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Hardwood Floor Finishing

Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors

Water Based Polyurethane for Floors
Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors is a durable protective finish specifically formulated for hardwood floors.  Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors is water-based, therefore has little odor, dries quickly and cleans up with warm water.  Most projects can be completed in one day!

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Product Details

Sheens: Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin
Application tool: lambswool or synthetic pad applicator, or a natural bristle brush
Location: interior wood floors
Recoat: at least 2 hours
Dry Time: 24 hours
Clean up: warm water
Coverage: 500-600 square feet per gallon
Coats: 3
Recommended uses: hardwood floors
VOC content: maximum VOC of 250 g/L
Availability: currently available nationally

FAQ

Q. How durable is Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors?

Water Based Polyurethane for Floors provides durability that is comparable to oil-based polyurethanes. It is significantly more durable than most water-based finishes available to consumers.

Q. What is the difference between Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors and Minwax® Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors?

While both products provide superior durability for protecting hardwood floors, Water Based Polyurethane for Floors has little odor, dries in 2-3 hours and application tools clean up with warm water.

Q. Can I Sand and Recoat a floor that was previously finished with an oil-based polyurethane?

Yes, as long as the floor is prepared following the label directions.

Q. How many coats do I need to apply to protect my floor?

Three coats of Water Based Polyurethane for Floors are recommended. Additional coats may be applied for added durability.

Q. Is sanding required between coats?

Water Based Polyurethane for Floors should be sanded between the last two coats only. This process is common with water-based floor finishes, especially those available to professional contractors. Water-based finishes, such as Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors, are applied in very thin coats. And, each time you sand, you remove some of the finish. So, sanding is not recommended except before the final coat.

Q. Can Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors be used over oil-based Minwax stains?

Yes. Water Based Polyurethane for Floors has been formulated to work within the Minwax® system. For best results, we recommend staining with Minwax® Wood Finish™ stain. Make sure that the stain has cured completely before applying Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.

Q. Can Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors be applied over Minwax® Water Based Stains?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended because water-based stains are not well suited for use on floors. Water-based stains dry very quickly, making them difficult to apply evenly, without lap marks, over large surfaces. For very large surface areas, such as floors, we recommend using an oil-based product such as Minwax® Wood Finish™ stain.

Directions

WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

  1. Sand floor as appropriate for the type of floor finishing project. Carefully follow label directions and the directions for the sander that you are using.
  2. Remove all sanding dust. Thoroughly wipe floor with a clean damp cloth.
  3. Seal the floor prior to applying Water Based Polyurethane for Floors. If added color is desired, apply Minwax® Wood Finish™ stain following label application directions. To seal the floor without adding color, apply Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors Base Coat or Minwax® Wood Finish™ Natural Stain following label directions. Both options seal the wood grain, preventing a tannin reaction (discoloration) between the wood and Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors.
  4. Gently invert Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors 10-12 times before and occasionally during use. Product should be at room temperature for best results. Note: the product will appear cloudy in the container but dries clear.
  5. Apply a thin coat using a new synthetic pad or lambswool applicator. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
  6. Allow finish to dry at least 2 hours. (If allowed to dry for more than 24 hours, sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Do not scuff through to bare wood).
  7. Apply a second coat following steps 4 through 6 above.
  8. Sand lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
  9. Apply a third coat following steps 4 through 6 above.
  10. For added protection, more coats may be applied, but sand prior to final coat only.

Dry Time: Floor will bear light foot traffic in 24 hours. Do not expose finish to rugs, cleaners, spills, or heavy traffic for one week. Dry times are based on conditions of 77° F and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, application of thick coats or poor ventilation will increase dry times.

Cleanup: Clean application tools with warm water immediately after use.

Coverage: Approximately 500-600 square feet per gallon

Storage: Store at room temperature. Keep from freezing.

Notes: Slight ambering may be experienced when product is applied over light-colored surfaces. Always spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results. Avoid use over white or pastel stains. Do not use steel wool.

To clean floors protected with Minwax® Water Based Polyurethane for Floors, use a gentle cleaner such as Minwax® Hardwood Floor Cleaner.