What’s the Right Finish for your Hardwood Floors?

Water-Based Polyurethane

Ideal for floors in need to return to use quickly, and with a clear finish

PROS	CONS
Fast Dry	Price per gallon is more than traditional polyurethane
Easy to Apply / Easy to Clean-up	Less “open” time during application than traditional polyurethane
Low Odor
Low VOC’s

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Ideal for floors that are high traffic, provides richer and slightly amber look

PROS	CONS
Very durable / tough finish	Slow / longer drying time
Generally less expensive than water-based products	Ambers over time
Easy to apply / Easy to maintain	Stronger odor during application compared to Water-Based finishes
Resists moisture

Swedish Finish (Acid Cure)

Ideal for exotic wood floors or high-end elaborate wood flooring patterns

PROS	CONS
Dries very fast	High VOC’s / Flammable
Outstanding durability / hard finish	Difficult to refinish once used
Long-lasting finish / more durable than poly	More expensive than many other floor finishes
	Pro-only application

Moisture-Cured

Ideal for high-traffic areas and situations requiring the toughest floor finish

PROS	CONS
Toughest floor finish / Extreme durability	Very high VOC’s / Flammable
Fast drying allows for multiple costs per day	Strong odor may last for weeks
Longest lasting finish	Low humidity extends drying time
	Pro-only application

Wax Finishes

Ideal for areas requiring low-sheen finish such as historic homes

PROS	CONS
Easy to apply and touch-up	Not as durable as polyurethane finishes
Penetrates wood / combine with stains	Requires ongoing upkeep
Low odor / low VOC’s	Application is labor intensive
Low luster finish	Darkens and yellows over time
Can be walked on within hours	Susceptible to water marks and to stains

Shellac

Ideal for refinishing antique floors with shellac or where you want a natural product look

PROS	CONS
Natural and sustainable product	Poor durability / recoated periodically
Easy to work with / easy to repair	Very flammable
Very low VOC’s	Not easy to apply
Dries Quickly	Most contain wax, can’t refinish using other finishes
Inexpensive versus other floor finishes

Penetrating Oil Sealer

Ideal for creating a low-shine or antique looking floor which highlights the grain of the wood

PROS	CONS
Natural product, easy to apply	Multiple coats required
Accentuates the natural wood beauty	Requires recoating /maintenance
Low / mild odor
Subdued Sheen

Aluminum Oxide – UV Cured

Ideal for high traffic areas or for best protection against wear and tear

PROS	CONS
Longest lasting finish / extremely durable	Impossible to repair or touch up
Low maintenance	Only available on prefinished wood

Oil/Polyurethane