The Best Non-Yellowing Polyurethanes For Floors On The Market. (These High Durability Water-Based Brands Won’t Turn Your Hardwood Floors Yellow)
The quest for the perfect protection for wood surfaces has led to the widespread popularity of polyurethane for its durability and clear finish. But wait, there’s a catch! The age-old issue of yellowing over time, which often mars the beauty of the wood and gives it an older appearance, has been a constant challenge. Fear not! A new dawn has arisen with the advent of non-yellowing polyurethane, ensuring that your wood surfaces remain at their prime for years to come.
The yellowing of flooring that you often see is the result of ambering. Ambering is a normal process when using oil-based poly. The key to non-yellowing is 1. Using a water-based polyurethane. 2. Using premium polyurethane (cheaper and mid-grade brands will yellow over time. 3. Select the correct type of wood for your floors.
Summary
In this article, I will share what are the best types of non yellowing polyurethanes to use, as well as my top recommended brands of polyurethane that have proven track records on not yellowing your hardwood floors.
The Advantages of Non-Yellowing Polyurethane
The utilization of non-yellowing polyurethane has numerous benefits, starting with the preservation of the natural beauty of the wood. The wood’s original color and grain pattern remain intact, avoiding yellowing and lending a youthful, revitalized look to the surfaces.
Not only does non-yellowing polyurethane enhances aesthetics, but it also provides long-lasting protection. Unlike traditional polyurethane, which is susceptible to yellowing and degradation over time, non-yellowing formulas are engineered to resist these effects and form a robust barrier against moisture, dirt, and other elements. Resulting in surfaces that remain stunning for an extended period and require minimal maintenance.
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People want to know what is the best non yellowing polyurethane on the market? Our #1 choice is BONA Traffic HD. Non yellowing water based polyurethane is what I recommend to my clients when they are searching for the best polyurethanes to use. I’m about to engage with a client on a renovation of a 4 unit complex that has decent hardwood floors. We will need to refinish the floors and I’ve recommended that he use Bona Traffic HD to get proven results.
Why Do Hardwood Floors Turn Yellow?
One of the most common questions about hardwood floors is “Why do hardwood floors turn yellow?” There are a few different reasons why this happens, but the most common cause is the type of off-wood that was used for the floors and the finish that was used on the floors.
There are quite a few trees that are naturally going to yellow with age. Pines and oaks are at the top of the list. Natural exposure to the sun will result in a natural yellowing. All wood is photosensitive resulting in a chemical reaction with light. Think of the yellowing of wood as a suntan for your wood floors. I would also avoid maple and bamboo flooring as well.
Oil-based polyurethane is another main culprit. All polyurethane will result in yellowing over time, but using an oil-based poly will definitely speed up the process. Oil-based polys naturally oxidize which results in the amber and darkening of wood over time.
If you have ever walked into an old home with real wood floors, chances are that you have seen flooring that has that rich yellowing or amber hue to them. This is a natural process that occurs when the UV rays from the sun engage with the poly.
Lastly, if you stain your flooring with stains that have yellow or amber undertones, to begin with, you are already starting out with yellowing. You can always sand your floors and restain if possible. When I purchased my current home, my hardwood floors were a pecan hue. I restained my floors to a rich dark mahogany color.
Will My Dark Hardwoods Turn Yellow
Dark Hardwood floors still go through the same process as other hardwoods, you will not however notice the yellowing. Because the staining process darkens the wood, you simply will see the dark stain color. Using either water-based or oil-based will work great on any dark-stained flooring. When I restained my floors, I opted to go very dark and I used oil-based so that I could achieve a richer look. My recommendation is Duraseal for Oil-Based Polyurethane.
Which Types Of Polyurethane Yellow The Least?
Here is the reality, all polyurethane will yellow over time including water-based poly. The cheaper the polyurethane, the more likely you are to get yellowing. I suggest that you select premium brands as they will give you better end results. We simply cannot eliminate yellowing.
Water-based polyurethane is the most common type of finish used on hardwood floors. It is also the least likely to turn yellow over time. If you want to avoid yellowing, then use water-based. (Bona Traffic HD – is highly recommended) Water-based polyurethane is clear and lighter. Oil-based polyurethane is more likely to turn yellow as they naturally have a yellow/amber tint to them Oil-based poly is going to get darker over time.
What Is The Best Polyurethane That Won’t Yellow?
Here are my top 3 waterborne polyurethane brands: the most durable and yellow the least.
There are a few other factors that can contribute to yellowing, such as the type of wood used and the environment the floor is in. For example, floors in rooms with a lot of sunlight will yellow more quickly than those in rooms with less sunlight.
1. Bona Traffic HD
Bona Traffic HD stands at the top of my list when it comes to both water-based poly. Bona Traffic HD is by far the most durable poly on the market and it will give you the best results for a polyurethane that does not yellow in the same manners as other water-based polys. Another reason I like Bona is that it has a very low VOC and you guys know I’m all about the environment. The odor is tolerable and within a day you won’t smell it at all.
Bona stands head and shoulders above the others as it is simply a superb product. It’s a commercial grade, hence not only will it stand up in high-traffic areas, but I also suffice to say it will withstand the traffic in your home.
2. Street Shoe
StreetShoe is an optimal choice for a water-based poly when you want to save a few dollars. One of my home builders uses StreetShoe in all of their new construction homes. It has been a favorite in the industry for a long time and it is known for its durability.
3. Loba WS 2k Supra
Loba is another polyurethane that makes our list. It is considered just as durable as Bona Traffic HD. I’ve had a few clients recently use this product. I haven’t come across any negative reviews. It’s a German-made product that is still relatively new. My clients love the Satin finish.
4. Bona Mega Clear HD
Bona Mega Clear HD is a relatively new product in the Bona line. It was launched in 2018 and is a one-component finish Bona states that this product will not yellow over time and is a low-VOX product that is GREENGUARD certified when it comes to indoor air quality.
Sidenote: Bona is the first in the flooring industry to carry a full system of hardwood floor finishing and floor care products that are certified when it comes to indoor air quality. For More Information, visit Bona.com
5. Pallmann Pall-X 96 MATTE
Pallmann X-96 is the latest and greatest polyurethane to come to market. It’s great for the outdoors and it’s approved for light commercial. It can be considered a viable option for Bona Traffic HD, but only the test of time will let us know if it stands up to all the hype. What I do like about Pall X 96 is the low VOC and they claim it has powers against UV rays.
Useful Products That Will Prolong The Life Of Your Hardwood Floors
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Recap On Polyurethanes That Yellow Less
As indicated all polyurethanes will yellow over time. In many cases (especially if you have dark-stained hardwoods) you will not notice the yellowing at all. You can be proactive in preventing obvious yellowing by using high-grade waterborne polys. The end result will still be a light and airy feel with a more modern look to it.
If you are considering very light floors such as gray or white-washed flooring, then you won’t be disappointed in what Bona Traffic HD has to offer. If you are looking to maximize your budget, then consider Loba. Remember that you get what you pay for.
Related Polyurethane And Refinishing Hardwoods Post
- 13 Best Polyurethane For Hardwood Floors
- Water Based Vs. Oil-Based Polyurethane Floor Finish -The Pros & Cons
- Is Polyurethane Waterproof?
- Hardwood Flooring Trends
- Best Vacuums For Hardwood Flooring
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