Quick Tip #6 - Oil & Water Based Polyurethane - Which is Better?

How do you choose whether you should buy oil or water based polyurethane? What are the differences? Which is better? In this video I quickly explain the major differences between these two.

[chrisanthony]

Good video, thanks for sharing.

As a professional finished carpenter with decades of experience and an semi professional woodworker; I avoid most everything with Minwax on the label. I hardly ever use oil based poly or paint for one reason; because since it takes many hours to "dry" it picks up all kinds of dust, requiring the need to sand each coat. Most water borne film finishes require very little if any sanding between coats. My advise to DYI finishers is to avoid the big box/hardware stores and go to a paint store or better yet a woodworking store and discuss waterborne products with them. Technology has pretty much eliminated the need for most oil and solvent based finishes.

[joshuamayo]

It’s also worth mentioning that oil based poly will give your wood an amber tint, whereas water based does not. If you want to keep the natural look of a light wood like birch, DO NOT use oil based poly, it will turn your wood more yellow.

[brianshaw]

In a quick couple of minutes: balanced and unbiased opinions. Bravo! And, thanks!!

[FLHawk]

Well, I used oil based and refinished an outdoor lighthouse back in June. It has now turned yellow from the suns UV rays. After researching a bit, I have found out that water based poly's will NOT yellow. Have to try that next time!!

[goggutube]

I appreciate it, all the pointers, pros and cons, it definitely helps this amateur diy'er feel confident in which one to use. I am a genetic penny pincher, but time is money as they say. Water based drying time being much faster pointedly steers in that direction for me, though it costs a fistful of dollars more. Also, the low smell. I remember trying an oil based drywall texture can... whew, I had to open the windows on a 30 degree day for half a day. But I appreciate the clear pros and cons you point out. And like water based, you did an excellent job in short amount of time. 😄

[ronaldquezadajr]

Quick straight to the point and answered my question!

[skinnyslims]

Quick and simple. Very too the point. Highly appreciate the help brother!!!

[SouthbaySpeaks]

Oil-based is smelly, tends to bubble and can yellow when heavily exposed to sunlight. But if you want a fantastic-looking shine, there's no comparison: oil-based beats water-based hands down.

[papito]

Excellent presentation. You answered all questions about polyurethane.

[mbrang]

i just started using water based and to be honest, I have to say that i like it, i like the fast dry time, i like the finish and easy clean up..I also threw it in my old wagner sprayer and sprayed it on my last project for a smooth flawless finish.

[freddy]

Remember that there is a Polyacrylic has a Floor finish version and my reasoning is that it has decent durability. I have used it on a beech butcher block counter top for a client. So far, so good and as our host has pointed out the drying time is much quicker with far fewer fumes. And thanks for your video on aerosol can finishes. Yeah, price with much less coverage.

[Jerid]

The breaking glass sound affects sold me. 😅

[bragdifferently]

I always recommend oil-based if you have the time. I love the deep dark tones that it creates.

[rogerjustice]

Water based for me hands down, oil based yellows over time, water based seems to turn deeper and richer. Plus I like the low odor of water based poly also water based drys faster than oil based. I have a lot of wood in my house all finished in water based poly, the house was built in 1996 and the finish has held up great, as stated earlier it seems to have gotten deeper and richer with time. My sister has a log house all finished with oil based poly, her house was built a few years before mine but her cabinets are starting to get the oil based yellow tint to them.

[jacobbockover]

I live in an apartment with no outdoor space and pilot lights that's why I go with the water base. I actually really like orange shellac but don't use at for the same reason

[pteddie]

Hey Tom, I hope that the quarantine has not been too hard on you. I agree with all of your comments. One of the great things about living in California is that the state makes most of my decisions regarding finishes for me. I don't have to waste time trying to decide what the best finish is. I can spend the time that I've saved watching your cool videos on YouTube.

[rwoodard]

Very helpful video. and this is meant as a compliment..watching you, i see and hear quite a resemblence to actor Tim Conway. 😊

[livealil]

Very useful video! Just a few more questions about these products:

1. How much ventilation is needed for the oil vs water based if I would be doing this in a basement with a single window and a fan?

2. Which is more protective to things like heat and water?

3. Do you recommend any 2 in 1 products like the polyshades or stain + poly from varathane?

4. Would you recommend minwax or varathane?

Thanks

[divinesoulseeker]

Which one you think will work better for outdoor vinyl projects

[joekub]

you didn’t mention the most significant difference in finish, that OB gives a golden hue whilst WB remains crystal clear. this may be significant to someone finishing, creamy white maple for example. most woods will look very different with/without this golden tint