Do you know how to keep your wooden floor glossy and unique? The best water-based polyurethane for floor review will serve your curiosity.
Wooden floor houses are in style. A polished wooden floor glows richly while exuding an air of luxury and warmth.
But the limitation of the wood floors is that it loses its luster with the passage of time.
That’s why people turn to water-based polyurethane as a solution to preserve the glory of their floors and enhance their lifespan at the same time.
Keep your floor in a bling-bling condition and check out the best water-based polyurethane for floors review right now.
In short, below is the list of top 7 Best Water-Based Polyurethane for Floors:
#1. Minwax 13022000 Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane For Floors – Best for household furniture
What’s great about it?
Let Minwax 13022000help with revitalizing the luster of your wooden floor! It is rated as the best brand of water-based polyurethane for floors.
The finish not only serves as a protective topcoat for your interior wood surface but also imparts an elevated look to it.
This is thanks to the upgraded formula with more polyurethane and fewer volatile organic compounds.
That’s why the coating dries in just a matter of hours and allows you to do the hassle-free clean up with warm and soapy water.
Besides, once applied, this stubborn coating will never fade away anytime soon but stay there to boast the natural beauty of the wood.
How to use it?
Before applying coatings, make sure the surface is dry and free from such foreign materials as stones, metals, brittle plastics, etc. as these may come as a physical hazard to painters.
The next step is sanding, but it is up to you whether to get it done or not.
But generally, a well-sanded surface will make painting easier since the compound can later adhere easily.
After sanding, you give the surface an overall wash and let it dry before applying the poly.
Results
As it comes in gloss, satin, and clear finish, it can give a glossy appeal to your furniture, including chairs, tables, windows, etc.
Also, the odor-free property means it is safe enough to be the best water-based polyurethane for interior wood floors.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
Compared to traditional poly, this Minwax product is more durable, faster in drying, and has extreme resistance to scuffing and abrasion.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
The slight odor this liquid gives off can be a bit suffocating for people around, so we suggest having your windows wide open for a better flow of air.
#2. Minwax 710330000 Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane – Best for woodworking
What’s great about it?
Another tip-top alternative also comes from the Minwax brand, and this time the Minwax 710330000 is equally impressive with its crystal-clear color, odor-free property, and optimized drying technology.
No wonder why so many embrace this as the best-rated water-based polyurethane for floors because it is both water-borne and oil-modified.
You can never find a perfect blend like that. Being oil-modified defines the excellent durability and fresh amber hue of the surface while the water-borne nature means ultra-fast drying and trouble-free clean-up.
How to use it?
Several simple DIY tricks will do the job.
To start with, we suggest doing the sanding at least three times for an ultimate bright finish. Then, vacuum the floor once to rid it of sandpaper grit particles.
After that, use a T-bar coater to layer the floor with a thin coat of oil-based poly and let it dry for a couple of hours before proceeding with the second and third coating.
You might want to make do without the third coating if the finish is satisfying enough.
Results
Minwax 710330000 is best to use on bare wood to add a brightly colored vibe without taking away the classic feel of the space.
Besides, it is highly recommended by hobbyist woodworkers for use on woodwork, paneling, doors, cabinets, trim.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
We genuinely love having a painted floor with Minwax 710330000 poly because it is lower in odor; hence, safe for the whole family and the pets.
It is also resistant to decay and scratches.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
The only cons is that the compound can cause eye irritation when being applied.
#3. RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish – Best for hardwood
What’s great about it?
RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 is not available in as many sheens as other compounds. But its specialty, the gloss finish, is the talk of the town.
Wildly popular with the title “High traffic formula” right on the gallon face, this product has gone to great lengths to offer a scratch-resistant, stain-resistant solution for household use.
If you doubt the color stability feature, we can guarantee that unlike most water-borne finishes, this Rust-Oleum will complement the natural color of your wood and maintain its integrity for years to come.
How to use it?
As the coating is relatively thin, it is advisable to apply multiple coats to bring to life the best color condition.
A gallon of this water-based poly can get the job done for a 400 square feet room with only one coat, which is an average-sized surface space.
Also, remember that you don’t need sanding between coats. All you have to do is wait for around 90 minutes for a coat to dry or else it will get tacky in the end.
Results
Thanks to the “no-odor” focus and glossy sheen, this one makes the best water-based polyurethane for hardwood floors and decorated floors.
Some use it as a protective coat for their countertops, and it comes out in a crystal clear yellowish hue, which is satisfying.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
The best part is that this liquid is fast-drying and equipped with stains and chemical protection mechanisms.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
However, even though the poly can somehow resist damage from scratches and stains, it doesn’t sustain moisture.
#4. Minwax 130240000 Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane For Floors 350 VOC – Best for a smooth finish
What’s great about it?
To your surprise, we have a meeting up again with our old friend Minwax, which is acclaimed as the best brand of water-based polyurethane for floors.
So if you are looking for a water-based poly solution for floor painting without pits and bubbles, the Minwax 130240000 can be with you.
The shining feature of this product is the upgraded anti-settling formula which requires less stirring and delivers a more even sheen.
Also using this compound, you can cut it short by doing away with the sanding.
How to use it?
Sweeping the floor is hands down the first step as you may know.
If you use this poly for painting, there is no need to sand or scuff the surface after that.
The right application tools you can resort to are foam brush or lambswool applicator.
Also, while applying, you can use it together with a mop to prevent dripping.
As you are done with the coating, leave it there traffic-free for at least 24 hours and 72 hours for hardwood.
Results
It is highly recommended for hardwood since Minwax 130240000 offers gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finish which is the best complement to the pure wood hue.
That said, immaculate perfection can be obtained for your interior floor and furniture because the poly application will prevent highs and lows across the surface.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
This water-based poly promises to provide an elegant and durable finish.
It can tackle the same old irritation of bubbles in poly coatings thanks to the anti-settling formula.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
The odor makes the room uninhabitable for a few days.
#5. Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane Finish Gloss – Best for exterior surfaces
What’s great about it?
Now, the limelight is for Deft 37125257040 water-based polyurethane – a multi-use solution for both interior and exterior coating.
Do you want to shed an inviting look to your house?
Say yes and let us break it to you that this liquid offers unmatched UV protection and resistance against the elements.
It specializes in outdoor usage; therefore, it is more durable. Made with 100% urethane, this product will help maintain the pure color of the wood while showering it with a bling-bling luster.
How to use it?
With Deft 37125257040, here are a few tips for a flawless, durable finish, especially for exterior application.
First of all, stir the container of water-based poly gently and thoroughly for the liquid to perfectly blend. If you are doing it outdoors, be very careful not to apply too thick a coating at a time.
This is because thick coats will be more difficult to get fixed once they expose to blemish, dust, bugs, etc. The condition outside is unpredictable, so don’t be hasty.
It’s better safe than sorry!
Results
If your area of application is prone to a lot of wear and tear, few coatings are as appropriate as this Deft 37125257040 as it will cover the wood surface with a protective topcoat.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
There are superior features that can only be found in this product, including wood protection against ultraviolet rays, extreme weather, and a dual purpose for both indoor and outdoor finish.
It spreads quickly and evenly without leaving bubbles.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
Once again, the unpleasant smell leads to breathing difficulties.
#6. ZAR 34512 Semi Gloss Aqua Water Based Polyurethane- Best for interior use
What’s great about it?
It bothers house owners when the poly coating darkens the wood’s natural color. Regarding ZAR 34512 water-borne polyurethane, that is never a cause for concern.
This product promises to bring out the best from your material as it features a semi-gloss, non-yellowing finish. It dries smoothly and emits significantly fewer fumes.
Besides, it meets environmental regulations and contains no VOCs – potential cancer-causing components.
Its full-bodied formula empowers itself with maximum protection against sun rays, abrasions, water, etc.
How to use it?
As for this Zar poly, one layer of coating possibly won’t produce the desired glossy feel yet. Thus, you may want to add a few more layers.
That’s a matter of preference but just bear in mind that recoating should be done only after two hours since the previous coat has to be completely dry.
Also, during drying time, the wood shouldn’t be touched to avoid unwanted blemishes on your furniture.
Besides, one day after coating, the floor can hold up to light foot traffic. Moderate and heavy traffic, on the other hand, calls for five days to a week.
Results
We recommend Zar as the poly for interior use solely because it has established its reputation as both an eco-friendly, pet-friendly, and child-friendly coating component.
As long as you leave it dry thoroughly, safety is no big a subject. At times, you can try using it on exotic woods, which is rendered an equally decent shot to go for.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
This poly doesn’t produce a yellow-colored finish on your wood, which is suitable for those who value wood’s natural beauty.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
Cleaning, however, is a bit time-consuming and labor-intensive.
#7. Eco-Poly Polyurethane Sealer & Floor Finish – Best for sealing projects
What’s great about it?
Whether you want a new shine to your furniture or an optimum sealer for your concrete pavement, Eco-Poly EP-4001-1S has compatible qualities to offer.
It is formulated with a whole host of sustainable materials that are not only eco-friendly but also highly resistant against moisture, household chemicals, and so on.
On the other end of the spectrum, it offers a renewable water-based poly sealer to help retain the long-lasting sheen of objects.
How to use it?
There are many different ways to get the job done with minimal effort.
You can use a foam brush, sprayer, a tailored mop, or lambswool applicator. But most of the time the mop offers the quickest fix.
With a minimum of two coats of poly, you can have an excellent finish and seal.
You should spare from 15 to 60 minutes for it to dry between coats.
If you are in haste, you can speed up the drying by using heated air or household fans.
Results
Being UV resistant makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor sealing projects.
Better still, this can be relatively versatile in that it is suitable for wooden surfaces, concrete surfaces, and many types of tiles.
Reasons to Buy -Pros
We appreciate this product for its devotion to the benefits of users and our planet as a whole.
The bio-based ingredients help reduce carbon footprint and deliver a finish and sealer without hazard or odor.
Reasons to Avoid – Cons
The matte finish might not be the best option for those who favor a more brightly-colored luster.
Things to consider before buying
The best water-based polyurethane floor finish should stand the test of time so that it can take your wooden floor and your furniture to the next level once and for all.
There are several factors that decide the poly’s worth and speak volumes about how durable the coating is.
1. Durability
Polyurethane itself is not notable for its durability. Yet, you can choose to have the product which comes with extra protection mechanisms such as RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031.
That means the poly can withstand the elements and retain its glossy feel even under the influences of scratches, mild abrasions, scuffing, etc.
Durability is also decided by the way you apply the poly on objects.
You should make it step by step as well as follow the rules of time for drying and post-coating use.
2. Cost
As a matter of fact, you get what you pay for.
But it is common knowledge that we all expect to have a high-quality water-based poly finish which doesn’t break the bank.
So, if you are low on a budget, Eco-Poly EP-4001-1S and ZAR 34512 are money-saving options.
Besides, if you want to mitigate extra expenses, you should measure your floor dimensions to decide upon the most exact amount of poly you need.
3. The look
Water-based polyurethane is to give a clear, shining look to the wooden floor or wooden furniture. The best poly is the one that doesn’t exert a yellowing effect on objects. Thus, you have to check carefully for the brand’s guarantee regarding this matter.
4. Ease of cleaning
First, ask yourself whether or not the area of application requires regular cleaning and renovation. We guess the majority of buyers might say yes.
Thus, you can seek references from the brand’s catalog for specific clean-up solutions.
Most of the time, we will suggest buying the poly that can be cleaned easily with warm and soapy water.
5. Smell
Smell is an inherent feature of poly, so you cannot expect this to be addressed thoroughly. However, we can at least offset the smell by having the space well ventilated.
Another option is to go for poly which has pledged compliance to environmental standards and checked VOCs safety regulations. The product which dries quickly after application can also have lower emissions of harmful vapors.
6. Water-based or Oil-Based
Oil-based polyurethane is more popular than water-based counterparts. But it cannot exceed its partner in several aspects.
First, it is less durable than water-based poly, and it produces a strong odor at the same time. In terms of price range, water-based is more economical.
However, while water-based revamps the wooden floor with a refreshing luster, the oil-based poly can introduce an amber, good chatoyance hue to the surface.
What is the best water-based polyurethane for hardwood floors?
RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 is a top-rated water-based polyurethane for hardwood floors.
It is a crystal clear, highly durable protective finish, tailored for hardwood floors.
It requires no sanding between coats and helps preserve the natural substance of wooden surfaces.
Can you use water-based polyurethane on floors?
The reason why people coat their wooden items with water-based poly is that this poly will enhance the longevity of these items while giving them a shining appeal.
So, the same benefits can be obtained if you apply this compound on your wooden floors or wooden tiles.
There are two choices (oil-based and water-based) for wooden floor coating, but the latter lies among the users’ priority list.
This is because water-based when used on floors, takes less time and effort to wipe away while oil-based mineral spirits or naphtha. Also, in terms of safety, the oil-based floor coating may be combustible.
The last factor in favor of water-based is that it dries faster; thus, doesn’t rob your family of access to the house for too long.
What kind of polyurethane do you use on the floors?
Oil-modified poly lends a smoother and slicker coat to floors, but the biggest cons is that it is super slippery. That’s why people avoid using it to prevent unwanted accidents.
Water-based poly, on the other hand, is lighter in the coating color so as not to alter the natural hue of the wood floor.
Therefore, it is widely picked as the best water-based polyurethane for cork floors and pine floors.
Which is better oil-based or water-based polyurethane?
There are hotly debated discussions over which reigns supreme, oil-based or water-based polyurethane.
And there are no fixed answers for this because these two differ in their basic formulation.
Oil-based poly is made from common finishing oils and organic oils extracted from plants; therefore, it is more expensive than water-borne components.
Next, water-based poly is getting more and more durable thanks to advanced formulation techniques employed.
Some of the water-based poly products on the market also check environment standards, so it gives users peace of mind.
How many coats of water-based polyurethane should I use on wood floors?
We suggest three coats to be the least.
Because water-based coatings are thinner, so laying the surfaces with a few more coatings gives a properly lustrous look.
What is the best way to apply water-based polyurethane?
If you want a quick fix, applying using a mop or cloth is a suitable option. But it often ends up in a mess unless you have some experiences doing poly-coating before.
Another alternative is using a lambswool roller which gives better alignment and helps evade the trouble of brush strokes.
But this is the best option to go for only if you are doing on a large, roomy surface.
Only then can rollers perform at their best capabilities. As for small wooden floors or surfaces, a roller turns out to be a bad idea.
One thing to heed is that before poly-coating, you should remember to drench the roller with mineral spirits to get a smooth and even stroke.
Is oil-based polyurethane harder than water-based?
The levels of thickness and hardness in polyurethane are inversely proportional. Oil-based poly is thicker but softer.
On the contrary, water-based poly is a thinner but harder coating.
Do you have to sand between coats of water-based polyurethane?
Sanding is a multi-step process, yet a crucial one to make sure the floor has a good coating bonding.
However, some high-quality water-based poly brands allow users to do without it.
Therefore, you should check the labels carefully to see if sanding between coats is required.
More often than not, we still recommend sanding for an ultimately polishing look.
Bear in mind that you have to carefully determine your grit sequence and buy some fine-grit sandpapers to have a nicely sanded floor.
As you sand, rub the surface gently to give it an adequate fraction for better adherence, but not too much to damage its grain.
For the first coating, it’s advisable to use light strokes not to roughen the wooden floor surface.
How do I get a smooth finish with water-based polyurethane?
There are two small tips to have a smooth, uniform stroke.
Tip 1: Vacuum the area of application to make it dust-free
Tip 2: Dip the roller or the mop into mineral spirits
Can you polyurethane over painted floors?
You can protect the paint of the floors by applying up to two layers of water-based polyurethane. This compound will not alter the color of your painted floors.
How long should paint dry before applying polyurethane?
The paint will hopefully dry in the first 24 hours, but during that time, avoid mild to heavy traffic as much as possible.
Conclusion
The best water-based polyurethane for floors review introduces an in-depth profile of different polyurethanes for any wood types out there.
We recommend the Eco-Poly EP-4001-1S because it gives a holistic approach to both floor coating and environment-saving.
The bi-eco components reduce harmful emissions and provide the floor with excellent color stability. All in all, it gives a good reason for your spending.
