Oil Based Flooring Finishes.

Comparing oil-based with another well known and fast, upcoming hardwood floor finish better known as water-borne or water-based finishes.

Oil or solvent based finishes discussed will be the oil-based polyurethane.

Old Smelly Finishes Are Disappearing

Solvent type finishes are being slowly eliminated because of health issues, changing environmental laws, and a general offensiveness to the senses. Examples of these finishes are: acid cure and moisture cure floor finishes. And as you understand more about polyurethane finishes, hopefully you'll agree that there are better options for the homeowner and professional alike.

To begin, the purpose of any hardwood floor finish should be to enhance the beauty of the wood and protect it from outside elements. All polyurethane, whether oil or water-based, are a film-building finish. Contrary to popular belief, polyurethane does not penetrate into the wood. It's a surface-build protection. And in laymen's terms, polyurethane is plastic.

Doesn't Cure Quickly

Looking specifically first at oil-based polyurethane. It was always interesting to learn, this type of finish has been around in the United States since about 1936. A coat of this kind of poly can dry and be recoated in approximately 12 hours. Humidity and temperature can slightly change this 12 hour period. This type of finish will take 3-7 days to cure hard enough before furniture can be placed back onto the floor. Unfortunately, the smell of oil-based poly will linger for several days.

Oil-based poly has a way of filling in and flowing over the open grain of many hardwoods. This gives a desirable "grain-filled" characteristic. And it will develop into an amber (brownish-orange) look as it ages over the next several months. The amber look is a nice addition to this type of polyurethane especially if you want a warm tinted look.

Oil-based poly will always have a place in the hardwood floor industry, but with the trendy changes in law we can expect that newer, more competitive finishes will emerge.

Oil-Modified Finishes and Sealers

Bona's oil-modified finishes and sealers are formulated from an oil in pine trees, which explains the quick-drying and ease-of-use capabilities compared to oils made for other products. We were successful in our goal of developing an oil that highlights the beauty of the wood and provides a durable coat, while also limiting our impact on the environment.