Welcome to our article about the best water based polyurethane for floors!
We’ll get into our top products below, but first, let’s discuss why you might want to invest in a water based polyurethane in the first place.
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Why Invest in a Water Based Polyurethane?
Floors are an important part of any structure and it is important to make the best floors. When it comes to the finishing of the floor, the quality of polyurethane (used for wooden floors) matters.
Hence, to use a perfect and excellent polyurethane will not only protect the floor from any kind of wear and tear, but it also gives a perfect finishing looks and longer its shelf life.
Water-Based Polyurethanes are considered as better poly than Oil-based polyurethanes as it dries faster and harder. Hence, one needs to know about polyurethanes before buying the one.
In order to choose a correct product among hundreds of product, you need to know the qualities which are considered while buying the poly.
In case you are confused about choosing the best poly, here are given the best poly used for floors with the qualities that these poly bears.
Water-Based vs Oil Based Polyurethanes for Floor
If it comes to using polyurethane on floors, everyone wants that poly to be more durable.
For that, many suggest oil-based polyurethane in comparison to water-based poly.
However, this fact cannot be denied that if you buy a good brand of water-based poly, it will surely able to replace the oil-based polyurethane in terms of durability.
Also, if you want to choose a darker shade for floors then oil-based poly is considered and for a lighter shade, water-based is the best.
Many customers want the poly of having low or either no odor, for which water-based poly are ideal.
Not only this, water-based polyurethanes needs less time for drying than oil-based polyurethanes.
The 10 Best Water Based Polyurethanes for Floors Are:
| Number | Water-Based Polyurethanes for floors | BUYING OPTION |
| 1. | Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish | BUY NOW |
| 2. | Bona Mega Clear HD | BUY NOW |
| 3. | Minwax Water Based Oil – Modified Poly – Ultra Fast Drying Coat | BUY NOW |
| 4. | ZAR Aqua Water – Based Poly | BUY NOW |
| 5. | Deft Interior Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane | BUY NOW |
| 6. | Rust–Oleum Varathane | BUY NOW |
| 7. | Minwax Water – Based Wipe-On Polyurethane | BUY NOW |
| 8. | Basic Coatings Street shoe Water-Based Wood Floor Finish | BUY NOW |
| 9. | General Finishes QTHS High – Performance Water – Based Topcoat | BUY NOW |
| 10. | Bona Traffic HD | BUY NOW |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Water Based Polyurethane for Floors
Bona Mega Wood Floor Polyurethane Finish
Bona is a brand whose water-based poly is able to replace the oil-based poly in terms of its great qualities.
This water-based polyurethane is perfect for the customers who are looking for a low budget. People who have a busy schedule should use this product as this poly dries faster and easy to use. Customer also considers the safety of children and pets, and for that this poly is perfect.
You will also notice that it lasts longer because of its great durability.
Hence, no need to stain the floors regularly. Its low odor formula will make you comfortable while working with this product.
After applying, it shines brighter and is non-slippery, and hence is suitable for floors.
Last but not the least, Bona itself is a brand that gives guarantee of the best quality and is the demand of most of the customers.
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Bona Mega Clear HD Water Based Polyurethane
This Bona Mega Clear HD polyurethane is a major demand of customers due to its various qualities.
If you are looking for a poly that is washable after applying on floors then this product is best for you. Its waterborne formula and scratch-resistant will surely fit for floors.
This product is available in gloss, semi-gloss, and satin which allows you to choose the sheen as per your needs. The customer will also not have to worry about the fading and yellowing of the floor as this poly does not have tint. The best part about this product is that it is odorless and non – flammable.
Hence, it is safe not only for your pet but also for kids and other people.
What you might not like about this product is that it needs a certain temperature to use and has only a year of shelf life. However, it is best for average budget customers demanding good quality polyurethane.
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Minwax Water Based Oil Modified Polyurethane
This Minwax Polyurethane is in demand of many customers who wants to use it on indoor floors as it is very much durable.
You do not need to worry about cleanliness as you can wash the floor easily with warm water and soap. This is the biggest reason as to why it is recommended by so many people.
Plus, you can purchase any type of sheen for your floor, cabinets or any wooden material.
It also saves your time while working due to its ultra-fast drying method of approx 2 hours.
Though it has a little VOC ( Volatile Organic Compound ) which might be your concern but its luxurious finish is appropriate for your classy floors.
With all these qualities, this product has become an important demand for customers.
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ZAR Aqua Water Based Polyurethane
If you are searching for a poly that saves your time and is environment-friendly, then this ZAR Aqua Water – Based Poly is one of the best polyurethanes used for floors.
Its low odor formula will be convenient for you to work with and resist your floor from your household chemicals.
Since, most of the customers want their floors of a lighter shade, this poly gives the same and can be applied to any kind of wood.
People also do not have to worry about its durability As it does not turn yellow after drying and gives a natural look to your indoor floors.
You can also clean the floor with warm water whenever you want. Hence, this product is one of the recommended polyurethanes by customers.
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Deft Interior Exterior Water Based Polyurethane for Floors
This product is perhaps the best option for wooden floors due to its multifunctional qualities.
It is best for those customers who want a poly that has all in one quality and this product is appropriate for them.
You can use it in indoor floors or cabinets, outdoor wood or even for marine wood.
Though for some people it is a bit expensive and you have to take care of family budget, it is still recommended as it will provide the protection of wood from UV rays, harsh weather conditions and water.
It is not an entirely water-based clear coat, it has some amount of oil base and thus gives the qualities of both water and oil base clear coat.
The oil base present in the product gives a very good finishing to the floors.
It is ideal for stained surfaces and is very durable. It gives the best finish to the floors and hardens the surface after it dries.
Due to its exceptional qualities, it is considered as one of the best polyurethane used for floors.
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Rust-Oleum Varathane Water Based Polyurethane
Rust-Oleum is a big name in paint and clear coat, and is one of the most trusted brands.
You will get the best results for it saves your time due to its fast-drying formula without any bad odor. You can also choose any sheen out of the five sheens as per your need.
This product will not turn your floor yellow and hence you can use it for longer period. It is recommended for it is eco – friendly and is safe for your family.
A single coat is sufficient for the floor.
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Minwax Water Based Wipe-On Polyurethane
If you are looking for a poly which gives many variations to the texture of your floor, then you should buy this one.
Though you may find this product a bit thick, but it will surely preserve the natural beauty of your floor.
It is not used as to simply paint with a brush but meant to be wiped on with a cloth. This makes the final look a bit different.
If you like the hand-rubbed finish, then it will only come from this wipe on the product. It is suitable where you want a thin finish and saves your time as it has a fast-drying formula.
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Basic Coatings Street shoe Water Based Wood Floor Finish
If you want a poly that dries faster than any other product, then you should buy this one.
Having low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and only a minor odor, this polyurethane is best for your floors for you can choose sheen according to your need.
It is for people who wants the maximum durability of floors as this product offers anti-chemical, anti-scratch, and anti-scuff formula.
This poly also protects the floor from harmful UV rays of the sunlight. Hence, this product is the demand of many customers.
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General Finishes QTHS High – Performance Water Based Topcoat
This General Finishes Water – Based Topcoat is one of the most durable and hardest products in the market.
Though customer complains that it is only used for indoor floors, it is still considered as one of the best poly due to its great qualities.
By applying this poly, your floor will not fade and dries faster. It will not only save your time while working but it also has anti-scratch and anti-scuff components.
The only condition with this poly is that it needs to be applied in cold weather under well – ventilated conditions for best results.
Your floor will not turn yellow as it forms a crystal clear layer to your floor and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
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Bona Traffic HD
As you know that Bona is a big name in the field of Poly and sealers, this particular product of this company is one of the best water-based polyurethanes.
This product saves your working time as its single coat dries within 3 hours and allows you to recoat according to your need.
Its low odor formula and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) makes you to work easier without worrying about the bad smell.
Best thing is that it comes with maximum durability which means that you do not need to stain your floor again for a very long period of time.
Also, you floor will be prevented from scratches and scuffs. For all these reasons, you should buy this product as it has maximum qualities within your budget.
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Thinking that water based polyurethane isn’t the right option for you? Check our our other article, Best Non-Water Based Polyurethane
You may also enjoy reading about our 10 Best Finishes for Wood Kitchen Tables, Best Clear Coats for Kitchen Cabinets or Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane
About The Author: Hi There! I’m Dave. I’m a certified millworker and carpenter, and have been working in the industry for over 10 years. I created this website to pass on my knowledge so that other enthusiasts, no matter what their skill level, can enjoy the craft as much as I do. I hope you enjoy!