Shellac Vs Water Based Poly For Floors

Oil based polyurethane became available.

Shellac vs water based poly for floors.

Water softens shellac and can damage the wood underneath. Diyers have the choice of a water or oil based. You ll find that this paste will settle at the bottom of the can so before applying a flat. The finish can be from a gloss down to flat.

It is a type of plastic essentially plastic in a liquid form that can be applied to a surface. It s available in either oil based or water based varieties. Once the solvent dissolves the resin undergoes a chemical reaction that can t be. Water based is faster to cure and less toxic when applying but also slightly less durable than oil based.

In contrast to shellac polyurethane is not an organic substance. As with shellac water based polyurethane won t hold up well to heat and chemicals. This is because the most popular types of topcoats varnish lacquer polyurethane and shellac have advantages and disadvantages which makes them best suited for particular types of settings. It s good for bookcases desks side tables and picture frames anything that won t be exposed to extremes.

Through the years polyurethane became the most popular wiped and brushed finish for everything. There s an option for everyone. Water based polyurethane dry faster so there is a lower chance of bugs and dust getting stuck in it. Varnish whether it contains alkyd or polyurethane resin or a combination is an example of a curing finish.

Varnish vs lacquer vs polyurethane vs shellac for aspiring woodworkers choosing the right finish can seemingly be a difficult task at least at first. Water based polyurethane also scores high in the environmentally friendly category releasing far fewer volatile organic compounds vocs than many of the other options. It also has the ability to resist environmental harshness. Polyurethane is like a liquid plastic often either a pure synthetic plastic or a blend with resin.

It can either be oil based or water based. It was originally marketed as a no wax floor finish meaning that it was durable enough to resist scratches without being waxed as was necessary with shellac. Minwax polycrylic is an example of a fortified water based polyurethane than can stand up a bit better to rough conditions. Shellac floors shouldn t be mopped with any water based or water mixed product including plain soap and water.