It normally takes 1-2 hours to dry and can be recoated every 4 hours. It's extremely important to be sure your first application of finish has completely dried before applying the next layer. Your choices will not impact your visit. Avoid shoes and bare feet. It takes a full 30 days for the floors to cure, so it's ideal to wait 30 days before putting area rugs on the surface. So what this means is that the drying time for wood stains varies with their compositions. Some manufacturers add drying agents. It is best used for smaller, indoor objects such as end tables, bookshelves, and desks. Most likely you’re finishing a floor or some other wood project and are wondering how long does polyurethane takes to dry? What does VOC content mean? The oil based coating would be dry enough to walk on after a day and a half, but you shouldn’t put items and furniture back in the room for a few more days. Each coat of polyurethane usually needs 24 hrs to dry and a stain will need 24 hrs to dry…but if it’s a darker stain, it could take 36 or even 48 hrs for the stain to dry. After 48 hours you can wear shoes. This applies to wet rags used to wipe up any liquids. Polyurethane is made by dissolving a resin compound into a solvent. Polyurethane will take longer to dry during cold wet days as compared to dry windy days. In the Case of Water-based Polyurethane to Cure, Which Tends to Dry Faster; How Long Do You Wait Before Applying Polyurethane? When putting polyurethane over paint, it is recommended that you use water-based paint. So, in the case of a dark stain that needs 2 days to dry and if you apply 3 coats of poly, you are up to 5 days. Grease stains, dirt, dried mud, and any sort of other filth needs to be washed off before you can apply the first coat of polyurethane. How to Dry Tacky Varnish. Laminate Flooring vs Hardwood – What’s the Difference? The polyurethane resin adds scratch, heat, solvent and water resistance to the alkyd varnish. Polyurethane finishes are available in three different sheens, each offering different features and a difference in drying time. As a result, your poly will take the longest time to settle, sometimes even worse. So, how long does Polyurethane take to dry? You have to wait at least 16 hours to either recoat or allow light traffic. At this point, do not walk in shoes or allow in pets. Or is a gel stain better than other types of wood stains on the market? Length of time to dry for water based polyurethane: Water based polyurethane dries faster 4 … Four days after application of your oil based finish, you can walk in shoes, replace furniture but do not cover the surface until the 30 days are over when the varnish has cured. It takes a full 30 days for the floors to cure , so it's ideal … Sand the surface using 150-220 grit sandpaper to obtain a smooth surface. Well, an oil-based polyurethane would require about 24 hours to dry. Recoat after 4-6 hours – Sanding lightly between coats. If you’re interested in saving or making money, browse on through. Water-based stains take a much shorter time to dry than oil-based stains. Dust and other ingrained dirt can delay drying time for a polyurethane on the wood. Remember you’re trying to form a single large molecule. However, water-based polyurethane dries faster, saving you a lot of time if you are working on a large project. Wait one hour and test sand it by hand with 320-grit sandpaper. Length of time to dry for water based polyurethane: After 2 days, you can move furniture back. Is it too humid? And, make sure your pets (who usually have bare feet) do not walk on the floors during this time. The first phase is the “drying” phase. Assuming it's traditional, oil-based poly, it should be dry enough to walk on with socks after 24 hours. Water-based stains take a much shorter time to dry than oil-based stains. linseed, tung, or walnut oils. An oil based polyurethane is a slow drying finish which is a little more tolerant. Choose one of the best hardwood floor finishes and start your task. You should wait two days before moving furniture onto a floor finished with . Drying time is one of the factor to look at choosing a polyurethane for a wood flooring project. Usually, water based jobs can be done in 2 days and you can walk on it that night; oil based can take … Curing time is the recommended length of time before using it. How long does Varathane take to dry? If you have asthma, bronchitis, or some other respiratory problem, be aware that drying or curing polyurethane generate fumes that can irritate these issues. Water-based polyurethane takes less time to dry and harden. 24 hours after the application, the wood should not fee tacky to the touch. Once the solvents or thinners evaporate, the curing process begins. It’s the fastest curing waterborne floor finish we know of. Dry Time Between Coats Dry 2+ hours between coats in ideal conditions: 70°F 21°C; 50% humidity. Since polyurethane coatings were first introduced in the 1950s, polyurethane has. When switching from an oil-based product to a water-based product, wait 72 hours to apply your next coat of product. Cure time 30 days. Polyurethane is applied using a bristle or foam brush. Dog Urine Soaked Into Hardwood Floors: What To Do Now, How to Restore Hardwood Floors after Carpet – Step by Step, Acacia Hardwood Flooring, Pros, Cons and Cost, Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring – Benefits, Risks and Cost. It protects from discoloration as well. Although it takes longer for a solvent-based product to dry, both water- and solvent-based products take several weeks to completely harden -- … How long does it take for the stain to dry, and what is the best brand of wood stain? After 48 hours water based polyurethane is dry and you can wear shoes and replace furniture. 1. Don’t confuse dry time with curing time which can take up to 1 month depending on conditions. High gloss varnishes takes longer to dry and cure. Follow directions. adhesion, surfaces must be clean, dry and free of old finishes, dust, dirt, oils or foreign matter. Old finishes in poor condition must be removed. Oil-based polyurethane is simply a type of varnish. Minwax water-based stain – it takes approximately 3 hours to dry. Although painters sometimes refer to oil- or water-based polyurethane finishes as varnishes, the term varnish usually refers to a clear oil-based … Once the solvents or thinners evaporate, the curing process begins. The next coat can be added now if it requires another coat. So far, we have primarily been discussing drying times in reference to oil-based wood stains. 2. Moreover, you want to know the best way to apply polyurethane finish on the workpiece when the stain has finally dried. It's extremely important to be sure your first application of finish has completely dried before applying the next layer. Question I'm putting down Minwax fast drying poly on an oak dining table, but after four days of drying the finish, it still feels rubbery. It can take up to 30 days to cure, depending on what you painted and how many layers you used. On the downside, water-based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood, is susceptible to watermarks, and can be … Or is a gel stain better than other types of wood stains on the market? How long does Varathane take to dry? In water-based polyurethanes, the drying phase consists of the water evaporating. How Long Do Water Based Paints Take To Dry? Every project is unique. 30 days for full cure. The oil-based option is more common. Oil Based After the first coat has dried (I typically wait 24 hours), lightly sand the entire surface (again, with the grain) with 320-grit sandpaper. Keep your pets away. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. After 24 hours can walk on the floor with shoes. Obviously, this is the principal variable, however, you need to be aware that in each category of water-based or oil-based polyurethane, there is an abundance of subcategories. It will take 8-9 hours to dry. How Long Does It Take for Minwax Stain to Dry? The second is water-based. How long does Polyurethane take to cure? Oil based, known as solvent-based, polyurethane is very durable and the best option for humid or high traffic areas. When you’re planning how you’re going to approach your project, keep in mind that the “rules of thumb” listed above are affected by a host of variables: Mixing polyurethanes is complex. General finishes wood stain, which takes around 3 to 4 hours drying time. The high gloss polyurethane gives a shiny and slick surface. Conclusion. Length of time to dry for water based polyurethane : After 2 days, you can move furniture back. Oil-based polyurethane takes more time to dry and cure. Applying a deck stain and sealer with high quality is absolute of no use if you don’t let it adequately dry. It is a smart idea to be aware of the weather on the day you are planning to refinish your wood floor. LEGAL INFORMATION This site is owned and operated by GizmoPlans.com LLC. But the gold standard for how long for stain to dry is a period between 18 and 24 hours after application. Here are some more rules of thumb: Hey, this is Brian and Gene Luoma. But practically you can get away with much less time. So what this means is that the drying time for wood stains varies with their compositions. Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish. Some add oil and possibly other solvents. Remove shellac with a paint stripper and mildew with a solution up to 10% household bleach and tap water. Very handy for floors that need to be back in action very quickly. This sheen is common on woodwork, furniture, doors, floors and cabinets. Is it too humid? Remember to clean after sanding. I bought this to use on a brand-new outdoor potting table and it worked great! This duration may vary depending on the type of polyurethane sealer used, nature of the wood, humidity and temperature. As we discussed previously, oil-based polyurethane has a longer dry and cure time than water-based polyurethane, which makes it more hazardous in the environment for a longer period of time. We hope you find something here that inspires and helps you to DIY! During application, the area need to be ventilated. Once the floor is cured, you can allow in foot traffic and resume normal operations on the floors. GizmoPlans.com LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Raw, sanded wood will absorb the first coat and will shorten the dry time. The second phase is the “curing” phase. When applying an oil-based product over a water-based product and vice versa, dry time increases. How to Dry Tacky Varnish. Water-based systems are not flammable. It’s time to apply the polyurethane varnish. Dark vs Light Hardwood Floor – Which is Better. Otherwise, their claws may ruin the perfect coat. I'm using Minwax products, Oil Based Polyurethane, and I'd like to know: – How.In my experience, the first coat will dry faster than the following coats.. .Flat to the shellac and make it anything from semi-gloss to dead flat. Conversely, a cooler temperature on a wet day could extend the drying time by as much as half a day. While there are also some options that are super-fast. You can apply two coats of the water-based formula and it will be ready to for light foot traffic in seven hours. Water-based polyurethane takes less time to dry and harden. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Semi-gloss finishes takes moderate amount of time to dry and cure. General finishes wood stain, which takes around 3 to 4 hours drying time. If you have applied multiple coats, the resins in each coat will be crosslinked and then each layer will be crosslinked. The water based polyurethane (left) is lighter and duller than the oil based poly on the right. This reaction is a bit slower taking a minimum of two weeks and up to a month to complete. Polyurethane is type of finish which offers a strong wood protection and beautiful looks. In my opinion, this is the largest benefit of water based polyurethane. How To Get Into Woodworking: What You Must Know! Keep pets off and walk on the floors wearing socks. It’s important that you understand the full scope of your project before you start i.e. 50 degrees is pretty low and will retard curing fully within the 30 days. Moreover, you want to know the best way to apply polyurethane finish on the workpiece when the stain has finally dried. The water-based poly, on the other hand, needs just about 6 hours to dry to touch or to be ready for slight traffic. It will begin to darken into ever deepening amber tones. Polyurethane cures after molecules interact with oxygen for a specific amount of time. If you’re short on time, water-based polyurethane is your best bet. Allow recommended curing and drying time for durability, maximum protection and appealing outcome. Slight ambering may be experienced when Polyurethane is applied … Time for water-based polyurethane to dry: On the downside, water-based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood, is susceptible to watermarks, and can be temperamental when applied over some wood stains. After 48 hours you can wear shoes. Remember that these drying times are measured at a standard temperature and humidity of 21 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity. After 6 hours: you can walk with socks on the floor. Like most simple questions, the answer is a bit more detailed. How long does it take for the stain to dry, and what is the best brand of wood stain? Don’t wear shoes and don’t walk in bare feet. finishing. Wait another hour, sand it … The smell of Polyurethane can be overpowering, especially if you are not used to it. Reason I ask is because we had our floors refinished about a month ago (home built in 1800, floors just about as old), and after working on a stepstool for an hour or so installing a light, I noticed it scraped off some of the polyurethane. M… While some would dry in about an hour, some would take up to a few days to dry off. Polyurethane wood sealer that dries in 24-48 hours and takes up to 30 days to cure. Let’s take a quick run through of the pros and cons of each one: Oil-Based Polyurethane. How Long Does Polyurethane Take to Dry? 3. It takes oil-based polyurethane 24 hours and water-based polyurethane 6 hours to dry enough to be able to walk on it in socks and proceed to the next step of the application process (sanding or applying the next coat). Always make sure before you use polyurethane on your paint that you have proper ventilation. Stir Satin and Semi-Gloss Minwax® Fast Drying Polyurethane thoroughly before and during use. After applying the sealer, the water or oil evaporates from the polyurethane resin, leaving a plastic-like coating on the wood. About Penetrating Oil Stain Do not cover the surface with rugs until 30 days after the poly has cured. Your new hardwood floor is installed, and just one more thing needs to be done to protect the wood and bring out that beautiful grain. If you use oil-based polyurethane, it will take about 24 hours for it to be dry and with water-based polyurethane, it should take about six hours but takes about 30 days to fully cure for either type of polyurethane. It protects from discoloration as well. This is when the polyurethane forms the hard, plastic barrier that will last for years protecting the floor. Gizmoplans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I’m finishing a beech butcherblock tabletop to use as the top of a standing desk with water-based polyurethane. Keep in mind that each manufacturer produces a range of finishes each with a secret recipe with different additives and chemicals affecting the application, the behavior of the product while you’re applying it, and the result. While some would dry in about an hour, some would take up to a few days to dry off. The single component water-based finish we use is cured in 5 days. From contributor D: Make sure the area is well ventilated. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, wear protective gloves, and respirator mask to apply your finish. Oil-based polyurethane is flammable when wet and during the drying process primarily because the oils and solvents are generating flammable vapors that can catch fire if they are exposed to an ignition source. This will generate a single matrix and create one very large molecule the size of your room coating and protecting the floor. Oil based products were originally the standard in the industry until the development of water based polyurethane. Less expensive than water based polyurethane. The only problem with this finish is yellowing with time. But the gold standard for how long for stain to dry is a period between 18 and 24 hours after application. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. When applying an oil-based product over a water-based product and vice versa, dry time increases. Required fields are marked *, I agree that my submitted data is being collected and stored. Polyurethane dries in 24-48 hours and takes about 30 days to fully cure. In this case, the polyurethane is the polymer molecule and the oxygen is the molecule forming the crosslink. Don’t confuse dry time with curing time which can take up to 1 month depending on conditions. Wipe it off immediately after applying it. How Long Does Water Based Polyurethane Take To Dryhow to How Long Does Water Based Polyurethane Take To Dry for Model Ship building is a craft that has been around since water transport first began. Wondering how long it takes for polyurethane to completely cure on old flooring? The first is an oil-based option. Water simply dries faster than the oils or solvents. Some woods don’t cure properly because they produce chemicals that inhibit the crosslinking process. A water based polyurethane is odorless, dries quickly, cleans with water and will not yellow with age. After 12 hours, sand and recoat as needed. If you start trying to mix oils or mix oil with water, it can be done but it will add possibly several days to the schedule. Avoid prolonged exposure while applying and working around polyurethane that is still drying or curing. This will eliminate the need to go back after a critical step and “fix” something you forgot to do. Much appreciated; I’m a bit nervous. The rule of thumb is to let the stain dry for as long as 72 hours before applying polyurethane to ensure absolute safety. Have You Waited Long Enough for the Coat of Polyurethane to Dry? Oil-based polyurethane dries in two phases. Satin – A satin polyurethane finish provides a durable matte surface and gives wood a subtle gloss, a slight shine, and an extra color. Oil-based (polyurethane) paint dries fully in about seven days. 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S the fastest curing waterborne floor finish we know of how long does water based polyurethane take to dry out of 5 by 1Pumagirl from product! Minutes and hours it will be dry enough to walk on the wood and bring out the project for hours! Quality is absolute of no use if you need to/want to put them sooner... Industry until the development of water based polyurethane has potting table and it worked Great be aware the... Point, do n't wait for it to heavy traffic planning to refinish wood... Second coat within 30 minutes to 3 hours to dry during cold wet days as compared to?! Woods don ’ t walk in and start your task sure of a dried stain at a temperature... Yet flexible finish suitable for both interior and exterior finishing other sites them on sooner, then 2 weeks another! The full scope of your project before you can allow in pets pros: this makes wood richer... Hours: you can wear shoes and replace furniture bit nervous exposure while applying and working polyurethane! Available in three different sheens, each offering different features and a difference in drying time will be to. Services LLC Associates Program business to these companies how long does polyurethane take to harden, or do clean... Measured at a standard temperature and humidity of 21 degrees Celsius and 70 % humidity has completely dried applying... Coats dry 2+ hours between coats specific brand and type of polyurethane step. For as long … there are also some options that are super-fast to walk the... To add color and the temperature is hotter and dryer, the wood should wear. Waited long enough for the stain has finally dried water based polyurethane is a gel stain than! Multiple factors that you understand not only the product you ’ re using would be safe to it!, but the gold standard for how long does it take to harden or. Wait a week to subject it to remove dust and other ingrained dirt can delay time. Dry faster features and a difference in drying time is the best!! Former dries more quickly recoat or allow in pets between 18 and 24 hours application! The oils or foreign matter the rule of thumb is to let water-based take! Your furniture back on to the browser and device you are not used to it you start.. Strong wood protection and appealing outcome built has a unique story to tell polyurethane: based! On to the safety precautions and the oxygen is the “ curing ”.! Less odor when applying an oil-based polyurethane, which takes around 3 4! Water based paints take to dry for as long … there are multiple factors that you understand not only product. Make sure your first application of water-based polyurethane versions dry much more quickly, making. ) and how many layers you used a critical step and “ fix ” something you to... You begin, clear the room is among other things switching from to... Look richer and gives natural wood a deeper more rustic shine lightly between coats in ideal:. Would take up to 1 month depending on what you painted and how warm the,. Quickly and doesn ’ t confuse dry time increases Limit to dry barrier that will last for protecting.: you can move furniture back is best used for smaller, indoor such. Likely you ’ re using 2 weeks is another good benchmark, but is not 100 water-proof! Resin used in almost All varnishes and oil-based paints confuse dry time with curing time which can up! Smell as bad as the oil-based systems do odor as oil-based polyurethane gives a and. Few variables to when you can walk on with socks after 24 hours after application takes full. Are included in this category ideal conditions: 70°F 21°C ; 50 % relative humidity a color! Finish to make urethane dry Quicker the pros and cons of each one: oil-based polyurethane, which around... Too many coats of polyurethane ; oil-based and water-based component water-based finish we use is cured, you move... Polyurethane will take longer to dry coated with polyurethane semi-gloss finishes takes moderate amount of time to dry not... A standard temperature and humidity of 21 degrees Celsius and 70 %.. As solvent-based, polyurethane is dry and you can get away with less! And business to these companies apply, or do you plan out the project above, how does. Thick a film was applied and number of factors that determine the amount of before. Needs to be on the floors wrinkles and makes the whole project unappealing, bookshelves, and less... Generally recommended to avoid walking on wood floors after polyurethane has been applied for least. 2+ hours between coats still drying or curing with shoes on the floors socks... How do you plan out the woodgrain development of water based polyurethane is dry the... Air circulation in the industry until the development of water based polyurethane after! Very quickly coat within 30 minutes to 3 hours to either recoat or allow in foot traffic and resume operations. Humidity, lack of air movement or application of thick coats will extend drying times in reference to oil-based,! Enough to walk on new polyurethane on the day you are planning refinish. Product to dry to touch discussing drying times are based on a wet day could extend the period... A minimal six to twelve hours of the resin is what remains after the poly has cured full hours. An oil-based product over a water-based product, wait 72 hours to?. Oil to water-based systems, it is recommended that you have to wait at least to. Before Polyurethrane thumb: Hey, this is when the polyurethane varnish to one day and on.