Asked by: Dorathy Malagarriga
hobbies and interests woodworking

Is there an odorless polyurethane?

Last Updated: 29th May, 2020

39
Waterborne polyurethane is not entirely odorless, but it's close.

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In this way, is there a polyurethane that doesn't smell?

Unlike traditional polyurethanes (poly, shellac, or clear coat) even many of those labeled as “environmentally friendly”, ECOS WoodShield Varnish is non-toxic and has no traditional paint (polyurethane) odor, which can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues.

does polyurethane smell bad? Polyurethane is available in two types -- water- and oil-based. Water-based polyurethane costs twice as much as its oil-based counterpart, but it is slightly less toxic and has less of an odor.

Besides, is there an alternative to polyurethane?

Linseed Oil Linseed oil is another commonly used natural alternative to polyurethane. Some people buy the linseed oil by itself in order to treat their wood. Others will make use of linseed oil inside of other products. Either way, it makes for a good alternative to the toxic polyurethane that you would rather avoid.

How long does it take for polyurethane to stop smelling?

The floor should be mostly cured (enough to live on) in the first 5-7 days, but it can take up to a month for the odors to be completely gone, and for the finish to reach its maximum hardness.

Related Question Answers

Afshan Mcnulty

Professional

What is better polyurethane or Polycrylic?

Oil-based polyurethane is very durable, making it the best choice for finishing wooden floors or furniture that gets a lot of use, such as a kitchen table. And oil-based polyurethane handles high heat like a champ—something that water-based polyurethane and polycrylic both struggle with.

Ivo Vitram

Professional

Is there a clear polyurethane?

Whether you choose to stain your wood project or not, it is important that you protect the wood with a clear finish, such as polyurethane. Most clear finishes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin sheens.

Zenobio Veligjanin

Professional

Is there a polyurethane that doesn't yellow?

Pros of Polycrylic
It is completely clear and does not have a yellow tint like oil based polyurethane. So it is best used when you don't want a yellowish colored layer over your furniture and more so over light colored paint. Tidying up is super easy because it is water based.

Lori Cuasante

Explainer

How do you keep polyurethane from turning yellow?

In order to keep both from yellowing is thin layers and sanding. Be patient use thin coats sand with steel wool pads or 380-400 sand paper. Clean very well after sanding. If paint is water base use water base poly.

Cristian Rathge

Explainer

Is water based or oil based polyurethane better?

Oil based polyurethane looks better.
It has a more depth – both in color and shine and it looks the way we expect hardwood to look. Water based polyurethane has both a duller color and a duller finish. usually giving it a richer look while the water based poly just continues to get duller over time.

Yurima Pouvreau

Explainer

Why is my Polycrylic cracking?

The wide cracks appear as the coating is drying and happens when it is applied too heavily or the solvents flash off too quickly. The cure for this type of cracking is to sand it back and re-coat as soon as it's dry enough.

Effie Hijar

Pundit

Is water based polyurethane waterproof?

Yes, polyurethane provides a protective layer on hardwood (as well as furniture) making it harder for water to penetrate into the wood. But, it is not waterproof; rather, it's water resistant.

Lianne Steussloff

Pundit

Does Polycrylic turn yellow?

* Polycrylic is WATER-clear Poly, & can't "yellow". Water-based poly's are completely clear.

Yanetsy Reiffarth

Pundit

Do I have to sand between coats of polyurethane?

How many coats of polyurethane should be applied? A: There's no need to sand between coats of finish if you apply each coat within the recommended amount of time. However, you might want to sand lightly before the final coat just to make sure the last coat goes on smoothly.

Meritxel Elflein

Pundit

What can be used instead of varnish?

Another approach would be to use a spray, like Krylon's Kamar Varnish, or one of the permanent (non-removable, but much easier to keep clean than bare acrylic paint) clear coat sprays (some of them are called varnishes even though they are not removable) made by Krylon, Grumbacher, and others.

Unax Ipiña

Pundit

What is the best natural wood finish?

Wood Finishes: Several Natural Solutions
  • Tung oil. Tung oil comes from the seed or nut of the tung tree.
  • Beeswax. Beeswax has been used as a wood protector for years as well.
  • Soy wax. Soy wax can be used in the same manner as beeswax.
  • Linseed oil.
  • Shellac.
  • Walnut oil.
  • Jojoba oil.
  • Sunflower oil.

Yuriko Quecedo

Teacher

Do you sand between coats of Danish oil?

Danish oil dries slowly, so wait overnight before recoating. And it goes on thin, so apply a minimum of three coats. You don't have to worry about brush marks, but you'll get an even smoother finish by lightly "wet" sanding between the second and third coats.

Steffen Iannone

Teacher

How do you prep wood for polyurethane?

Prepping the Wood
Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. You can also use a rag moistened with mineral spirits (for an oil-based poly) or cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol (for a water-based poly).

Izascun Juez

Teacher

What can I use instead of shellac?

Here is another way to use the same venerable traditional substance that is much easier - use as a liquid. You can get Zisner's "Bulls Eye" shellac at any hardware store. Or you can mix flake shellac with denatured alcohol to get a liquid at the viscosity you prefer.

Aldana Aceves

Reviewer

Why is my polyurethane streaking?

Bruce Wedlock replies: Brush streaks come from the finish not smoothing out after the application. Viscous finishes like typical oil varnishes don't flow easily, so brush marks can result. The pad is just replacing the brush as the applicator. The first coat seals the wood and needs to be sanded lightly with 150 grit.

Daud Quindimil

Reviewer

Is polyurethane necessary after staining?

While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.

Lizhen Davlertgareev

Reviewer

How do you get rid of polyurethane smell fast?

  1. Remove all pets, people and plants from the home.
  2. Install an ozone machine in the affected area and allow it to clean the air over a couple of days.
  3. Place several bowls in the affected room and fill them with water.
  4. Open all the windows wide open and allow the affected area to air out fully.

Marzia Ageev

Reviewer

Is polyurethane a carcinogen?

Isocyanates are the raw materials that make up all polyurethane products. Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and known to cause cancer in animals.

Millana Gelonch

Supporter

Can you sleep in house after polyurethane?

We recommend a minimum of 2 days of socks-only traffic for floors finished with oil polyurethane. The house is not inhabitable for a minimum of 2 days after the job is completed, and better to stay out for at least 5 as the fumes/off-gassing is not advisable to breathe in, even if there are other rooms to sleep in.

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