Water Based Flooring Finishes

The one drawback evidenced by professionals lies in that water-borne poly can and often will raise the grain of wood thereby causing the flooring to be rough. This only happens with the first coat. After that, the wood is sealed enough so as not to be affected by consecutive coats. Therefore, the professional usually knows how to eliminate the problem by using a special based sealer.

The  sealer does not raise the grain thereby creating a great barrier coat between the bare wood (or stain) and that first coat of water-based poly which would otherwise raise the grain. This product is a new universal sealer. When finishing is done this way, it becomes known as a "hybrid finish". The adherence of poly to this shellac is very good, and it can give you the warm, slightly tinted appearance that you can have with the oil-based, but less severe.

Appearances Different From Oil Based

A couple more things about water-based finishes; they will not darken with time as does oil-based poly. Water-based poly is absolutely clear and remains that way for years. For this reason, water-based poly is becoming more and more desirable. Also, all sheens (satin, semi-gloss, gloss) have the same durability, and a two-component (poly with a hardener additive) water-based poly is harder than any oil-based polyurethane. This is proven through laboratory, 9-step testing.

Understanding the pros and cons of these types of finish can help in making informed decisions. In turn, it can help you to give your floors the best protection that will help maintain your floor's beauty for years to come.

There are very few fumes. In fact, by the first day after I’ve finished the last coat, people have told me that they can’t even smell the fumes. 
Any given coat will dry enough in 1-2 hour so that the owners can walk on it.
The water-based finishes (with hardener) has proven to be tougher, more durable, and more resistant to household spills.

Waterborne Finishes and Sealers The pioneer in the development of waterborne finishes in the 1970s, Bona is now a world leading company offering a full range of environmentally sound products.  Bona's industry-leading waterborne finishes and sealers have always been VOC-compliant and healthier for people and the environment than most other finishes. Providing the highest quality, cleanest finishing process available, Bona protects your health and the environment, while assuring the ultimate in durability and beauty for hardwood floors.  Bona Amberseal  Bona AmberSeal is a non-yellowing, poly-tone waterborne sanding sealer that provides an oil-based look to hardwood floors. Can be used with all Bona waterborne finishes over both stained and unstained floors. Excellent abradability, fast dry times, and reduces potential for sidebonding and tannin bleed. Bona AmberSeal is a nonflammable, virtually odorless sealer.     Bona Novia Unsurpassed flow and leveling, defoaming, and numerous application options make Bona Novia the easiest to use waterborne finish on the market. When Bona Novia is used with Bona AmberSeal, it is a budget sensitive, dependable alternative to any oil-based system.    Bonaseal Bonaseal is a specially formulated waterborne sealer for use with all Bona waterborne finishes. The exceptionally clear formula highlights the natural color of the wood, minimizes grain raise and tannin bleed, provides a build layer, and prevents the finish from penetrating into the wood surface. Virtually odorless and nonflammable.     Bona Naturale Bona Naturale is a waterborne commercial and residential hardwood floor finish. It is the next generation of wood floor protection that preserves the true natural look of hardwood floors. With Bona Naturale, you get as close to an untreated look and feel as possible while still providing your floor with a durable surface.  Along with Bona Naturale's elegant look and noticeably unique feeling underfoot, this finish has superb, Traffic-like durability, and because of its natural look, scratch marks are less visible.     Bona Mega Bona Mega is a waterborne, residential and commercial hardwood floor finish. The proven performance and value standard in the industry, Bona Mega is an oxygen-crosslinking polyurethane (OCP) waterborne formula with extraordinary performance. The oxygen in the air is the crosslinker. No additives to mix, no limited pot life, and no wasted finish.      Bona Traffic Bona Traffic is a waterborne, commercial and residential hardwood floor finish. It is the industry's premium finish for durability and beauty.   Designed specifically for the unique demands of heavy-traffic commercial and residential hardwood floors, Bona Traffic's advanced formula provides the ultimate in durability, outperforming any finish in the industry - moisture cure, solvent-based, oil-modified or other waterborne finishes.     Bona Traffic Anti-Slip Bona Traffic Anti-Slip is a 2-component waterborne finish offering exceptional durability and protection for hardwood floors. It has all the features of Bona Traffic but with the additional benefit of being formulated to meet the highest standards for slip resistance. With its higher coefficient of friction, Bona Traffic Anti-Slip is an ideal choice for stairs, nurseries, kitchens and similar locations.                            The Bona system is the only hardwood floor finishing system that is GreenGuard Certified for Indoor Air Quality GREENGUARD GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that establishes standards and testing for indoor products. Its goal is to improve public health by helping manufacturers build safer, better products. These products will not pollute the air with harmful levels of dangerous chemicals or particulates.