Polyurethane vs Polyacrylic: Which Woodworking Stain and Wood Finish is Best?

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

When you are completing a woodworking project, you want it to look its very best and last a lifetime. This is where you need to add a finish coat of polyurethane or polycrylic to the piece to give it a shiny appearance that is durable and resistant to damage.
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Knowing the difference between polyacrylic and polyurethane can help you create a woodworking piece that looks its best and stands up to the demands placed upon it.
This polycrylic vs polyurethane review will help you understand the differences in the two coatings and help you decide which is best for the application of your wood project. Once you are done building your wood piece and getting it ready for finishing, this guide will allow to protect and preserve it for years to come.
What is Polyacrylic?
Polyacrylic, or sometimes called just polycrylic is a water-based coating that can be applied to a myriad of wood surfaces. It is available in satin and high gloss finishes. It applies clear and can be cleaned up easily based on its water-based makeup.
Polycrylic Summary:
​- Water-based
- Fast drying
​- Satin and high gloss finish
​- Best used on lighter woods
You want to use polycrylic when you need a fast-drying sealant. Polycrylic dries very fast and seals quickly.
What is Polyurethane?
Conversely, polyurethane is a​ sealant that provides exceptional durability on wood surfaces, and is available as both a water-based sealant and an oil-based sealant. Polyurethane is much more durable than polycrylic - some label it as “liquid plastic” while its still in the tub, because when it dries it will turn as hard as plastic.
Polyurethane Summary:

- Water-based or oil-based
​- Slow drying
​- Matte, satin, glossy, and high gloss finish
​- Very strong sealant
- Provides a shiny look when dry
Finish Selection Overview
​Glossy = very shiny
​Satin = some shine
​Matte = no shine
When to Use Polyurethane?
Water-based Polyurethane
​- Suited for darker wood
​- Best for indoor surfaces
​- Low use items

Oil-based Polyurethane
- ​Suited for all wood
​- Indoor or outdoor surfaces
​- High use items
- Areas that get wet
Learn more here: sawshub.com/polycrylic-vs-pol...

Пікірлер: 86

  • @kratosaurion2279
    @kratosaurion22792 жыл бұрын

    This was extremely helpful ans answered all of my questions. Thank you!

  • @ytb917
    @ytb9173 жыл бұрын

    straight-to-the-point information from an expert. great video.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @mrharlemike28
    @mrharlemike284 жыл бұрын

    Exactly what I wanted to know! Very helpful. Thank you!

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @lukebellamy3057
    @lukebellamy30573 ай бұрын

    hi. taken me ages to find a channel like yours! i am the son of a carpenter which makes me a true wood butcher! i am in the middle of chipping a knife sharpening pond out of an old pine bed frame and a hotel pan. instead of making it easy and straight forwards i was arrogant. gone wayyy way too complicated. I know the theory yet i do not have the practice, experience or skill. And of course, i thought i was big enough and ugly enough to do it all with hand tools. I.E no mitres, and actually no old timber. i need to do some very creative wood fillling and a lot more sanding! My most important goal is to have a solid place to whet blades. My second goal is for it to look slightly prety. I am going to a lot of sanding and coating. After applying many thin layers of Quick Drying Interior/Exterior Woodsheen DARK WALNUT 250ML by Dulux ... What would be the best layer to protect the wood? It is my first solo project so i want it to last long enough to be handed down to atleast on generation so it can be used. Peace & Love x I am in the UK but happy to inport

  • @marie-helenegalarneau152
    @marie-helenegalarneau152Ай бұрын

    Thank you very much for this explanation .

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    24 күн бұрын

    You are welcome

  • @mcciaccio
    @mcciaccio Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the explanation!

  • @rnmom65
    @rnmom653 жыл бұрын

    Thank you...excellent tips!

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @annatal9092
    @annatal909210 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Your videos helped me a lot!

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    10 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome!

  • @jatwangismyname900
    @jatwangismyname9003 жыл бұрын

    Very nice video sir. And the description helped a lot.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it helped

  • @dalyclose7815
    @dalyclose78152 жыл бұрын

    Just because the Polycrylic appears white in the container, doesn't mean it leaves a white hue when cured. In my experience the white disappears when it cures and comes out clear.

  • @itawad
    @itawad Жыл бұрын

    great video, thank you

  • @MakeoverByDae
    @MakeoverByDae3 ай бұрын

    Very helpful. Thank you

  • @LTTPUK
    @LTTPUK3 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful - thank you very much :-)

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @dadsworkshopbykipplabrie7982
    @dadsworkshopbykipplabrie79823 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, well done

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you too!

  • @JonDunnmusician
    @JonDunnmusician4 ай бұрын

    Beautiful work- I concur, the oil based product is tougher regarding protection

  • @suusp-l8589
    @suusp-l85892 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very helpful video.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @lkeeble
    @lkeeble19 күн бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @30mmBalistic
    @30mmBalistic4 жыл бұрын

    A pro with the Polycrylic is you can wash your expensive brush out completely under the sink (water based) without the need for expensive smelly thinners..

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes! Very true.

  • @Rick-the-Swift

    @Rick-the-Swift

    7 ай бұрын

    True, and a con with the polyacrylic finish is if water (or other fluid) is spilled on it and sits for long enough the finish will become soft and eventually emulsify. The good news is as long as you don't scrape or scratch it while it's soft it will usually dry out with no problems and rings from glasses and such will go away. Never use it on outdoor furniture that gets direct rain!

  • @markeysonwoodcraftandcarvi9247
    @markeysonwoodcraftandcarvi9247 Жыл бұрын

    I agree completely

  • @carlcox7332
    @carlcox73324 жыл бұрын

    If your spraying polycrylic you would still need a respirator cause the chemical used to dissolve the acrylic is still hazardous. If your spraying outside its not as much of a hazard but if indoors then definately a good idea to protect yourself

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    I agree that a respirator is always a good idea inside.

  • @HSQadri
    @HSQadri Жыл бұрын

    Polyurethane can be got as a water-base as well, and is less inclined to leave yellow residue.

  • @waynenelson8907
    @waynenelson89075 ай бұрын

    Can you use Polycrylic finish on gel stain?

  • @jabs8345
    @jabs8345 Жыл бұрын

    Would it be okay to apply polycrylic to joint compound?

  • @simonacevedo9481
    @simonacevedo9481 Жыл бұрын

    Can I use Polyacrylik on top of a Oil base Tint?

  • @fedora296
    @fedora2964 жыл бұрын

    thank you sir much obliged....

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Most welcome

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Most welcome

  • @richardmiller191
    @richardmiller1912 жыл бұрын

    great video! Thanks for posting. I'm building new kitchen cabinets and ordered an HVLP sprayer. Would the polyacrylic be easier for cleanup?

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, since its water based, it will be easier to clean up.

  • @ChrisMooreOfficial
    @ChrisMooreOfficial3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video! Do you have a preference for Polycrylic or Polyurethane when applying a protective coat on a bookshelf that smells (maybe due to formaldehyde) and is smudgy? Trying to get rid of the smell and smudginess, while also protecting the books from both problems. Thanks again!

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Best case, you should try to match the type of finish that’s already on the bookshelf. For instance if the finish on it is water-based you would use polycrylic, and if it’s oil base you would use polyurethane. But either one should work. All things being equal I would prefer the polyurethane.

  • @dinaelsherbiny1727
    @dinaelsherbiny17274 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this video , I need to use one for coasters with acrylic paints that would withstand hot mugs would you recommend me one please ? I tried water based polyurethane but it yellowish my items 😔

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    Acrylic paint isn't meant to withstand heat. I would try oil based polyurethane.

  • @mariajudova
    @mariajudova3 жыл бұрын

    Great informative video, thank you! Could you please recommend the finish for birch plywood used for the kitchen cabinets? I would say the project goals are 1-protection, 2-low sheen, 3-non yellowing natural look. I like the look of water based polyurethane finish, but would that be suitable?

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! You have conflicting goals. The most durable is polyurethane, but it yellows slightly. IF your true #1 is durability, then go with polyurethane!

  • @mariajudova

    @mariajudova

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@SawsHub great, thank you for the tip

  • @milprad1
    @milprad110 ай бұрын

    Is the polyacrylic considered non-toxic for children wood toy finish? And does it wash away with water? Because my child is used to wiping things with water. Thanks.

  • @adrianagflores5587
    @adrianagflores55874 жыл бұрын

    I finished a desk and an antique bed in Polyurethane and it yellowed . I’m in the process of redoing the desk and will eventually redo the bed but have chosen the Polycrylic this time I’ve heard that the Polycrylic will have a whitish finish but I’m ok with that because the color paint I use in an Antiqued White . I just don’t want yellowing.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    As I mentioned in the video, polyurathane does have a yellowish cast to it. Some think it adds warmth and depth to the piece. I'm sorry that didn't work well for you.

  • @williambranham6249
    @williambranham62493 жыл бұрын

    As far as toxicity is concerned about products like these, look up the product on the manufacturers website and read the SDS (safety data sheet).Warnings are given. Also the can will in most cases have guidance. If you don't wish to go to the trouble I will say that most products as these that are used in woodworking (even Super Glue) are hazardous. At a minimum use in a well ventilated area. Also consider purchasing a 3M type cartridge mask that will absorb organic vapors. You can live without eyes or ears but lungs and a brain are more more important. Good information, sir.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @joshuasmith1215
    @joshuasmith121510 ай бұрын

    Have you ever tried thinning the polycrylic a bit to wipe it on?

  • @akocisrael
    @akocisrael4 жыл бұрын

    Hello thank you so much for this video.. i just have a few question since I'm not good at this but I'm doing my own furnitures :) . Right now I made my pallete coffee table with two layer paint.. deep aqua and white (enamel) Im currently not sure ehat wood finish (protective paint) to use. I have used before a Polyurethane for may wall pallets and it works well but i tried to use it on my recent project which is the coffe table I said earlier but i found out that it is not good for white enamel paint. It make a yellowish brownish color instead of transparent finish only I really want just to have a protective paint and transparent as much as possible because enamel paint is like a chalk and it keeps sticking on my hand or towel. is it good to use Polycrylic over enamel paint(white)? hopefully you can help me . thank you so much!

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes you can as long as you match the solvent types. In other words, use water based polycrylic over water based paint and use oil based polyurethane over oil based paint.

  • @jjjjude
    @jjjjude3 жыл бұрын

    Nice information. I am planning to make a 1 square meter playing board from 24mm birch plywood. There will a playing round puck and round wooden coins been used during playing, just like a game of pool with 4 corner holes. Should i use a oil based poly or water based for durability and how many coats please? Second question as i would be using pine wood for the outer frame. After painting it could i use a few coats of Poly to harden the (one inch inner) border that touches the playing surface? Just so i can make the pine hard then the playing puck can rebound well on strike. Do you have any other way of making the pine wood hard or the poly should be fine? . Lastly would it crack the poly coat on regular striking the board borders?? Sorry to bother you with so many questions. Thanks

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    I definitely recommend oil based poly for this application because of durability, as you say. I recommend at least 3 coats. You can put it over paint as long as you use the same family-oil with oil; water with water.

  • @causeeffect7624
    @causeeffect76244 жыл бұрын

    im interested in painting kitchen cabinets with a white or light color. which would be best. which is a better heat and water resistor? ty

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    Polyurethane. You need something really durable for kitchen cabinets

  • @stacyhu7
    @stacyhu73 жыл бұрын

    Super helpful. Thank you!!! Going with polyurethane now. :) Do you have a recommendation on a particular finish (matte, gloss, satin, etc) when used to restore a kitchen/dining table? Thank you!!

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not gloss, either matte or satin. My personal preference is matte - it is more subtle and lets the features of wood display a bit better.

  • @FELGONMON
    @FELGONMON4 жыл бұрын

    hello friend, hello from mexico city, im a begginer in the wood, could you say me what tipy use to base cabinet for kitchen, for easy cleening?

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    You're looking for a finish for your wood cabinets? Are they painted, stained, or natural wood?

  • @FELGONMON

    @FELGONMON

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@SawsHub They are made of natual wood, "Sande", 18 mm, I am looking for a natural finish, but to protect it against food stains or scratches. I am totally new to carpentry.

  • @100rrh
    @100rrh4 жыл бұрын

    Can you put one or both of these over painted wood?

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    Only if the paint is solidly adhered to the surface. You must use the same type of finish as the paint; either oil based or water based.

  • @7andearth76
    @7andearth763 жыл бұрын

    Varathan Polyurethane has a water based option.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes!

  • @touristiqueducanada346
    @touristiqueducanada3463 жыл бұрын

    Can I used the fast dry to get me thro winter and put a polyurethane after ?

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not recommended. You don't want to use multiple solvent bases. However, I sympathize with your situation! Sounds like you're in cold weather for the winter?

  • @aliveandwell3958
    @aliveandwell39584 жыл бұрын

    There's a water-based polyurethane also.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Correct!

  • @zslinkyzx9831
    @zslinkyzx98313 жыл бұрын

    What would be more like a thicker finish?

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    Polyurethane

  • @zslinkyzx9831

    @zslinkyzx9831

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@SawsHub what about a thicker finish you can get like epoxy but not as expensive? If there is any

  • @truthjunkie3
    @truthjunkie33 жыл бұрын

    Water based polycrylic is still harmful and needs to be used in well ventilated areas even if you can't smell it.

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    3 жыл бұрын

    You're right that this is a "non-water" component to water based finishes. But, the amount in comparison to oil based is minimal, and not toxic. Good ventilation is always a great idea!

  • @truthjunkie3

    @truthjunkie3

    3 жыл бұрын

    SawsHub DIY Woodworking Tips just because you don’t smell it as much doesn’t make it less toxic. From the Minwax website “VAPOR HARMFUL. Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using. ... DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE. Contains solvents which can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.” www.minwax.com/wood-products/clear-protective-finishes/interior/minwax-polycrylic-protective-finish

  • @traviscrawford1647

    @traviscrawford1647

    3 жыл бұрын

    Good lord, you have to wash your hands after using SOAP. "Prolonged exposure" is negligible when using this compared to other products. Don't put your face in the can and huff it when you're using it. Or go ahead and do it..., whatever floats your tuba when you're trying to be a truthjunkie.

  • @duanegifford2731
    @duanegifford2731 Жыл бұрын

    Ltx

  • @kaytarracorrea25
    @kaytarracorrea254 жыл бұрын

    Lol so glad we chose polyurethane. We re did our table during the quarentine 😂👌

  • @SawsHub

    @SawsHub

    4 жыл бұрын

    That's a great project to tackle during this time!

  • @nurlatifahmohdnor8939
    @nurlatifahmohdnor89397 ай бұрын

    mat-ra = dimension Page 731 matri- = combining form. mother or motherhood: matriarchy. [from L mater mother]

  • @nurlatifahmohdnor8939

    @nurlatifahmohdnor8939

    7 ай бұрын

    material = ba-han

  • @nurlatifahmohdnor8939

    @nurlatifahmohdnor8939

    7 ай бұрын

    matrimony (T) = n, pl matrimonies. 1 the state or condition of being married. 2 the ceremony of marriage. 3a a card game in which the king and queen together are a winning combination. 3b such a combination. [C14: via Norman F from L mätrimönium wedlock, from mäter mother]

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