8 Best Polyurethane Finishes for Wood

Via Merchant

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Unlike lacquer, shellac and varnish, which have been around for centuries, polyurethane is a product of 20th-century lab technology. In some ways, polyurethane is better than traditional film coating. It&#;s a curing finish instead of a drying finish, like lacquer. The process is irreversible, so the best polyurethane finish has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It&#;s an ideal finish for projects that need strong protection such as floors, tabletops and outdoor furniture.

&#;The pros are that it&#;s tough, resistant to water and chemicals and available in various finishes (gloss, satin, matte),&#; says Jeff Palla, president of Mr. Handyman. &#;However, polyurethane finishes can be challenging to apply without streaks or bubbles and may require multiple coats for desired protection.&#;

Polyurethane comes in solvent and water-based formulations. Water-based formulations dry more quickly, release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and make cleanup easier, so they&#;re more popular.

That doesn&#;t mean you should always opt for a water-based product, however. Solvent-based formulations have characteristics that water-based products can&#;t duplicate. Nor is polyurethane always a suitable substitute for lacquer or shellac, which can be layered and buffed to give an ultra-smooth protective coating with a more natural appearance.

A polyurethane finish is suitable for all but the highest quality interior furniture and woodwork, and it&#;s probably the No. 1 clear finish for exterior woodwork. Modern exterior formulations closely resemble traditional varnishes that include sun-blocking resins to protect wood from UV deterioration.

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Oil Vs Water-Based Polyurethane: Past, Present, and Future

In the past, oil-based polyurethane was the standard finish for protecting and bringing out the beauty of the wood. As water-based alternatives were introduced, oil proved to be superior in almost every way. In the &#;s, water-based finishes were especially terrible. They peeled, felt rough, and had a dull grey look. They weren&#;t much better in the early &#;s, either.

Today, you can buy a water-based finish that&#;s better than oil-based polyurethane. What&#;s the difference between then and now?  Advancements in waterborne technology. Water-based formulas have progressed to be more chemically efficient. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they&#;re also highly effective.

The finish of the future?

Water-based polyurethane has taken the lead over oil-based finish. One main reason is due to the health risks of products with high VOCs (volatile organic compounds). OSHA and the EPA list and label oil-based products with high VOCs as potential health hazards. Since , states such as California, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, and Utah have enacted legislation that restricts or bans the use of oil-based polyurethanes. Many other states are doing the same thing. As time goes on, you can expect more VOC limitations and restrictions to come into effect. On a national and state level, the outlook favors less toxic, water-based products.

Low VOCs Improve the Health of Your Home

One major benefit of using low-VOC or 0-VOC products is improved air quality in your home. VOCs are one of the the main contributors to indoor air pollutants. When you breathe them in, they can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. And exposure, especially over time, may lead to the onset of diseases, such as cancer and permanent brain and neurological damage.

All oil-based polyurethanes are combustible, odorous solvents that emit toxic chemical fumes as they dry. Off-gassing of VOCs occurs until the finish is 100% cured, which can take up to 21 days. Anyone in the space will come in contact with these chemicals as they off-gas.

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