Choosing the Best Finish for Hardwood Floors: Water-Based vs. Oil-Based
Hardwood floor finishes are essential in protecting your floors and enhancing their beauty. At Notorious Flooring, we offer two popular finishes: water-based traffic finish and oil-based finish. Both options provide unique benefits, so let’s dive in to help you make an informed choice.
Water-Based Traffic Finish
Water-based traffic finishes are popular for homeowners looking for a clear, natural appearance and an eco-friendly choice. Here are some benefits:
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Clear and Natural Appearance
Water-based finishes maintain the natural beauty of hardwood without altering the color, providing a timeless and elegant look. It will not Amber over time, color will remain the same compare to oil-based finishes -
Quick Drying
With fast drying times, water-based finishes allow for quicker project completion, minimizing downtime and inconvenience for your household. -
Low Odor and VOCs
With fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and low odor, water-based finishes are a healthier and more environmentally friendly choice. Learn more about Pallmann’s water-based finishes, one of the premium water-based options we recommend. -
Excellent Durability
Water-based finishes offer outstanding resistance to scratches, stains, and wear, making them ideal for active households.
Oil-Based Finish
Oil-based finishes are known for their rich color and depth. Here’s what makes them unique:
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Rich Color and Depth
Oil-based finishes enhance the natural beauty of hardwood floors with a luxurious, warm appearance. -
Superior Durability
They create a strong protective layer, making them ideal for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial spaces. -
Longer Drying Time
Oil-based finishes require more drying time between coats, which can extend the project timeline. -
Potential for Yellowing
Over time, oil-based finishes may amber, lending a vintage look to your floors. Explore more about our oil-based finishes, including options from Poloplaz, a trusted provider of both oil-based and water-based finishes.
Why Water-Based Traffic Finishes Are Often Better
While oil-based finishes have their benefits, water-based traffic finishes are often preferred by our clients for several reasons:
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Health and Safety
With lower VOC emissions, water-based finishes are better for indoor air quality, providing a safer option for families. -
Faster Drying and Curing Times
These finishes dry quickly, allowing us to complete your project faster and minimize inconvenience. Curing time in only 3-4 days compare to the 4 week periods on the oilbased finishes. -
Dry to the Touch: Water-based finishes are often dry to the touch within 2 to 4 hours.
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Light Foot Traffic: You can usually walk on them (with socks or soft shoes) after about 24 hours.
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Furniture: Furniture can be carefully moved back after 2 to 3 days. Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.
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Full Cure: Water-based traffic finishes reach full cure in 3-4 days—a big advantage over oil-based options, which take longer about 3-4 weeks.
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Clear Appearance
Water-based finishes maintain the natural color of your floors without yellowing, offering a more neutral and timeless appearance. -
Excellent Durability
These finishes offer long-lasting resistance to scratches and wear, keeping your floors beautiful for years. Check out our Hardwood Floor Refinishing page for more details.
Which Finish Should You Choose?
The choice between water-based and oil-based finishes depends on your aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and project timeline. Water-based finishes are ideal for those seeking a clear, eco-friendly finish with faster drying times, while oil-based finishes offer a more traditional, durable look.
Our experts at Notorious Flooring are here to help you select the best option for your space. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
Why Choose Notorious Flooring?
Notorious Flooring is dedicated to quality craftsmanship. We prioritize using top-tier materials and products to deliver a high-quality finish. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your refinishing needs.
Start Your Project with Notorious Flooring Today
Ready to bring out the best in your floors? Visit our Contact Us page to get started and experience the superior results with Notorious Flooring.
Contact Us Today!
Notorious Flooring is proud to offer the greatest quality hardwood flooring refinishing and installation services for your residential or business projects in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas. If you’re planning about getting new hardwood floor installed or refinishing your existing wood flooring, we would be delighted to speak with you.