water based or oil based top coat for wood flooring?

16 years ago

We are having new red oak floors put into our kitchen. They will be stained a medium dark color. I have 2 bids. Both contractors use oil based stains. But 1 guy uses water-based top coats and the other uses oil-based top coats. Which type of top coat is going to hold up better in the kitchen?

I have an older house and the upper floors are refinished with oil top coats. The finish is a satin so not super glossy. We would eventually refinish the main floor in whatever we choose for the kitchen.

Are there any special concerns to either type of top coat?

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Comments (2)

glennsfc
16 years ago
Research these archives and the internet for discussioins on the pros and cons of each type.

In a nutshell...'oil-based' polyurethanes can take a long time to cure and have a hydrocarbon smell. 'Waterbornes' take about 7 days to cure and the odor is much less.

The appearance is different...research this. However, any good finisher can give you the look you want in either product.

Durability of each type in dependent on the quality of the product.

Oil-based is old technology while waterborne is relatively new.

Good luck.
User
16 years ago
We have oil based in our old house, including the kitchen. It's a cinch to take care of it - wipe and dry. That's it. It's been 4 years since we put it in and the floors look as good as new.

When the oil based finish was applied, we had to move out of the house for 2 nights....the smell was horrible - breathing hurt.
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