Polyurethane is a durable varnish that comes in microscopic chains of resin molecules that adhere together once the product dries. It is more abrasion-resistant, solvent-resistant, and water-resistant than other vanishes, making it a safer choice for indoor environments with air quality concerns. Interior polyurethane emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a safer choice for indoor environments.
Exterior polyurethane is great for protecting wood that can handle weather, sun, and moisture, such as outdoor furniture, decks, and doors. Exterior polyurethane is ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, and doors, as it can handle weather, sun, and moisture well. However, there is a significant difference between interior and exterior polyurethanes in UV protection. Interior polyurethane doesn’t contain UV protective resin, while exterior polyurethane has UV protective resins.
Exterior polyurethane dries hard and remains that way forever, while interior poly will not last long outside due to changes in temperature, moisture, and humidity. Spar urethane is more durable than regular poly and can last 3-5 years without much maintenance outside.
For interior projects, both oil-based and water-based polyurethanes are suitable, but for exterior applications, it is essential to choose a polyurethane that offers UV protection and is formulated to withstand the elements. Exterior poly/varnish has a softer finish that helps it withstand the elements better.
The primary difference between interior and exterior paints or finishes is that exterior ones have UV inhibitors in them, so they do not emit VOCs. Interior stains are typically tailored for indoor use, while outdoor stains are specifically formulated with protection from sunlight and moisture. Overall, exterior polyurethane is more durable and provides better protection against the elements than interior poly.
📹 Spar Urethane Vs Polyurethane
Spar Urethane Vs Polyurethane 1 – Spar Urethane – https://amazonpro.hopp.to/Spar%20Urethane%20Vs%20Polyurethane VS 2 …
Which polyurethane is best for outdoor use?
Polyurethane is suitable for both interior and exterior use, with oil-based and water-based options suitable for interior projects. For exterior use, opt for a polyurethane with UV protection and withstands the elements. Oil-based polyurethanes are typically more durable, while some water-based formulas are designed for outdoor use. Polyurethane finishes come in various gloss levels: high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. High-gloss finishes are shiny and reflective, enhancing wood’s grain and color but displaying scratches and imperfections.
Semi-gloss finishes have a slightly less reflective surface, offering a balance between shine and practicality, commonly used for furniture and cabinetry. Satin finishes have a soft sheen, hiding imperfections better than glossier finishes, and are ideal for projects with a subtle, rustic appearance.
What is the difference between exterior and interior polyurethane?
Polyurethane is suitable for both interior and exterior use, with oil-based and water-based options suitable for interior projects. For exterior use, opt for a polyurethane with UV protection and withstands the elements. Oil-based polyurethanes are typically more durable, while some water-based formulas are designed for outdoor use. Polyurethane finishes come in various gloss levels: high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. High-gloss finishes are shiny and reflective, enhancing wood’s grain and color but displaying scratches and imperfections.
Semi-gloss finishes have a slightly less reflective surface, offering a balance between shine and practicality, commonly used for furniture and cabinetry. Satin finishes have a soft sheen, hiding imperfections better than glossier finishes, and are ideal for projects with a subtle, rustic appearance.
What is the difference between interior and exterior wood finish?
Interior stains are lighter and less intense than exterior stains due to less exposure to elements like rain. They are mainly used for floors, furniture, cabinets, or decor. The six best wood stain options for interior projects include Varathane Premium Wood Stain, which is reliable, performs well, and lasts forever. This stain is a top choice for homeowners and interior designers due to its durability and longevity.
What is the downside of water-based polyurethane?
Water-based polyurethane is recommended for wood grain surfaces due to its interaction with wood grain, requiring multiple coats for a smooth finish. It is recommended to apply at least two coats of water-based polyurethane for every coat of oil-based polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane offers unlimited coat options, while oil-based polyurethane is prone to “sheeting” or chipping after the first few layers.
Can water-based polyurethane be used outside?
Varathane Outdoor Water-Based Spar Urethane is a UV-light and weather-resistant material suitable for a variety of outdoor applications, including furniture, doors, windows, fences, railings, house trim, and boats above the water line.
Can minwax polyurethane be used outdoors?
Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane is a protective clear finish designed for wood that is exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes.
What happens if you use interior varnish outside?
Interior stains can be used on exterior wood projects, but they do not effectively protect against harsh environmental conditions like sun and moisture gradients. This can lead to premature fading, peeling, and cracking, as well as insufficient resistance against moisture, mold, or mildew damage. To maintain the beauty and protection of exterior wood surfaces, homeowners can choose from a range of wood stains in various finishes and colors. Semi-transparent stains, like ZAR® Semi-transparent, provide a translucent hue that enhances the natural wood grain and texture while protecting it from moisture, UV rays, and other harmful elements.
Is water-based or oil-based polyurethane better for outdoor use?
Water-based polyurethane finishes are a more environmentally friendly choice for contractors and homeowners. They provide a consistent appearance, dry hard, and wear-resistant properties compared to oil-based alternatives. Advantage Coatings Technologies, a market leader in water-based finishes, offers in-house technicians to help choose the right product. They can be reached at 499-1310 or online. The company is also better for the environment and emits less off-gassing smells.
Can interior poly be used outside?
Exterior polyurethane is generally not suitable for indoor use due to its whitish appearance. However, it can be used on window sills with direct sunlight. ZAR Polyurethanes are best applied to bare wood or a cured wood stain, not paint. Sanding between coats is not necessary, but a light scuff with 220 grit sandpaper can promote intercoat adhesion. The product is not designed for use over paint.
What is the longest lasting exterior polyurethane?
Oil-based polyurethane is a long-lasting, cost-effective option for outdoor projects due to its ability to contract or expand depending on weather conditions. It is ideal for protecting wood in various climates and situations. When purchasing polyurethane for your home’s exterior or interior, consider the finish’s appearance and feel, as it comes in various finishes like matte/clear, gloss, and satin. The choice of the right finish will greatly impact the appearance of your wood buildings.
📹 Quick Tip #6 – Oil & Water Based Polyurethane – Which is Better?
How do you choose whether you should buy oil or water based polyurethane? What are the differences? Which is better? In this …
I absolutely hate helmsmen spar urethane. Ive always used verathane brand poly but decided to try the minwax poly urathane and its made this outdoor bartop a nightmare. If i had the money amd time id sand the whole thing back down and go with the verthane polyurathane. Its been 7 days and the top is still not hard.
Why didn’t you compare Varathane Utimate Spare Urethane oli based vs. the Varathane Polyurethane, Instead of using the Minwax brand? I’ve used the Minwax indoor poly and the is no doubt about it’s durability. Today I’m trying the Varathane Ult. Spar Urethane oil based exterior on some popular wood that will see both UV and water, we’ll see how it holds up. Anyway, Thx for the article.
Good article, thanks for sharing. As a professional finished carpenter with decades of experience and an semi professional woodworker; I avoid most everything with Minwax on the label. I hardly ever use oil based poly or paint for one reason; because since it takes many hours to “dry” it picks up all kinds of dust, requiring the need to sand each coat. Most water borne film finishes require very little if any sanding between coats. My advise to DYI finishers is to avoid the big box/hardware stores and go to a paint store or better yet a woodworking store and discuss waterborne products with them. Technology has pretty much eliminated the need for most oil and solvent based finishes.
Water based for me hands down, oil based yellows over time, water based seems to turn deeper and richer. Plus I like the low odor of water based poly also water based drys faster than oil based. I have a lot of wood in my house all finished in water based poly, the house was built in 1996 and the finish has held up great, as stated earlier it seems to have gotten deeper and richer with time. My sister has a log house all finished with oil based poly, her house was built a few years before mine but her cabinets are starting to get the oil based yellow tint to them.
I appreciate it, all the pointers, pros and cons, it definitely helps this amateur diy’er feel confident in which one to use. I am a genetic penny pincher, but time is money as they say. Water based drying time being much faster pointedly steers in that direction for me, though it costs a fistful of dollars more. Also, the low smell. I remember trying an oil based drywall texture can… whew, I had to open the windows on a 30 degree day for half a day. But I appreciate the clear pros and cons you point out. And like water based, you did an excellent job in short amount of time. 😄
Great article thanks so much for the info. Also I don’t know who needs this, but I’d like to bless anyone since you’ve blessed me. Jesus christ loves you and gave his life on the cross so we could live and have a relationship with god. All we have to do is recognize our sins and ask for forgiveness and believe in jesus christ his son.
There is literally ZERO comparison in terms of durability between oil and water based polyurethane. I don’t know why people even try to compare the two. I own in apartment building in NY, all hardwood floors are oil based polyurethane. Still looking good after 30 years!!! If I used water based polyurethane, I doubt it would even last a year.
I can’t find any information on wiping on polyurethane for the poly plastic gun stocks.. I see countless articles for wood and of course would gun stocks but nothing for the plastic gun stocks… does anybody know if water-based or oil-based matters when applying this on plastic and with that asked does does anyone know if I can even do this on plastic?
Hi, just a quick question. I recently bought a home in WV that needed a partial external refresh so I had the front done in un-sanded hickory using the board and batten pattern along with matching stairs to the sunporch, my new neighbor is doing the work but NOT staining however he suggested polyurethane? I prefer the lighter natural look VS darker stains, do you have any suggestions when the weather is warm enough for drying like most likely spring there in WV?
Remember that there is a Polyacrylic has a Floor finish version and my reasoning is that it has decent durability. I have used it on a beech butcher block counter top for a client. So far, so good and as our host has pointed out the drying time is much quicker with far fewer fumes. And thanks for your article on aerosol can finishes. Yeah, price with much less coverage.
hello there i want to use polyurethane to strengthen my polymer clay sculptures. i want to apply as a couple of thin layers before i take a silicon mold and then paint them but i dont know which one to use? oil or water based which one i could spray thru my airbrush kit better and if there is a better solution to toughen up the sculptures than poly what is it?? i know this aint a scultping website but may be you can give me pointers on the materials 😀 thnx in advance stay healthy and cheers
This is great but help….I have been playing with poly for about 3 months (because I cant get it right). How do I prevent micro bubbles on something I need to be totally smooth? I have tried full strength, reduced with miniral spirits. slow move ment, etc. I even tried get the coats down, dry for two weeks and then 3 step polishing like a cars clearcoat…which leaves small scratch lines…disclosure, I am trying to get a glass like finish on a piano black case…Its mirror like for sure, by up real close, you see trash or micro bubbles…HELP…L0L 🙂
will waterbased PU stick to the glass surface ? I applied it to a glass slide and cured in the oven at 85C for some time then left it outside for two days, then put it in the oven at 85C for two hours and then left it in a vacuum oven at ambient temp and then heated it again at 120 C for two hours. Still it does not seem to be fully dried 🙁 may be the coating is expired ?
Help!! I have sanded an entire 20 year old cabin that had all rough sawn lumber. I would like to spray polycrylic or polyurethane, but I can’t possibly sand it again… please please NO!!! So which would you suggest as sprayed and not sanded??? I realize it won’t be a glass finish,but in more try to seal but still want it to look good. PS as a retiree that left Illinois, I love the license plate art !!! Thanks
Very useful article! Just a few more questions about these products: 1. How much ventilation is needed for the oil vs water based if I would be doing this in a basement with a single window and a fan? 2. Which is more protective to things like heat and water? 3. Do you recommend any 2 in 1 products like the polyshades or stain + poly from varathane? 4. Would you recommend minwax or varathane? Thanks
Water based is far superior. No yellowing of project, no special solvents, no special storage or disposal, and all the other bonuses discussed in the article. GF water based top coat is about as good as it gets and when making projects commercially the time savings can reduce cost or down time. Water based or bust!
Hey Tom, I hope that the quarantine has not been too hard on you. I agree with all of your comments. One of the great things about living in California is that the state makes most of my decisions regarding finishes for me. I don’t have to waste time trying to decide what the best finish is. I can spend the time that I’ve saved perusal your cool articles on YouTube.