Old reclaimed oak wood floors. Polyurethane question.
#1
09-17-15, 11:41 AM
Old reclaimed oak wood floors. Polyurethane question.
We just bought a 15 year old custom built Los Angeles home designed by an architect who lived in it for 10 years. The floors were never refinished. A contractor has suggested scraping and finishing with two coats of oil based urethane and one coat of water based to hinder yellowing. Does this sound right?
If so I want to give these specs to others I'd like bids from. Many thanks for any insights you can offer.
If so I want to give these specs to others I'd like bids from. Many thanks for any insights you can offer.
#2
09-17-15, 11:49 AM
Group Moderator
Up until you got to the poly, I was on board. Personally, I like the amber coloring added by oil based poly so three coats of that is what I would use. If you don't like the amber, use three coats of water based. I have doubts about anyone who suggests water based over oil based.
Also keep in mind that a light scuff sanding along with removal of the sanding dust is needed between coats of poly to promote adhesion.
Also keep in mind that a light scuff sanding along with removal of the sanding dust is needed between coats of poly to promote adhesion.
#3
09-17-15, 11:55 AM
Thanks much for your expertise, but to clarify, is mixing the oil based and water based a no-no or
is there another reason his suggestion is questionable? He is a very respected guy with tons of satisfied customers.
is there another reason his suggestion is questionable? He is a very respected guy with tons of satisfied customers.
#6
09-17-15, 01:43 PM
I've never heard of a pro applying waterbased poly over fresh oil base poly 
Waterbased poly is supposed to adhere to sanded oil base but I don't have a lot of confidence in that.
I also like how oil base poly deepens the colors naturally in the wood and ambers some over time. Another benefit of oil poly is it dries to a harder film = longer wear. I'd recommend water based poly only if you want a poly that doesn't change the look of the wood any.
Waterbased poly is supposed to adhere to sanded oil base but I don't have a lot of confidence in that.I also like how oil base poly deepens the colors naturally in the wood and ambers some over time. Another benefit of oil poly is it dries to a harder film = longer wear. I'd recommend water based poly only if you want a poly that doesn't change the look of the wood any.
#7
09-17-15, 02:25 PM
Group Moderator
I also don't believe that one coat of water based poly would "stop 2 coats of oil based poly from yellowing." The latex is not a UV barrier.
