8 best polyurethane for floors
Polyurethane is a popular and durable finish used on floors and various other surfaces in home improvement and construction. Here's what you need to know about polyurethane for floors:
Type of Finish: Polyurethane is a type of synthetic resin finish commonly used to protect and enhance the appearance of wooden floors. It is available in two main forms: oil-based and water-based polyurethane.
Durability: Polyurethane is renowned for its durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, moisture, and wear and tear. It forms a protective, hard, and clear coating that shields the underlying wood from damage.
Appearance: Polyurethane finishes come in various sheen levels, including gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte. You can choose the level of shine that best suits your aesthetic preferences and the room's overall design.
Ease of Application: Polyurethane is relatively easy to apply, making it suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto the floor surface. However, proper surface preparation and application techniques are essential to achieve a smooth and even finish.
Drying Time: The drying time of polyurethane can vary depending on the type (oil-based or water-based) and environmental conditions. Water-based polyurethane tends to dry faster than oil-based alternatives. It's important to allow sufficient drying time between coats to achieve a high-quality finish.
Protection: Polyurethane provides excellent protection against stains, spills, and abrasion. It helps prevent the wood from becoming discolored or damaged due to moisture and everyday use.
Maintenance: Polyurethane-finished floors are relatively low-maintenance. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and routine maintenance, such as recoating or refinishing when needed, can keep the finish looking great for years.
Environmental Considerations: Water-based polyurethane is considered more environmentally friendly compared to oil-based polyurethane, as it emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has a milder odor during application.
Safety: When applying polyurethane, it's important to work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate safety equipment, such as a respirator, to protect against inhaling fumes.
Compatibility: Polyurethane can be used on a variety of wood surfaces, including hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood.It is also suitable for refinishing existing polyurethane-finished floors.
In summary, polyurethane is a versatile and durable finish that is commonly used to protect and enhance wooden floors. It comes in different sheen levels, is relatively easy to apply, and offers excellent protection against wear and moisture. Proper application and maintenance can ensure that your polyurethane-finished floors remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best polyurethane for floors on the market
RUST-OLEUM FBA 230031 Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish, 1
Rust-Oleum
Product description
RUST-OLEUM 230031 Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish
From the Manufacturer
Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish. Water-based finish for hardwood floors. Has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance. Resists stains and household chemicals. Dries fast for same day recoating. Provides a crystal clear finish. Simple soap and water clean up. Low odor formula.
- The product is Gallon GLS WB FLR Finish.
- Elegant design and Finish
- The product is manufactured in United States
- Varathane Gallon Gloss Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish
- Water-based finish for hardwood floors
- Has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance
- Resists stains and household chemicals
- Provides a crystal clear finish
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this too slippery for use on stairs |
| Answer: | Bona has a customer help line you may call to ask. They're quite helpful & offer good advice. I don't have the number at hand, but it's on their website & their product label. |
| Question: | will this work on Valspar floor paint (latex water based) thank you |
| Answer: | approx. 4 hours |
| Question: | Will this work well on steps with a varathane oil stain |
| Answer: | I used it for floor top coat my toddlers spill stuff all the time its great as far as its sealing ability but its extremely slippery when it gets wet. It doesn't yellow at all and its nice because its sheer but you do need many many thin coats of it to make sure it does scratch or chip off. |
| Question: | Do I have to sand between coats (hopefully not |
| Answer: | I was reading about whether or not you could apply this product over an existing finish and it is not recommended over an old finish of oil based varnish, but I did not see mention of epoxy floor. I think you should try it on a small area and then see if it adheres solidly. VOC = Volatile organic compound i.e. stuff you don't want to breathe. |
Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Satin 1 Gallon
Bona
- An oxygen-crosslinking polyurethane (OCP) waterborne formula.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long after using this, can you put the refridgerator and washing machine back |
| Answer: | 2 or 3 days minimum...and protect the floor when moving those appliances back...refrigerators especially can and will leave marks in the floor |
| Question: | Is this a clear finish, like a varnish, and can I use it on painted stairs |
| Answer: | Putting varnish over paint is always tricky. Bona is a floor finish, a waterborne clear varnish. If you are going to varnish your painted stairs you will need to clean them with a deglosser such as TSP. A scuff sanding wouldn't hurt either. Three coats with scuff sanding in between is usual for stairs. Gloss finish is more durable than satin, but that true in general. Hope this helps. |
| Question: | I have a gallon of Bona Floor Poly HD but it doesn't say satin or gloss, any ideas |
| Answer: | My finish does say satin on the label, the sealer doesn't specify. Normally any finish other than gloss has a flattening agent, usually a white paste like additive, that settles in the bottom and has to be mixed in...maybe that could help identify which it is. |
| Question: | How many square feet will one gallon coat |
| Answer: | First, what wood is being covered? Second, did you seal the floor? Third, how are you applying finish? Last, how many coats are you asking about?If answers are, red oak, Bona sealer, synthetic applicator then each coat can cover 500 square feet per coat @70 degrees F, and 45% humidity. Lots of variables. |
RUST-OLEUM 230231 Satin Water Floor Finish
Rust-Oleum
Product description
Rust-Oleum 230231 Diamond Floor Finish (1 Pack) Features: Superior durability and abrasion resistance Resists stains and household chemicals Flows easily, a cinch to apply Better adhesion than other floor formulas Dries transparent, non yellowing Excellent scuff and mar resistance Water clean up Satin finish Gallon
From the Manufacturer
Varathane Gallon Satin Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish. Water-based finish for hardwood floors. Has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance. Resists stains and household chemicals. Dries fast for same day recoating. Provides a crystal clear finish. Simple soap and water clean up. Low odor formula.
- The product is Gallon Sat WB FLR Finish
- Elegant design and Finish
- The product is manufactured in United States
- Varathane Gallon Satin Waterborne Diamond Floor Finish
- Water-based finish for hardwood floors
- Has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance
- Resists stains and household chemicals
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can I apply this on top of my epoxy floor? What's VOC? Thanks |
| Answer: | Contact the seller and ask for the instructions. You need the template that comes with it to get the two pieces mounted the right distance apart. If you don't get it exactly correct, the flip down bar won't fit property. |
| Question: | What do you use the clean your floors after using this product |
| Answer: | No! All metal. Very nice holder. One side of the bar lifts to to remove/add rolls. The left side of bar pivots. |
| Question: | can i use this on a stone floor inside the house |
| Answer: | It does come in a chrome but does not come in a polished brass. Moen Product # R8718PB or R8724PB are polished brass. Only comes in 18" or 24" lengths. |
| Question: | can this waterbased product be used to seal an oilbased stain |
| Answer: | I don’t think so. It’s pretty solid |
Minwax 710330000 Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane, gallon, Satin
Minwax
- Lower in odor than traditional solvent-based polyurethanes
- Protects and adds beauty to interior wood surfaces including woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets and floors
- Dries quickly
- Cleans up easily with warm water
- Recommended uses: woodwork, furniture, doors, cabinets, floors
- Clear, ultra fast-drying finish that combines superior durability with the warmth and beauty of traditional polyurethane
- It is water-based, therefore it has little odor and cleans up easily with warm water
User questions & answers
| Question: | Would this work as a "glaze" over painted walls? Thanks |
| Answer: | I don't know. It is mostly water based, but a little thick. I guess it could be rolled, but I did not apply it that way. It worked perfectly for my wood floors and is very quick drying. It would make for a great protective finish though, my floors have held up well. Try a little can. |
| Question: | Can this product be used outdoors on a deck railing that has varnish on it |
| Answer: | No, it’s an interior finish. Use marine varnish for anything subjected to weather and sunlight. |
| Question: | Would this work to coat kitchen counters after painted |
| Answer: | This is to use on wood. Is your counter wood? If it is & you're painting, not staining, not sure. But I think it should. I would try a small amount somewhere in a corner or some place where wouldn't be seen if didn't work well. |
| Question: | Can it be used over Oil polyurethane |
| Answer: | As long as the oil poly is fully cured (3 weeks or older). Just sand the oil with 220 grit and your good to go. |
Minwax 672070000 Complete 1 Step Floor Finish, 1 Gallon, Brandywine
Minwax
- Saves time compared to staining with one product and protecting with another
- Can be used over bare wood or over an existing polyurethane finish; over a properly prepared floor, this product allows you to change the color of your floor without sanding down to bare wood
- No sanding between coats
- Cleans up easily with soap and water
Rust Oleum 130131 Varathane Premium Oil-Based Clear Floor Finish
Rust-Oleum
- This Item Rust Oleum 130131 Varathane Premium Oil-Based Clear Floor Finish
- Used for Painting Supplies, Paint & Stains
- The Product is manufactured inUnited States
- Model number: 130131
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can the spray be recoated once applied, & how long after application |
| Answer: | We waited a couple of days to move our furniture back (although the floor seemed completely dry sooner than that). And yes, we have applied this product over an older layer of the same thing and it's been fine. |
| Question: | Will this product works for laminated wood floor |
| Answer: | We took a damp rag over it several times and did a final run with a tacking cloth. I would NOT recommend this product. We spent countless hours and money prepping the floors and after a few weeks the color is coming off of the traffic areas. Horrible product!!! |
| Question: | I have a hardwood floor in a coffee shop that needs to be redone, will this product do, or can anyone recommend a better longer lasting polyurethane |
| Answer: | Yes. I sanded spots off paint off and didn’t sand the rest of the floor. It covered it all well. |
| Question: | Would this help protect recently painted stairs |
| Answer: | Prep the floor as described on the can. I used a Shur-Line3.5 in. x 7 in. White Fiber Non-Rip Paint and Stain Pad and Handle from the big orange store. My roller pole screwed right in. Did edges with a brush. Out side temperature was about 70 F and first and second coats dried in about 2 hours. The client had a party the next day with 70 plus guests tramping over it and the floor still looked great! Don't see a need to seal it. This was applied to a ship lap floor that had been stained 30 years ago and the transformation was amazing. That's why I got an invite to the party! |
Eco-Poly Polyurethane Sealer & Floor Finish, Wood Floor Sealer & Concrete Sealer, Non Toxic Water Based Sealer (1 Gallon, Gloss)
- HIGH QUALITY SURFACE FINISH: Our polyurethane sealer for wood, floor, and concrete surfaces provides scratch, crack, moisture, UV and chemical resistance, ensuring a long-lasting sheen for your indoor and outdoor projects.
- WATER-BASED, LOW ODOR: Made with water-based polyurethane, this gloss finish sealer is virtually odorless and dries faster than oil-based counterparts.
- MULTI-LAYER PROTECTION: The Eco-Poly sealer is formulated to be highly durable. For best results and optimum sealing, apply a minimum of two coats on the surface for an elegant gloss finish.
- VERSATILE USES: Excellent for applying a protective wood finish to your furniture, cabinets, decks, and wood floor. It can also be used as a masonry, concrete driveway sealer, and concrete floor sealer.
- NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE: The Eco-Poly wood and concrete polyurethane sealer is made with advanced plant-based urethane technology and bio-emulsion resins. It is free of toxic off gassing, VOCs and Red List Chemicals.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How many years is it good for after applied |
| Answer: | I rolled it on. 1 coat a day. 3 coats and it came out fine. |
| Question: | Can you apply this sealer for stair flooring |
| Answer: | In order for this product to adhere to a laminated floor you would have to follow the same process for prep as a wood floor. This would require sanding. Any where there is a smooth shiny surface on any kind of floor, the Varathane will not stick. It will just peel off the unsanded surface. I do like this product very much though. It gives a good hard finish. Not only did I use it on my hardwood floors but I also used it on an oak table top. It is very durable and water resistant. |
| Question: | Will it work on painted plastic exterior window shutters |
| Answer: | This one the best product I know of, it hold up well. |
| Question: | Can this be color tinted |
| Answer: | I am not sure that it is recommended for putting over a painted floor. However, I stenciled a rug design on top of a hardwood floor (looks gorgeous I might add) and to protect my stenciled design, which was done with acrylic paint, I carefully put 2 coats of this varnish on with a brush. This was three years ago and it still looks fabulous!! |
Rust-Oleum Pro Finisher 5-Gallon Clear Gloss Polyurethane
Rust-Oleum
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this waterbased |
| Answer: | I am not sure. I just applied it a cupola weeks ago. I read in reviews that it still looks great after 5 years. But, I have not experienced any issues with it. And there is practically no order. |
| Question: | Does it work on concrete |
| Answer: | Yes, Eco-Poly is an excellent solution for sealing stairs. |
| Question: | Rust-oleum oil base pro finisher 1 gallon |
| Answer: | Thank you for the inquiry. We recommend sanding at 60-90 grit and then applying at least two thin coats. Allow to cure with no water exposure for 5-7 days. |
| Question: | Can succeeding coats be applied within a few hours without sanding between coats? Approximate drying time between coats in average conditions |
| Answer: | Yes, Eco-Poly can be tinted with any water based colorants, look for zero VOC options. |
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