Water based Polyurethane is a trendy resin used in various fields, such as wood floor, leather items, craft DIY, outdoor furniture etc. To better understand what is the best water based polyurethane, we will firstly walk you through the concept of poly and how to spray it, as well as how to choose the best water based polyurethane. Keep reading.

Explanation of water based polyurethane
Water-based Polyurethane is an environmental type of system which uses water as dispersion medium instead of organic solvent. And waterborne polyurethane resin is widely used in coatings, adhesives and treatment agents.
The Applications
Popular applications of water based polyurethane include:
Wood Finishes
It acts as a protective finish for wood surfaces such as floors, trims, doors, and furniture. It helps to enhance the durability and appearance of the wood.
Crafts and DIY Projects
It does a great job in sealing and protecting wooden crafts, picture frames, and other decorative items. It ensures a durable and beautiful finish.
Cabinetry and Countertops
It protects cabinetry and countertops from moisture, stains, and wear, by preserving the natural beauty of the wood and providing a durable and easy-to-clean surface.
Flooring
People use it to give a protective layer to hardwood floors, with an aim to prevent scratches, stains, and damage from foot traffic. Meanwhile, it enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor wooden furniture needs good protection from the elements, and water based polyurethane is here to help, including avoiding moisture damage, UV fading, and other forms of weathering.



Pleae note that the specific application and technique for using water based polyurethane may vary depending on the project and personal preference. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for applicaiton.
Brief comparison with oil based polyurethane
Polyurethane has two types, one is water based polyurethane, the other is oil based polyurethane. The main difference of the two is that the former uses water as dispersion medium while the latter uses organic solvent as dispersion. When choosing between them, you can take the following factors into consideration:
- 1 Appearance: water based one is clear and keep a stable color over time; oil based one has an amber hue and will darken over time.
- 2 Hardness: water based one is harder, which means it can provide greater dent resistance; the latter is softer than the water based one.
- 3 Solids Content: Most water based one contains 30% to 35% of solids; while oil based one contain 45% to 50% solids.
- 4 Cost: generally speaking, water based one is more expensive than the oil based one.
Advantages of Water Based Polyurethane
- Low VOCs: Water-based polyurethane is more eco-friendly for it has much lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to oil-based polyurethane.
- Drying Time: Water-based polyurethane dries within an hour or two, while oil-based polyurethane dries in about 24 hours. In other words, the drying time of Water-based one is much faster than oil-based one. If you are using the former, more coats can be applied in less time.
- Unlimited Coats: It allows you to apply unlimited coats and it will not sheet, scratch, or chip after the first couple of layers.
- Compatibility: Water-based polyurethane is so versatile that it can bond to nearly anything, like wood, metal, fiberglass, stone, cement, and carbon fiber etc.




- Clear Finish: It can achieve a natural look of wood for it provides a clear finish with low odor.
Disadvantages of Water Based Polyurethane
As the oil-based formulation penetrates deeper into the wood, forming a more effective barrier against water, dirt, and other contaminants, oil based polyurethane is thought to be more durable than water based one. Yet as the development of technology, there are more and more durable water based ones as good as oil based one.
How to Spray Water Based Polyurethane?
To achieve best flawless finish when applying the polyurethane, follow these steps:
Preparation
Preparation is half the battle and so is proper preparation for a smooth finish. Make sure the surface is even, clean, dry, smooth and free of dust or debris. You may need to sand the surface lightly with 220-grit sandpaper.
A right applicator
A foam roller or foam brush is perfect tool for water-based poly for it can provide even finish. By the way, when choosing a roller, using a higher-density foam roller will help achieve better results.
Application
Do remember to apply a thin and even coat of water-based poly. And allow enough time for each coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sanding between coats
You can lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpape after the first coat is dried, for this will help smooth out any imperfections and provides better adhesion for subsequent coats.
- Multiple coats: Allow enough time for each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
- Final sanding and finishing: To achieve a smooth and satin-like finish, you can lightly sand the final surface with a fine-grit sandpaper (320-grit or higher). Besides, don’t forget to remove any dust or debris before applying the final coat
- Curing time: Allow enough time for each coat to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remember to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific water-based polyurethane product you are using. Each product may have slightly different application and drying times.
The Best Water-based Polyurethane
There are many polyurethane out there, but it’s not easy to decide which are the best water based polyurethane for floors. Here are 8 popular choices of them.
- Minwax Polycrylic Protective Clear Finish Topcoat
- General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Topcoat
- Minwax Water-Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane
- Bona Mega Polyurethane Wood Floor Finish
- Varathane High-Traffic Clear Gloss Polyurethane
- Minwax Ultimate Floor Finish
- Minwax Helmsman Water-Based Spar Urethane
- Rust-Oleum Parks Pro Finisher Clear Polyurethane
The following is another video share on best water based polyurethane for your reference:
Conclusion
To conclude, best quality Water Based Polyurethane is less harmful to the environment, easier to clean up, and less likely to yellow over time. Additionally it has been a popular option due to its excellent chemical and solvent resistance, low VOC content, abrasion resistance, scratch resistance, flexibility, adhesion, and environmentally friendly nature.

Finally, the best choice for your project will depend on the type of substrates you are working on and what finish you desire. SioResin provides sustainable Water based Polyurethane. If you want to learn more, feel free to contact our support team at sales@sioresin.com