Oil-based polyurethane is a great finish for solid wood furniture. It's hard, durable, and scratch resistant.
We have a lot of families that homeschool on their tables and a finish that is durable and long lasting; not something they have to baby or worry about.
Here are a few of our favorite things about oil-based polyurethane:
1. You don't have to use coasters. You can leave a glass of ice water on the table in the summer and the condensation won't leave a water ring.
2. Spills wipe right up. Some finishes used on less durable tables would need to be stripped if you spilled something like kool-aid on them.
3.The oil-based polyurethane doesn't need to be reapplied and won't dry out over time like some oil finishes.
If something is too hot to hold, you'll want to put down a hot pad or trivet, like with practically any surface. You can also damage your top if you spill something chemically abrasive on it, like fingernail polish remover. You don't want to use harsh chemicals to clean your table, as that may wear down the finish over the years. We recommend a wet rag or a wet soapy rag for cleaning - but you can use any cleaning product intended for wood surfaces.
Please note, our Barn Wood finish is our only color that uses a water-based polyurethane. We can't achieve that color while using an oil-based polyurethane. While still durable, it is a little more delicate and coasters are recommended. Every other finish color we have uses our oil-based polyurethane.
We use a satin/low sheen finish by default. We find this low sheen looks the best on real, solid wood furniture and is easier to keep clean and smudge-free than higher gloss finishes.
We invite about 200 kids each December to come paint ornaments on our showroom tables. We also provide drinks and snacks. At the end of the day, all we do is wipe down the tables we're ready to re-open the store the next day. I'm not sure any other furniture store openly invites kids to paint at their showroom each year ;)
If you have any questions about our finishes, please call (479-633-7557), text, oremail- We'd be happy to help!
FAQs
For example, under normal wear and tear, a durability of more than 50 years can be expected for polyurethane insulation systems for buildings, more than 25 years for polyurethane used for insulation of refrigerators or more than 20 years for the application of polyurethane in vehicle bumpers.
How long will polyurethane last? ›
Depending on many factors, like your lifestyle and type of finish, polyurethane can last between three to six years. However, if you see damage on your floors, it may be time to reapply a fresh finish to your hardwood.
How durable is polyurethane finish? ›
Polyurethane offers a robust layer of protection that guards wood furniture against water, stains, and scratches. Its durability is one of its most celebrated attributes, making it an ideal finish for pieces that see daily use.
What are the disadvantages of polyurethane? ›
DISADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS:
- Poor thermal capability.
- Poor weatherability.
- Attacked by most solvents.
- Utilize toxic isocyanates.
- Flammable.
PU foams deteriorate rapidly; visible consequences of degradation can appear after 20–30 years of natural degradation. The main visual signs of degradation are discoloration, loss of flexibility, and crumbling, which occur under influence of moisture, heat, and light.
Will polyurethane crack over time? ›
Because polyurethane is a highly flexible material, one that is able to expand and contract with relative ease, it's less likely than some other sealants to crack or flake over time. This is one of the main reasons many people do opt for this material when they choose a sealing solution.
Is polyurethane finish waterproof? ›
The short answer is yes, to a certain degree. There are several factors that make some polyurethanes more absorbent than others. Depending on the physical properties and material, thermoset polyurethanes can practically have zero water absorption compared to other known materials.
When not to use polyurethane? ›
Can You Use Polyurethane Inside or Outside? Most exterior polys can be used indoors, but interior polys should never be used outdoors; they lack the additives that protect exterior finishes from UV rays.
Does polyurethane scratch easy? ›
Oil poly can be more susceptible to dents, while water based poly can be more susceptible to surface scratching. Because water based is a thinner product, manufacturers recommend a sealer coat and 2 coats of finish coats.
What is better than polyurethane? ›
Because polyester has a much higher solid content than polyurethane, polyester's surface is stronger making it less vulnerable to scratching and chemical cleaning.
Improved Durability & Energy Savings
Due to the tightly bound resin structure, aliphatic polyurethanes don't scratch as easily as many ordinary paints and coatings that are much less robust. Just by adding a polyurethane finish coat, you can add multiple years to a building's exterior life-cycle.
What damages polyurethane? ›
Excessive loading, impact, abrasion and other mechanical stresses can cause wear, deformation or damage to the material, reducing its durability. Chemical conditions: Exposure to aggressive chemicals, such as solvents, oils, acids or bases, can affect the durability of polyurethanes.
What is the life expectancy of polyurethane? ›
Polyurethanes are durable products, offering many years of service. Lifetimes can vary between 3 and more than 50 years depending on the end use. An average lifetime of 15 years for refrigerators (insulated with polyurethane foam) is just one example.
Does polyurethane rip easily? ›
Polyurethane sofas are cheaper and more animal friendly than leather sofas. They are easier to care for, are very durable and are considered environmentally friendly. They also do not crack with use or fade under sunlight. However, they are more easily torn than real leather.
How long should polyurethane last? ›
For example, under normal wear and tear, a durability of more than 50 years can be expected for polyurethane insulation systems for buildings, more than 25 years for polyurethane used for insulation of refrigerators or more than 20 years for the application of polyurethane in vehicle bumpers.
How often do you need to apply polyurethane? ›
Recoat the finish when it turns dull, typically once a year.
What is the lifetime of polyurethane? ›
The lifespan of polyurethane will depend on the application and the type of use. Under normal use and regular wear and tear, we can expect a lifespan of: 50+ years for building insulation. 25+ years for refrigerators.
Does polyurethane peel over time? ›
Does PU leather peal and break down with usage? - Quora. PU leather (short for polyurethane) is essentially a plastic material. Similar to most plastics, it will begin to drgeade and break down over time, losing some of the strength, resiliance, and even look that it had when new.
Can polyurethane get too old to use? ›
Gloss oil-based varnish, polyurethane and Danish oil can last 10 or 20 years, though satin finishes and stains may fail sooner as pigments and flattening agents disable the driers. Water-based coatings and paints can also be viable longer than three years. Shellac, though, can go bad in under a year.
