What is the difference between oil-based and water-based finish?
Oil-based finish, although used for many years, is becoming a thing of the past as a result of its toxicity levels. (In some jurisdictions, it is actually illegal.) Due to the fact that it is very high in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), it can present health risks to both the contractor and the homeowner. (Consequently, Artwood Floors no longer recommends or uses oil-based finishes.) Oil-based finish has an amber tone and also changes colour with time and exposure to the sun, giving the floor an orange look. Although it is widely believed that oil-based finish is stronger, factory tests suggest that newer water-based finish is harder and more durable than oil-based finish. Water-based finish is much less toxic than oil-based finish and some (i.e. Traffic) are non-ambering. For those who prefer the amber look of an oil-based finish, but want to avoid the fumes created by an oil-based finish, an emulsion finish (a mixture of oil and water) is the answer. Since water-based finish tends
