Best Water Based Floor Polyurethanes – Good at All Woodworks

Floor is the most used part of an installation, no matter where and what material it is made of. Naturally, it is more likely to get worn and torn due to constant use. And, things go worse when it comes to wooden floors. Regular maintenance is the only resistance there, while proper refurbishing is the only solution to the occurred damage. And, in both cases, use of floor-specific quality polyurethane is a must! 

Experts have long suggested using oil-based polyurethane for floor coating, though it contains more volatile organic compounds (VOC’s toxicity). But now they are highly-convinced by some advanced quality water-based polyurethanes for non-toxicity, and of course, effectiveness! The Bona Traffic HD, Bona Mega, and Rust-Oleum are some glowing examples of those. 

However, we have a shortlist of the best water based polyurethane for floors, along with a comprehensive analysis defining the reasons behind those selections (why should you use those) and other necessary information. Further reading will help you understand every small detail and decide.

Best Water Based Floor Polyurethanes

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Is Water Based Polyurethane Good for Floors?

Use of water-based polyurethane has become and is still gaining popularity for woodworks. Is it good for floors? Why? You probably have got hints from the introductory words like low VOCs and eco-friendliness, but here are some more reasons why you should use water-based polyurethane for your floors. 

It can coat your floors and dry up those quicker than oil-based polyurethane. It looks lighter on wooden floors but does not alter the original wood color; instead, it makes the grain texture more visible. Where you want a true-clear wooden surface without added warm amber effect, waterborne poly is the only solution - an excellent reason, isn't it? Water-based solvents tend to turn the surface no or less yellowish. Last but not least, everybody dislikes cleaning up with chemicals, so using water and easy-cleaning is simply a bonus, which is possible when you use waterborne polyurethane.

Full Reviews - Best Water Based Polyurethane for Floors

1. Bona Mega Wood Floor Polyurethane Finish - Best Bang for Buck

If you roam deep down the web researching this topic, you will notice that many sellers, experts, and product analysts have included this Satin floor finish from Bona on top of their list of best water-based polyurethane for floors! They have done so after adequate research and verification of its usefulness, not without reason or for the sake of paid marketing. We tried to cross-check the facts and finally have decided that it is good enough to get attention for specialty on floor-use, eco-friendliness, easy-applicability, durable performance, and overall value for the money, despite being a mid-grade product in this category. Thus, it is unlikely that experts could have recommended anything else when they have Bona Mega Floor Finish!

Why?

Much can be said, but we have basically included the most critical points. As said, it offers the best bang for your bucks, and all customers can afford it, even those with a lower budget. But the manufacturer did not compromise with quality to keep the price lower, though most products of this brand have 30% to 40% higher prices. You will get the intended outcome for sure unless you mess up while applying. 

This polyurethane made following the tested and proven waterborne-formula is an oxygen-crosslinking agent, where the crosslinker is the atmospheric oxygen. Naturally, you don't have to worry about mixing and toxicity, making it safe for kids and pets. It produces nearly no odor and causes insignificant or no breathing problems to the applicants. Although mid-grade, it offers a reliable result on high traffic floors too. But, we suggest using Bona Traffic HD or Bona Traffic for high traffic spots if you have no budgetary issue. 

With a damn high refinishing quality, it will give your floor a bright, soft look like a brand new floor, even if it is too old. The floor will be non-slippery. If you don’t know - many call the Bona Mega best at revamping old floors.

You will feel no hardship to apply the solution on floors, as the instructions are pretty much straightforward. If you apply this, you don’t need to use any additional polish to shine the floor (but you are always free to apply wood floor polish to keep it shinier at any time later, and for that, you can consider the Bona Hardwood Floor Polish). 

With this Bona Mega, you have an opportunity to choose from an array of options, such as satin, clear satin, gloss, semi-gloss, and extra matte. The waterborne polyurethane finish has no wasted finish - this claim from the manufacturer is quite right. And, it will probably impress you that it has a long pot life, pretty much eternal! It stays longer on the floor if appropriately applied, and you can avoid refinishing or refurbishing your floors often, which will save your time and money simultaneously. However, giving a full guarantee will be wrong in terms of high-traffic spots, and in that case, product number 3 of this list is the best solution.

Right way to apply Bona Mega

As already said above, the manufacturer's instructions regarding application are straightforward. It is better to apply more than one coat, while three coats offer the best output. Start with removing moisture or humidity from the area where the polyurethane will be applied to the floor - don’t keep the doors and windows closed. Wear socks instead of shoes, as using shoes will leave marks on your floor permanently.

Open the pot, get the satin finish, mix nothing such as water, and apply the first coat to the floor using the best quality floor finish applicator. You can consider several options for the purpose, such as brush, roller, t-bar, pad, or foam. To dry, it may take at least 2 hours if you apply airflow, or a few hours more.  It is very unlikely for the floor to be smooth after the first coating. Take a 400-grit screen & orbital pad, and sand for a while once the first coat is ready. Apply a second coat then, and for some floors (based on wood type and condition), this should bring the ultimate result. If it still does not look perfectly smooth, sand again before applying the third coat - things are perfect now!

Having no additive, whatever you chose from the array of options of this polyurethane, it will no way discolor the original color of woods (floors); instead, we notice it enhances the wood appearance with extra glimmer. Our experiment shows you can get it ready to walk within five hours of applying the last coat, although 24 hours should be your entry point. But, wait at least one week and let it fully cure before you start living inside the room or moving furniture on the floor.

How much area can you cover by 1 gallon Bona Mega?

Although the manufacturer says it can cover 600 square feet, we would say that the coverage is actually 500 to 600 square feet, or even rarely (due to the age, location, and structural nature of some floors) less than 500 square feet. We applied it on a light maple wood floor in a store room, which is more than 33 years old and had been neglected for years. It was close to 70-degree Fahrenheit when we applied, and our experience was a little different. We had to use 1 gallon to cover 504 square feet in the first coating and later used 1.2 gallons to give the next two coats, which may take some more less in your case.

Any downside?

We didn’t see any significant shortcomings. There were no bubbles left after brushing. And as said initially, we didn’t feel any eye burning or breathing difficulty for having low VOCs. Curing took the normal time described above.

It’s true that there are few complaints about curing this particular polyurethane of Bona that it remains relatively soft even after the prescribed time, resulting in scratches on the floor coating. We thought it was actually the result of not maintaining the right humidity or partial failure of following the instructions.

There is one more complaint that it does not last long. Actually, you will never get durability like Bona Traffic from it. The Rust-Oleum, second best choice in our list, is also more durable than this one. Where it is said that it is a mid-grade product, how do you expect commercial-grade durability from that! So, we think this kind of complaint is certainly not expected if you use it for less-traffic spots.

Deciding Note

You can expect better returns than you expect from the Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish in proportion to the price you are paying. It is the best floor polyurethane unless you need a high-traffic solution. And one thing that we did not say yet, we know from experience that it is multipurpose, meaning you can use it for many other wood-related purposes even if you buy it for the floor.

We had to start from where we ended up the analysis of our first choice, meaning the versatility. Our second best choice is an absolute allrounder, although we have enlisted it here for having specialty on hardwood floor finishing. Practically, you can apply the Rust Oleum Varathane on any wooden object from floor to ceiling. It is applicable to both interior and exterior floors, while you may consider the Rust-Oleum Ultimate for interior floors.

Being manufactured in the USA, it is quite a favorite choice for those who prefer US-manufactured (originally) products. If you ask experienced carpenters to tell names of their desired water-based hardwood floor finishes, you will most likely get more 80% who will include at least one from Rust-Oleum in their list, and this particular one from that brand shall prevail over others ( saying again, for floor use particularly). 

You can approximately cover an area between 450 and 550 square feet with 1 gallon of Rust-Oleum Varathane for first coating, while the second and third will require half of a gallon. The process is pretty much similar to as described above. Furthermore, it comes with such a clear apply-guideline from the producer that you can never mess up while applying. It is pet safe and eco-friendly. Drying time between two coats is quicker around four hours, and you will get a hard-rock floor surface within five to seven days. 

The satin waterborne finish offers a crystal clear outlook, keeping the wood texture lively, which will seem more elegant compared to a bit cloudy finish of Bona Mega. In addition, the non-yellowing excellent scuff helps the coat to ensure a glossier result. The abrasion resistance feature prevents easier flow of stains and other household chemicals over the floor. As regards durability, it is superior to other products in this list, including our top selection, but the Bona Traffic. That means you can apply it on high-traffic areas, where instructions say 4 coats. It is also a reliable choice to use on oil-stained paper floors installed over concrete.

Any Downside?

We want to let you know what kind of negative experiences users have had before with our observation. There is no denying that this product has received relatively more negative comments (around 10% of all feedback) than the previous one (about 5% of all feedback) to date.

Some found it thinner than several other polyurethanes they had used, such as the Minwax’s Satin Water-based Polyurethane. Yes, they are right with their complaint. But, being thin does not reduce its durability; instead, we’ve noticed it performing pretty decently, though you should use more solution on high-traffic spots. What they tell about flat sheen seems to be not reasonably accurate in our observation.

It’s a surprise to us that some said it’s cloudy (they claimed they followed instructions, including right humidity)! If you can maintain humidity below 85%, this should give you a crystal-like result. But we still want to consider the complaint and tell buyers to be very precise on following the instructions. It is eco-friendly, but some of you might experience odor at the time of or after applying on your floors.

Deciding Note

Perhaps you realize that the allegations that it has received from some users are worth ignoring. If you’re a carpenter or expert in this line, probably you will understand how common these allegations are! So, those should not be your deciding facts. Instead, think that the glossy elegance and durability (on high-traffic spots too) you are getting at half the price of our premium choice is merely awe-inspiring! It seems to be the right option for heavy-duty and long-lasting polyurethane at relatively low cost. And with that in mind, we put it in second place. But if money is not a problem, then, of course, go for the third one listed below.

When it comes to heavy-duty, we believe you should straightly go for this one - Bona Traffic HD. It is the successor of Bona Traffic, with advanced features and an added pricing. While making our list, we were stuck in this place for a long time, wondering why we would actually put it at number 3, where it has all the qualifications to be number 1! In fact, it is the best polyurethane for hardwood floors in any condition when many hardwood floor finishes can not ensure the desired durability in high-traffic areas, such as restaurants, retail stores, and classrooms. But the fact is - most places are not high-traffic, and it’s not mandatory to apply heavy-duty and expensive thing where it is not necessary. In the end, budget and area-specific utility was the point of consideration for what we have placed it at number 3 instead of 1. 

With the highest durability among the existing options, it belongs to commercial-grade polyurethane. It is a 2 part product - polyurethane and hardener. When you mix the hardener in it, the solution becomes ready to be damn hard and super durable when dried. It looks more natural and cleaner, similar to that of Rust Oleum Varathane, when applied compared to other heavy duty agents. But it has less coverage than the previous two. With 1 gallon, you will probably cover an area between 250 to 350 square feet. However, it is also recorded that, based on the desired coat-thickness, some finished 1 gallon for only 200 square feet or even went up to 450 square feet.

As it rarely tends to get yellow, it is the best choice for maple-wood floors, along with white and gray wash stains. It should be your first choice if you want to ensure maximum lightness in your oak floors. Not only is it the least-yellowish, but also it contains the lowest possible VOCs, less than 125 in specific (if you don’t know the Bona Traffic has less than 150). It has less odor, but not entirely odorless. It has received the GreenGuard certification means it is safe for children, pets, and the entire environment.

It dries faster, as it is applied after mixing with hardener. With proper humidity and airflow, 4 hours should be enough as the drying-interval between two coats. And, within 24 to 48 hours, the floor should be fully ready - strong and scratch-proof. After that period, you can even move furniture and other heavy objects. Bona Traffic HD is available in several forms - satin, semi-gloss, and extra matte. 

Any Downside?

We are a bit hesitant about what exactly to call it an advantage or a disadvantage that it cannot be used individually without Hardener! To be on the safe side, we are recording it as a downside of Bona Traffic HD. If you sand and screen the floor a bit inappropriately than required, you may end up with a bad result, as this finish seems not to stick well to floors with even a bit contaminants.

Using sanding paper with different grits, from 24 to 100, and screening is challenging if you are not an expert. That means the application is not easy, which you enjoy with many other polyurethanes. But you can still avoid this with the guideline it includes. You should not also believe in the self-level capacity of the Bona Traffic HD. Instead, maintain your own mechanism and care for that. But, we’ve found no downside regarding the product quality.

Deciding Note

Bona Traffic HD simply outperforms all polyurethanes, including its predecessor Bona Traffic, regarding strength, fast-drying, wood texture, and of course, durability. No doubt it costs more than others, but it is worth the money. Go through the best floor polyurethane reviews, or ask any flooring professional - you will find they have the same saying! Why then late if some more bucks is no more a problem?

Minwax is one of the most trusted brands in the field of wood care products. Wood preservation, beautification, reshaping, maintenance, repair, or cleaning, whatever the purpose is, you will get Minwax beside you with their super-efficient product lineup. Our current selection - the Minwax Ultra Fast-Drying Floors Polyurethane is a glimpsing example of those products!

Initially, we thought to include the Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane but later refrained. That was water-based and, at the same time, oil-modified. It is interesting, of course, but pretty simple. That implies the polyurethane has every feature that a water-based one does have, with an additional oily look or color. So, you will get oil color (not oil-based) in the water-based polyurethane. However, the formation will inspire many, but those who want both color and low VOCs of waterborne polyurethane may get frustrated, particularly when it is for interior use. That was why we had kept ourselves refrained from enlisting that one for this position, and, instead, enlisted Minwax Ultra Fast-Drying, a new production with many advancements from Minwax.

But, we’ve realized that our decision was precise. There are many reasons, and the first among which is Ultra-Fast Dry is the fastest drying wood-based polyurethane that is solely built for floor use. Being optimized with the faster drying technology, it takes the least possible time between two coats (manufacturer says 2 hours, but we have experience of only 1 hour). You have to sand and screen the floor surface very well using 100 grit sanding paper to get perfect adhesiveness. But, you don’t need to sand between coats.

Applying Minwax Ultra Fast-Drying Waterborne Polyurethane at room temperature and on the stained floor surface will offer the best result. You should not apply the poly before 2 hours and after 6 hours of staining (manufacturer tells 8 hours, but we suggest 6 hours). A freshly bought synthetic pad applicator should be used to apply for the desired result. Floors should be ready for light and heavy traffic within 24 and 7 days subsequently. Being waterborne, it is cleanable by soap and warm water.

The advanced anti-setting formula makes sure there are less stirring and minimum lows & highs on the applied floor surfaces, giving a pretty even sheen. It means it has a very reliable self-level capacity, though you should be careful. Minwax Ultra Fast-Dry Satin provides the floor with a slightly amber tone. You will get it available in satin, gloss, and semi-gloss formula. Being a newer one, we have not yet been able to figure out the product shortcomings. But we shall keep an eye on and will update over time.

7. Deft Water-Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane - Best Indoor & Outdoor