Shellac Vs Polyurethane For Floors

Shellac naturally contains a small percentage of wax but liquid dewaxed shellac often referred to as universal sealer is typically used on wood floors.

Shellac vs polyurethane for floors.

Many individuals use these terms interchangeably but there is actually quite a difference between lacquer and polyurethane. Polyurethane durability can help you to make a wise choice when it comes to finishing your latest project. Very popular prior to the introduction of polyurethane floor sealers in the 1960s. This is because the most popular types of topcoats varnish lacquer polyurethane and shellac have advantages and disadvantages which makes them best suited for particular types of settings.

Varnish whether it contains alkyd or polyurethane resin or a combination is an example of a curing finish. It s good for bookcases desks side tables and picture frames anything that won t be exposed to extremes. Floors where you want a natural product that doesn t emit a lot of vocs and dries quickly. Clocks jewelery boxes etc.

Floors cabinets and some furniture need the protection of varnish. Varnish vs lacquer vs polyurethane vs shellac for aspiring woodworkers choosing the right finish can seemingly be a difficult task at least at first. Always apply a second coat and you may want to repeat the process with a third coat. As with shellac water based polyurethane won t hold up well to heat and chemicals.

Shellac has been used as a coating for thousands of years. There is no one perfect finish for all projects. Once the solvent dissolves the resin undergoes a chemical reaction that can t be. Minwax polycrylic is an example of a fortified water based polyurethane than can stand up a bit better to rough conditions.

Most floors require two to three coats of polyurethane for adequate protection. When applying polyurethane finish allow the first coat to dry overnight then sand it lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. In the wood flooring industry it was and remains most often used as a sealer coat.