Replies

1. 
   sharpblade | Apr 07, 2007 06:09pm | #1

   By traditional do you mean oil based poly? This usually has an amber/warmer color to it than the water based formulations, especially after it ages.  Water based poly has no color.

   Hardness and durability can be at least the same. Need more coats though to achieve the same thickness.

2. 
   frenchy | Apr 07, 2007 07:04pm | #2

   westy1

    what are you trying to achieve?

         I ask because I would recommend shellac as a hard, durable, easily fixed, finish that is fast and inexpensive to apply.  One that you can do in the morning and have company over that evening. 

     It's safe as houses, you've been eating shellac all of your life. (they coat pills and candy with shellac)..

    It's much harder and more durable than most floor finishes and really is a breeze for a do-it-yourselfer to do a flawless job. 

    If it should be damaged you can fix it in minutes without sanding. repairs melt into the old finish and become invisable..

    It's been around for thousands of years, it's just not pushed by anyone.  By the way My 150 pound NewFoundland can't damage it with his unclipped toe nails.  (dent the wood underneath? sure but the finish itself is fine).. there are pictures posted if you're interested..  

3. 
   grpphoto | Apr 07, 2007 07:12pm | #3

   Most water-based finishes are harder than oil-based varnish; it's the look that's hard to achieve. You can apply a layer of orange shellac to get the appearance you want and then use water-base over that.

   George Patterson, Patterson Handyman Service

4. 
   macmillan | Apr 07, 2007 09:00pm | #4

   I just recently used the crystal water based from these guys http://www.essex-silver-line.com/pro/fabulon.html on this floor and liked it a lot. Don't have any pics yet of the finished project.