What are Polyurethane Finishes?
Many amateur and professional wood workers consider polyurethane finishes to be the easiest to apply and most durable of all types of wood finish. There are two different types of polyurethane finishes, water-based and solvent-based. Both leave a strong protective coat on the wood, and they each have advantages and disadvantages. Solvent-based polyurethane finishes are the older and more established form of finish. A solvent-based polyurethane finish undergoes a chemical reaction during the process of curing. The chemical reaction leads to the polymers bonding strongly to one another. Once this process occurs, the finish cannot be broken down and dissolved in mineral spirits. Solvent-based polyurethane does have disadvantages. As you can imagine, the fumes you encounter while working on wood with this solvent-based finish are overwhelming. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area. Another drawback of solvent-based polyurethane finishes is that they can yellow the wood finish s
