Our modern times and the evolution of our times technology , has created many sophisticated wood finishing elements and the water based finished , are certainly some of them .

The water based finishes of all types are extremely versatile and the woodworking “planet” accepted them with “flying colors” and eco friendly happiness , along with their other benefits .

So let’s see some basic knowledge , about the water based finishes , in order to have a “lighthouse” and choose wisely your wood finishing methods , products , et.c .

What are the Water Based Finishes ?

The water based finishes are liquids we use for the wood finishing and they’re are made by several types of pigments – resins , et.c , but they use water as their solvent and transporter than chemical solvents , alcohol , turpentine or any other type of chemical solvent .

See in HERE some of my best water based finishes for you to supply from the stores .

Where are the water based finished , Used ?

The water based finishes are used mostly for the indoor woodworking finishing , because there are more eco friendly and produce less fumes and VOCs , except their other abilities and properties .

Why are the water based finishes , becoming so Popular ?

The water based finishes are way more eco friendly and better for the general health of people( less fumes & VOCs : volatile organic compounds ) , because they don’t based in chemicals only , to do their wood finishing job .

Is water based finish , Tough ?

Yes , the water based finishes are using less chemicals as solvents , but there are tough wood finishes with very advanced abilites for protection , sealing , et.c .

What is the Difference between the water based finishes and the Non water based finishes ?

The water based finishes are using water as their solvent for their pigments – resins and to transfer these elements inside wood than chemical solvents , turpentine , alcohol , and other very toxic solvents – elements .

This is their main difference , concerning their different chemical formula approach .

There are way less toxic than the chemical based finishes and this different solvent approach , provides also a different final appearence to wood .

Is water based finishes , Better than the Oil based finishes ?

No there aren’t stronger generally , especially the oil based stains are more strong and durable than a water based finish and that’s why the water based are used mostly for the indoors .

Both finishes can last long , more than 8 -10 years and the water based finish , can retain longer the generic appearence of the wood project than an oil based one .

Is Oil based Varnish , Stronger than a water based Varnish ?

Yes , generally , and if we’re talking for an oil based polyurethane , it’s certainly stronger than a water based finish – varnish .

Of course the oil polyurethane has way more VOCs , fumes and be more toxic .

Why is water based finished , Better than the Oil based ?

The water based finishes even if there aren’t stronger than the oil based ones , they win them in some areas , as they are more flexible combining durability in some cases and their film can last a little longer , depending of the type of wood you have .

The oil based finishes are more stiff and can crack( especially the crust film ones ) and they dry harder than a water based finish .

Is Oil or Water based finishes , Better for Wood ?

For the environment and health the water based finishes are way better than the oil based ones , but they lose in the general strength of a wood finish , the wood penetration( oil based go deeper ) and in some cases to the variety of colors .

Can Oil based finish go , Over water based ?

Yes , it can and of course the water based finish should be fully dried before the applying .

What is the Difference , between Laquers and the water based finishes ?

Except the general looks the laquer provides to a wood surface , the water based finish will need more time to dry , while a chemical based laquer will dry way sorter .

How Long does water based Laquer , Last ?

A water based laquer can last many years in normal indoor circumstances and with the appropriate care and good treatment , as the musical instruments laquers .

Can you put Laquer , Over a water based finish ?

Yes , you can if you have let the watr based finish to fully dry and put the lqaquer at least a day after .

See in HERE , some of the most popular lacquers , to get and shield your wood .

Can you put water based Varnish , Over Paint ?

Yes , you can and it’s a first class solution and very popular , to seal – cover and protect your paint with a water based varnish .

Are water based finishes , Waterproof ?

No , there aren’t totally waterproof , but they can be very resistant to water and moisture in general .

Can water based Varnish be Waterproof ?

No it cannot be 100% , but it can provide big waterproof abilities and if you reapply constantly , you can protect your wood finish from water and moisture in a high level .

Is water based Primer , Waterproof ?

Yes , a water based primer after the evaporation of its water , create an insoluble film which is very high waterproof shield for wood .

Are all Primers , water based ?

No , there aren’t all water based , we have a big variety of oil based primers , you can use to prime your wood .

Should i use Oil or water based Primer , for wood ?

The oil based primer , have bigger sealing capabilites than a water based one .

Is water based Primer , Good for Exterior wood ?

The oil based primers are much better for the tough exterior circumstances , than the water based ones , which are more for the indoors .

Is water based Primer , good for MDF ?

Yes , you can use a primer but don’t expect big penetration of course because of the nature of the MDF .

Can i use a water based Primer , on Plywood ?

Yes , you can certainly use a nice primer for your plywood , having in mind that the inside glues and resins of the plywood mass and veneers , are matching better with the oil based ones .

Can i use a water based Primer , on wood Panelling ?

Yes , you can use a primer to your wood panelling , having in mind that the oil based ones can match a little better in here .

Can i use a water based Primer , Over Varnished wood ?

No , you cannot because the varnish has sealed the wooden surface and there is no meaning to prime a sealed surface and if the varnish is an oil based one , you may cause problems .

Can i use water based Primer , on Oak ?

Yes , certainly you can and the open pores of the oak , always need a good primer .

Is water based Primer , Better than Shellac primer ?

The shellac is usually not used for the outdoor circumstances and the water based primer is generally better and easier to apply and can be cleaned more easy .

The shellac is a top , topcoat(!) . See the most basic versions to buy , in HERE .

Is Oil based Primer , better than Water based primer , for wood ?

Yes , the oil based primers are better than the water based ones and they “bond” better with the wood’s fibers , natural resins and mass .

What primer , is Best for wood ?

The oil based primers are top for the wood and they bond with its fibers – molecules and the wood’s inner resins and fluids , best .

What are the Disadvanteges of a water based primer ?

The water based primer , doesn’t make the bonding the oil based can do to the wood’s mass and most of the times , it raise the wood’s grain .

Can i use water based Primer , on Cabinets ?

Yes , certainly you can and it’s the most common solution for the indoor cabinets and wood .

How Long to Paint , after a water based primer ?

Usually after an hour or an 1hr and a half , you can touch the primer and after a couple of hours ( 2 – 4 ) , you can continue to your paint coating .

Can you Wax , over a water based Primer – Sealer ?

Yes , you can and there is no theme for waxing with every element . Of course let the surface to fully dry , befor the waxing .

Are water based Primers , Safe ?

Yes , the water based primers are way more safer than the oil – solvent based ones , but you should be aware that the primers aren’t totally safe , because they still contain chemical elements – pigments , et.c , inside them .

In the water based primers and finishes we have replaced the solvents with water , but they still contain other types of chemicals and stuff not 100% safe for the general health .

Can water based Varnish , be Used Outside ?

Yes , you can use them , it’s not “forbitten” , but usually we use them for the indoors wooden furniture and projects , because they are more eco friendly and have less fumes .

If you combine them with a nice topoat sealer , you’ll do a better finishing job .

Is water based Varnish , Safe ?

Yes , it’s more safer than a chemical based varnish that contains more chemicals and solvents inside its mass , but it’s not totally safe .

It’s better generally for the humans health , but it’s not a totally pure and natural element , so you should be careful for allergies maybe , or another type of health sensitivities .

Does water based varnish , Smell ?

Yes , it smells because it still contains several types of chemical based elements , but it doesn’t smell like the varnishes with solvents inside .

Is Varnish , water based ?

Yes , we have water based and oil based varnishes , with several types of formulas , covering a wide range of wood finishings .

Is Varnish , Oil or Water based ?

We have water based varnishes , like a water based polyurethane , but we also have oil based polyurethanes and many more wood finishes .

Is Water based varnish Better , than Oil based varnish ?

No it’s not , in the general protecting – strength – durability and long lasting performance .

The water based has also good general performance , but it’s main advantage is that , it’s way better in the area of eco friendly and general health .

The best wood varnishes to cover your apetite , in HERE .

How do you get a Smooth finish , using a water based Varnish ?

You need to make a good wooden surface preparation( sanding , et.c ) , use a top brush , use a top quality varnish , make many and light applying layers and avoid to apply backwards .

Should i Sand , between coats of water based Varnish ?

No , it’s not necessary if you don’t want to and you want aspecifc result , which is done without sanding between the coats .

How many coats of water based Varnish ?

You’ll need the number of coats , your wood’s “thirst” requires , your level of sanding you’ve made before requires , the rpevious undercoat , the type of the water based varnish and your personal preferences .

Usually a couple ( 2 – 3 ) of coats , will do the job , but always adapt to the specific circumstances .

Will water based Varnish , Wash Off ?

Yes , if you wash your water based varnish with water , before it fully dries and you can wash off the varnish with a remover , when this is fully dried .

What removes a water based Varnish ?

A varnish remover when the varnish is fully dry and water before it dries , can remove the varnish effectively .

What are the Advantages of water based Varnish ?

It’s eco friendly , it’s less toxic than other finishes , you can clean the surface easily , it doesn’t smell so bad , it has no solvents that can cause allergies among other problems , it’s strong enough , it’s very versatile with other types of finishes .

Can water based Stain , gets Wet ?

Yes it won’t have a them , but it should be fully dry , before getting wet .

Can water based Stain , Last long ?

Yes it can last for a long time , under normal circustances and weather conditions .

Does water based Stain , Peel ?

Yes , you may have peel problems , usually the very cold winters .

Can i put Oil , Over a water based Stain ?

Yes , it’s a top finish if you like to combine the emphasize grain of the strong stain pigments , with the protecting – sealing and hydrate features of an oil topcoat .

What are the Disadvanteges of water based Stain ?

The water based stain doesn’t penetrate so deep into wood , as an oil based one , it doesn’t provide such a nice and rich colors as the oil based and it needs more drying time .

What are the Disadvantege of using water based Polyurethane ?

It reacts with the wood’s grain , messing with the looks of it and if you want a top performance appearence , you should use more coats .

Can i Sleep in my house , after a water based Polyurethane ?

Yes , you can sleep in your house , but only if the polurethane is fully dried and you have zero smell and this in some cases may require , many days , or even weeks .

Remember , that we may not have solvents in the water based materials , but the other chemicals are present .

How Waterproof is a water based Polyurethane ?

A water based polyurethane is highly waterproof , but not totally and 100% and not for ever .

Should i Thin a water based , Polyurethane ?

Yes if you want , if you like and you need to thin your polyurethane for coverage reasons , you can thin it , using only distilled water .

The water we drink has elements inside ( chlorine , salts , et.c ) , which we don’t know how they’ll react with the polyurethane finish .

Are 2 – 3 coats of water based Polyurethane , Enough ?

Yes , if you don’t have a very open pores wood and the wooden surface is well prepared .

What are some Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a water based finish ?

The water based finishes are way more eco friendly , more health friendly , have less fumes – smell , there’re very versatile to other finishes and there’re easy to clean .

The water based finishes , aren’t providing the best and toughest protection as the oil based ones , they need more drying time in high moisture and cold and the looks of the oil based is kind of better with higher glint .

Is Polyurethane water based ?

We have both , oil and water based polyurethane finishes .

Is Acrylic Polyurethane , water based ?

No , it’s an oil based finish .

Is water based Polyurethane , Strong ?

Yes it is and remember that polyurethane is literally liquid plastic , even if it’s a water or an oil based product .

Is Acrylic , water based ?

Yes , it is .

Is there a water based Shellac ?

No , the shellac is dissolved in alcohol .

Is water based finish the Same as Acrylic ?

No it’s not , because we have acrylic polyurethane which is an oil based finish and several types of acrylic resin which have chemicals formulas and not water based formulas .

What is the Difference between water based Oil and a water based Polycrylic ?

The oil based polycrylic is generally a thicker wood finish with softer surface and coverage than the water based polycrylic , which is more thin and gives more strong final surface .

What is Better , Polycrylic or a water based Polyurethane ?

The polycrylic is a water based finish you can clean easier with soap and water , but it cannot compare with the strength of the polyurethane .

The polyurethane has solvents – mineral spirits , et.c , inside , but it provides general higher protection , water and several fluids resistance , heat resistance and it’s easier to apply .

How Long does it take for a water based Polycrylic to Dry ?

You can touch polycrulic after a couple of hours or less , depending your weather conditions and you can fully use it , after 1 – 2 days .

Can you Spray , water based Polycrylic ?

Yes , you can apply it using a spray .

Can you put Epoxy , Over water based Polycrylic ?

No you shouldn’t apply epoxy , on your polycrylic , because you’ll confront serious bonding issues , between these two elements .

Does water based Polycrylic , Smell ?

Yes it does , until it’s fully dry and it has the smell of the solvent type of wood finishing .

Can you put water based Polycrylic , Over Oil based Paint ?

Yes you can , but only when the oil based paint is fully dry , because you don’t want to face bonding and coevrage issues , between these two different finishing formulas .

Is Enamel , water based ?

No it’s not , it’s an oil based paint .

What Paint is water based ?

The acrylic and the latex paints are water based ones .

How water based finishes , Applied ?

You need good preparation for your wooden surface , which should be completely dry and you should use better a paint pad , than a brush a roller , or whatever else .

The paint pad has better feeling , you don’t apply more than it’s needed and the drying is faster .

Can i Spray water based Stain ?

Yes , you can use a spray to apply your water based stain and not only . The watr based dyes can be sprayed also , giving a good feeling in order to cover the surface very uniform .

Are water based Floor finishes , Durable ?

Yes there are durable enough , giving nice results , even there aren’t the toughest solutions in the markets . A water based polyurethane is a very good floor finish .

How Long , does water based finish take to Cure ?

This depends of course from the generic weather conditions of your place , but around the 10 days or a little more is a realistic time period , for a water based finish cure .

Can you Polish , a water based finish ?

Yes , certainly you can and you only need to lightly sand the surface and be certain that there is no glue on it .

Does water based finish , turn Yellow ?

No it doesn’t and this happens mostly to the oil based finishes .

Why does water based Paint , Smell ?

Yes , even if the water paint has water instead of solvents , their pigments and the other chemical elements , they still exist and of course have their own smell .

How bad is the Smell of water based Polyurethane ?

The smell of a water based polyurethane is “miles” away less than the other types of polyurethane finishes . Many say that it’s like there is literally no smell , but no matter what , the water based polyurethane smell is very little .

Is water based Polyurethane , Toxic to humans ?

Everything that it’s not 100% natural , pure and with zero chemicals inside , can harm more or less the humans , the anmimals , et.c .

Yes , a water based polyurethane has no solvents inside , but it has other , not 100% safe stuff inside .

Is water based finish toxic , Generally ?

Yes it is , as everything that it’s not 100% pure , natural and has all the appropriate approvals , from the specialists , doctors , et.c .

More or less can damage the general health , during time and “maturing” – aging , during use , et.c .

Is water based Varnish , non Toxic ?

No , it’s not . It’s more eco friendly and better for the health than other chemicals , but totally harmless with 100% securance for the general health , it’s not .

Is it Safe to Breathe water based Polyurethane , Fumes ?

No , it’s not in any time period of the water based polyurethane use , “fresh” or totally dry and cure . Whatever it’s not 100% natural and approved can harm .

Always take the safety measures .

How Long are the water based Polyurethane fumes , Toxic ?

The water based polyurethane needs more or less a whole month to fully cure and this depends from the specific circumstances and after that , the fumes are almost zero .

No matter what people say , i don’t like to use chemicals for my indoors and i don’t want to smell even cured water based materials .

The water based finishes are evoluting constantly and there are a nice solution to avoid chemicals and use more health and eco – friendly , products – materials .

If you combine them with some natural oils and waxes for your undercoat or your last finishing touch , even better .

Keep woodworking and stay safe with tons of happiness .