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Remember when we had to choose between oil and water based poly?
About ten years back, I was finishing a big oak table for a client who wanted a bulletproof top. The choice came down to a traditional oil based poly or a newer water based one. I went with the oil, thinking it would build a thicker, more durable coat. It yellowed the oak more than I expected, which the client actually loved, but the dry time was a killer. The whole job took nearly a week with all the coats and cure time. Looking back, I wonder if a modern water based product would have held up just as well without the amber tone. Anyone finish a similar piece recently and have a strong opinion on which way to go now?
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maryadams7mo ago
I read that modern water based poly can be just as tough without the yellowing.
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grantcooper7mo ago
Wait, where did you read that? I've used the new water based stuff and it's definitely clearer, but I'm not totally sold on the toughness claim. It seems to scratch easier on floors compared to my old oil based can. Is there a specific brand making that promise?
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the_karen4mo ago
My buddy used a water based poly on his kitchen table and swore by it for a year. Then his kid dropped a fork and it left a gash you could feel with your fingernail. He had to sand the whole thing down and redo it with oil based.
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