The commercial grade water-based finish we use is 100% cured after just 3 days. Within 24 hours you can carefully put your furniture back.
The average dry time for water-based finishes is 2 to 8 hours while other urethanes dry between 4 to 24 hours. It is safe to lightly walk on the floor the day after we put on the last coat of finish however, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before placing any furniture.
Cure time refers to the time needed before the wood floor is ready to be used. Depending on conditions, the curing time for an oil-based polyurethane can be as long as a month. Water-based polyurethane cures in about two to five days.
For water-based finishes, it's advisable to wait at least 2 days. This ensures the floors have properly dried and cured, and that any harmful fumes have dissipated for your safety.
Water-based polyurethane has a tendency to interact more with the wood grain, which often necessitates the application of multiple coats to achieve a smooth finish.
It really all depends on preference and what you're using the piece for and where. If it's going outside you may want to apply more! The more coats you apply, the smoother it usually gets as well. Ultimately at least two coats on the top is preferable unless you want a very rough feel to the finished product.
Remember, though, water based formulas tend to be non-yellowing as they age and oil based formulas tend to amber. With wood substrates that is sometimes desirable, but with many other substrates a yellowing finish is usually something you want to avoid.
Water based poly dries much faster, and several coats (up to 4) can be applied in one day. Water based poly can be walked on with socks in about 4-6 hours after last coat has been applied, while oil based poly must dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it with socks.
So, the answer to “when can I put furniture on refinished floors” is the following: Although it's best to wait for as much as possible, 2 to 3 days should be enough to put the furniture back in place safely. Keep in mind that you'll want to be extra careful to not scratch your new floors.
Here's a summary: Oil-Based Polyurethane: Wait 3 to 7 days before sleeping in the house. Water-Based Polyurethane: Wait 2 to 3 days before sleeping in the house. Natural Oils or Waxes: Wait 2 to 5 days depending on the specific product.
How Many Coats of Water-Based Polyurethane are Necessary for a Project? Two coats of finish are suggested for most interior projects.
Drying Time: Oil-based polyurethane typically takes 6–10 hours to dry between coats. Wait at least 24 hours before light use of the surface and 48 hours before placing furniture on it. Water-based polyurethane is becoming increasingly popular due to its faster drying time and low odor.
Wait 3 weeks before putting area rugs on newly refinished/finished hardwood floors.
Surfaces finished with oil-based polyurethanes can be used after around 4 days, but full cure normally takes 30 days.
You can use a brush, rag or spray for your project. The best way to apply polyurethane will depend on the surface of the wood project. Brushes are best for flat surfaces such as tables or some chairs. Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips.
The commercial grade water-based finish we use is 100% cured after just 3 days. Within 24 hours you can carefully put your furniture back.
If the furniture is a unique designer antique or a valuable antique, don't refinish it. You might end up destroying the value of the furniture.
You can tell if polyurethane is cured by checking the instructions, doing the fingernail test, or the smell test.
Polyurethane dries in 24-48 hours and takes about 30 days to fully cure.
APPEARANCE: Oil based poly has an amber hue, but water based poly is clear. An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time (we're looking at you, orange floors!), but water based poly will remain clear.
For oil-based polyurethane, it can take up to 24-48 hours for the finish to dry and up to 72 hours for the fumes to dissipate completely. Therefore, it is recommended that you stay out of your home for at least 72 hours after applying an oil-based polyurethane finish.
Though many people believe oil-based finishes are more durable, superior technological advancements to water-based finish have been made in the last 40 years that prove water-based finishes last longer and hold their appearance longer. High quality floor finishes of both types can last about 10 years.
If everything was done correctly, your polyurethane surface should be ready for paint without any issues. Water-based paint works just fine if your surface is primed correctly, however it's recommended you use oil-based paint for a more superior, long lasting finish.
Water-based polyurethane can be the best option for you if you want a finish that dries rapidly and has little odour or toxicity. Oil-based polyurethane can be the preferable choice if you require a finish that accentuates the inherent beauty of wood while providing enhanced durability and protection.