most durable finish for water based polyurethane is Bona Traffic HD and for oil based poly, Duraseal. The steps generally get the most traffic and wear and tear (along with hallways), so it’s even more important to have a high grade finish in these areas.

Is water based or oil based polyurethane better for floors?

Oil based poly is a thicker poly, but it is also softer. Water based poly, an acrylic product, forms a thinner, but harder coating. Oil poly can be more susceptible to dents, while water based poly can be more susceptible to surface scratching.

What finish is best for hardwood floors?

What is the Best Finish for Hardwood Floors? Polyurethane is the most popular finish for floors. It’s tough enough to handle constant traffic and is resistant to almost everything. There are two types of polyurethane finish: oil-based (solvent borne) and water-based (waterborne).

How do I pick the right polyurethane?

Choose whichever sheen you like best; there’s no difference in durability. Just remember that the glossier the finish, the more it will show any underlying imperfections and any future wear and tear.

What is the best way to apply polyurethane on wood floors?

The best practice is to apply three coats of polyurethane, allowing the floor to dry, and lightly sanding it between coats. Some finishers offer lower estimates for two coats, but your floor won’t have the same level of protection, and scratches will go through to the wood more easily.

What is the hardest polyurethane finish?

Moisture-cured urethane is considered one of the hardest finishes available, but also has one of the highest VOC’s. Because it dries so fast, it’s difficult to apply, so it’s not recommended for DIY’ers.

How many coats of polyurethane should you put on a hardwood floor?

So, how many coats of polyurethane to add? You should apply at least three coats of polyurethane on hardwood floors.

Is Minwax Polycrylic good for floors?

Polycrylic™ Finish is not recommended for use on floors because it would require more frequent recoating in high traffic areas. Instead, we recommend any Minwax polyurethane, including Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane or Minwax® Ultimate Floor Finish for maximum durability.

Is there a special polyurethane for floors?

Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors is a clear, oil-based, durable, protective finish specifically formulated for use on hardwood floors. Superior durability for hardwood floors. Optimized drying technology results in faster recoat time between coats. No sanding required between coats.

Do you have to sand between water based polyurethane coats?

Sanding between coats is not required for adhesion as long as the time between coats is less than 6 hours. However, screening or sanding between coats usually produces a smoother better looking finish. A minimum of 3 coats of finish are recommended. Sand between coats with 120-150 grit sandpaper or maroon abrasive pad.

Which is more durable oil based polyurethane or water based polyurethane?

High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners & flooring professionals to be equally durable. Oil based poly can last around 10 years. Water based poly can have the same longevity.

Will polyurethane fill cracks in wood floor?

Wood filler will dry hard. If repairing a floor with it, add a finish layer of polyurethane and let it dry. You won’t have any problems walking on it.

Do you have to seal hardwood floors before polyurethane?

Most unfinished hardwood floors require one coat of sealer and at least two coats of protectant finishing. Sealing is very important, especially under polyurethane finishes, because it seals the wood and helps to prevent panelization; the separation of groups of boards from others or from the rest of the floor.

Do you buff hardwood floors after polyurethane?

Simply give your polyurethane finish a good buffing with a new 180 or 220 grit screen. This will remove flaws such as brush marks, lap marks, bubbles, raised grain and any particles left on the polyurethane finish.

What type of polyurethane should I use?

Water-based polyurethane is clear, low-odor and has a quick drying time. It is recommended for surfaces that see little exposure to heat or the elements, such as desks, bookcases and end tables. It may require more coats than oil-based. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable and develops an amber tint over time.

What happens if you don’t sand between coats of polyurethane?

For some types of poly, nothing happens if you don’t sand between coats of polyurethane. However, most polyurethane will not adhere properly if you skip sanding dust nibs and brush marks on the finish. The polyurethane finish will eventually peel off or become deformed.

Are there different grades of polyurethane?

Free Polyurethane Sample Keys The typical hardness range for polyurethane compounds processed at Gallagher is 55A up to 80D; this range can be expanded based on specific applications. The A scale is used for softer compounds; at Gallagher, the A scale is used for compounds from 55A up to 95A.