Water based floor finish, also known as polyurethane, is a clear protective coating that is applied to wood floors to protect them from wear and tear. When properly applied and cared for, water based floor finish can last anywhere from 1-5 years before needing to be recoated.
Page Contents
- 1 What factors affect the durability of water based floor finish?
- 2 How long does water based floor finish last on different floor types?
- 3 What are the signs it is time to recoat water based floor finish?
- 4 How do you prepare floors for recoating?
- 5 Tips for making water based floor finish last longer
- 6 Conclusion
What factors affect the durability of water based floor finish?
There are several key factors that will determine how long water based floor finish will last on your floors:
Quality of the finish
Higher quality floor finishes that contain more solids and less water will be more durable and last longer. Look for finishes that are 100% polyurethane with at least 30% solids. Higher solids content means the finish will form a thicker protective layer on the floors.
Application method
Floor finish applied with a lambswool applicator will last longer than using a roller or brush. The applicator leaves an even, smooth coat without bubbles. Proper technique also prevents swirl marks in the finish.
Number of coats
Additional coats of floor finish will build up the protective layer, making it last longer. 3-5 coats are typically recommended for the best durability.
Floor traffic and usage
High traffic areas may need to be recoated more frequently than lesser used spaces. Frequent moving of furniture can also wear down the finish faster.
Pet claws
Pet nails can scratch and damage floor finish, requiring spots to be touched up or floors to be recoated sooner.
Sunlight exposure
Direct and prolonged sunlight from windows and doors can cause the floor finish to amber and wear faster in affected areas. UV protective topcoats can help prolong the finish.
Regular cleaning
Dirt, debris, and spills that are not properly cleaned up can abrade and degrade the floor finish over time. Regular sweeping, mopping, and spot cleaning is important.
Humidity and temperature
Very dry climates can cause floors to crack and finish to wear prematurely. Extreme swings in humidity and temperature can also impact finish durability.
How long does water based floor finish last on different floor types?
The longevity of floor finish can vary slightly depending on the type of flooring it is applied to:
Hardwood floors
3-5 years for residential, 1-3 years for commercial
Engineered hardwood floors
3-5 years for residential, 1-3 years for commercial
Laminate floors
5-10 years for residential, 3-5 years for commercial
Bamboo floors
1-3 years for both residential and commercial
Cork floors
1-2 years for residential, 1 year for commercial
Concrete floors
2-4 years for residential, 1-2 years for commercial
Water based polyurethane forms the most durable, long-lasting finish for hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood and laminate floors with melamine resin surface coatings also allow for long-lasting finish. Cork and bamboo floors have more porous, softer surfaces that cause finish to wear faster.
What are the signs it is time to recoat water based floor finish?
Watch for these cues that indicate water based polyurethane floor finish needs to be recoated:
- Visible scratches, scuffs, and wear patterns in high traffic areas
- Loss of gloss and dull, uneven appearance
- Water marks or rings appear after moisture exposure
- Finish feels rough rather than smooth
- Floors show raised grain or open wood pores
- Finish is visibly thinning out
- Newly installed flooring looks noticeably different
Any time the bare wood becomes exposed, it is definitely time to recoat the floors. Addressing signs of wear quickly will allow the next coat of finish to better adhere to the prior layer.
How do you prepare floors for recoating?
Proper preparation is crucial for the new coat of finish to adhere well and last. Follow these steps:
- Clean the floors thoroughly to remove any waxes, oils, debris and old sealers that may interfere with finish adhesion.
- Sand the floors lightly with fine 150-180 grit sandpaper to degloss and roughen the existing finish coat.
- Vacuum the floor thoroughly.
- Tack rag the floor to remove all dust particles.
- Fill any small gaps or flaws with appropriate wood filler and allow to dry completely.
- Apply the new coat of water based floor finish per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Abrupt changes in flooring appearance or gloss indicate spots missed during sanding. Sand again as needed to prepare an even surface for recoating.
Tips for making water based floor finish last longer
With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your floor finish and minimize recoats:
- Add door mats and area rugs in high traffic zones.
- Use felt floor protectors and carpet runners under furniture legs.
- Mop spills promptly to prevent water damage.
- Sweep and damp mop weekly.
- Limit direct sunlight exposure with curtains.
- Maintain moderate temperature and humidity in the space.
- Trim pet claws regularly.
- Remove shoes when walking on floors.
- Rearrange furniture periodically to evenly distribute wear.
- Clean under furniture legs to prevent grit and dirt buildup.
- Refresh high wear spots annually to preserve even sheen.
With extra care, high quality floor finish applied properly can look beautiful and last up to 5 years residential and 3 years commercial before needing a full recoat. Periodic spot treatments and partial recoats will refresh the finish inbetween. Consider your specific flooring use and traffic, quality of finish used, and diligent maintenance when estimating the longevity of water based polyurethane floor finish in your home or business.
| Floor Finish Brand | Sheen Rating | Solids % | Durability Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bona Traffic | Commercial Sheen | 34% | Excellent |
| Basic Coatings Street Shoe | Satin | 30% | Very Good |
| Duraseal Waterbased Poly | Semi-Gloss | 30% | Very Good |
| Minwax Polycrylic | Satin | 25% | Good |
Popular Water Based Floor Finish Products
When it’s time to recoat floors, choose a quality product designed for durability and longevity:
- Bona Traffic HD – Offers excellent scratch, scuff, and chemical resistance. Ideal for heavy commercial use.
- StreetShoe – A uralkyd strengthened urethane designed for high traffic residential and commercial sites.
- Basic Coatings StreetShoe NXT – Low VOC, crosslinking acrylic & urethane blend. Slip resistant.
- Lenmar Polyurethane – Budget-friendly residential grade water-based poly with good flow and leveling.
- Varathane Diamond Floor Finish – Nano-reinforced formula provides maximum scratch protection.
- Duraseal QuickCoat – Low odor, fast drying formula resists household chemicals.
Conclusion
Water based polyurethane floor finish provides a clear, protective barrier that can last 1-5 years on hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, bamboo, cork, and concrete flooring. Quality of the finish product, application method, floor usage, and maintenance practices all impact longevity. Prepare floors properly before recoating to ensure good adhesion. With extra care, water based finishes can be extended past their average lifespans to keep floors looking beautiful longer.