What is the difference between oil based and water based finish?
A. Oil based is the dinosaur and has a proven track record. However, the finish ambers with time, requires a lot more drying time and emits a strong vapor, that is not only unhealthy but contributes to the depletion of the earths ozone. Rumor has it that soon, all solvent based finishes will be non-compliant with the states V.O.C. Laws making them illegal to use. Water based or commonly called latex has evolved into an excellent alternative. They are non-yellowing, non-toxic, environmentally safe and dry very quickly. Water based floor finishes developed a bad reputation in the early stages of development however, today’s high-end water based finishes are excellent and challenge even the best of oil based. In my home I used BonaKemi’s “Traffic” Q.
