Polyurethane is one of the best finishes you can use for your home’s hardwood floors.
Its heavy-duty sealing properties make it resistant to spills, marring and other damage. It also helps bring out deep undertones and patterns in the wood for a nice, deep finish.
However, applying polyurethane can be a fairly complex and time-consuming process. In order to take advantage of its protective properties, you are going to have to do it correctly.
Average Length of Time it Takes for Polyurethane to Dry
Each coat of polyurethane will have to dry before you can add another one. Because of this, knowing how long this can take will let you be sure that every coat is applied correctly.
Polyurethane typically dries within 24 to 48 hours. In this time frame, the coats will be dry in that they are not going to be tacky or sticky.
It will not, however, be completely cured in this amount of time. Curing is when the molecules in the polyurethane have bonded together to be a solid, strong coat.
The 24-48 hour time frame, however, is long enough to sand and add another coat.
Factors that Determine How Long it Takes for Polyurethane to Dry
Knowing these factors can help you plan just in case you need to allow for some more drying time.
Polyurethane Type
There are two types of polyurethane that are widely used: water-based and oil-based. The type of polyurethane top coat you use will play a major role in how long it takes to dry.
Water-based polyurethane is generally thinner and provides slightly less protection. Oil-based polyurethane leaves a hard, heavy-duty finish that can safeguard your floor for years.
One of the benefits of water-based polyurethane is that it takes much less time to dry. A coat will be ready to be sanded and have another coat added after just six hours.
On the other hand, oil-based will take the full 24-48 hours to be dry enough for a new coat.
Atmospheric Humidity and Temperature
As with any liquid, polyurethane will react to the moisture and temperature of the air around it.
High levels of humidity will make it harder for the molecules to bond to one another. This is caused by water molecules interfering with the connection points.
Higher heat, however, will facilitate the drying process and help the bonding along. This is why painting and varnishing in the summer months is recommended.
Wood Type
The type of wood you are applying the polyurethane to will also affect the length of drying.
Certain woods excrete chemicals that can interfere with the bonding process. This will increase the amount of time it takes to dry or even prevent a full cure.
Woods like cedar and rosewood don’t take polyurethanes as well as others. If your flooring is made of one of these, it is best to use a water-based top coat.
Surface Prep
One of the most important factors in your flooring’s polyurethane top coat drying is its preparation. A floor that is properly prepared will not only dry faster, it will also hold up for a lot longer.
Before you begin applying the top coat, make sure that the wood is as sanded and raw as it can be. This will open up the pores of the wood and allow the polyurethane to sink into it.
It is also incredibly important to make sure the floor is as clean as it can be before applying the first coat. Dust and debris can interfere with the coating of the wood and cause an uneven cure.
F.A.Q.
- How long does it take for polyurethane smell to go away?
It can take up to 2 days for the smell of polyurethane to fully dissipate from your house.
You should be aware that polyurethane can contain Volatile Organic Chemicals, which can be harmful. Always apply it with proper ventilation and plan accordingly for the drying period.
- How can I make polyurethane dry faster?
By waiting until the weather is hot and dry, you can facilitate the curing process.
Midsummer is a great time to apply any kind of paint or varnish due to the ideal conditions. Dryness in the air will help create a strong bond with the wood and the top coat.
- Is 2 coats of polyurethane enough?
It is recommended that you use at least 2 coats of polyurethane on your flooring.
However, since the floor is such a high-touch area, the more coats, the better. 2-3 coats should give you enough protection for heavy use.
Conclusion
Properly drying your polyurethane top coat will go a long way towards protecting your flooring.
By waiting the correct amount of time between coats and allowing it to cure, you can ensure it is strong. This resists dents and gouges and will keep hardwood looking new for many years.