Spar Urethane vs Polyurethane

What is spar urethane used for?

Spar urethane is a varnish with unique qualities used to treat boats. It was often called spar varnish when first produced and used on sailing boats.

Spar urethane is waterproof and UV resistant. These features are one of the reasons it is trendy. Manufacturers decided to adopt these qualities and add urethane plastic. This addition made the product usable indoors and resin-free. 

The UV and waterproof features were not affected by the inclusion of urethane. You can freely use this product on any wood project within the home. Factors such as excessive moisture and sunlight are easily handled using spar urethane.

The main types of spar urethane are Oil-based spar urethane and Water-based spar urethane. Choosing between these two options is important because the finish will protect your wooden surfaces from scratches, dents, and chemical spills. Oil-based spar urethane can dry slower and therefore seep into the wood deeper. However, the smell is much worse, and it will tend to yellow over time.

What is Polyurethane used for?

Polyurethane is famous for its extreme durability. The product provides the material with a water-resistant finish which protects it from moisture. It is mainly for surfaces that are exposed to water and scratches. The product can dry very quickly. When dry, it becomes very hard. For this reason, Polyurethane is often chosen for use on a wide range of furniture. It is common to have Polyurethane on your floors, tables, and fences in the home.

The liquid is relatively thick, making it less stylish for home furniture. When you buy expensive furniture, it will rarely have Polyurethane because this will reduce the aesthetic value. 

The two types of Polyurethane are Oil-based Polyurethane and Water-based Polyurethane. Both products can provide similar levels of protection; however, each has its challenges. 

Oil-based Polyurethane is excellent for revamping wood and giving it a new glow. Wood often gets a warm glow when it has Polyurethane applied to it, but it will, unfortunately, be yellow over time.

Water-based poly is best for home furniture because it is almost invisible. The solution dries very quickly and remains clear. It is, therefore, possible to use both of these solutions to protect the wood, but it requires a correct application.

Is Polyurethane better than spar urethane?

Polyurethane offers the consumer more excellent durability. This solution will dry thinner and allow for reasonable flexibility. These features should protect your wood for many years.

What is the difference between spar varnish and spar urethane?

Spar Varnish is mainly made from natural oil and is excellently mixed with resins. Tung, linseed, and soya are common choices for making Spar Varnish. The product is made with solvents that provide UV protection on most surfaces. Your wooden projects will be well protected against water, heat, stain, and solvent discoloration. The product’s main benefit is the shiny surface it provides when dry. As the seasons pass, the solution is built to adapt and move with the wood. This feature enables the product to provide a high level of scratch resistance. The main difference is that spar varnish will need to be reapplied frequently to prevent chipping.

Spar Urethane is different because it’s not natural. The product is made from synthetics and can be made from water or oil-based solutions. The product is easier to clean because of its water base. It dries very quickly and will produce fewer fumes, making it ideal for home interiors. Applying the product takes time because you will need to use several coats at different interjections.  

Can I use spar urethane over painted wood?

Spar urethane can be used over painted wood if it is water-based. This product will need to have been cured before it is applied. Cure the Spar Urethane for about 30 days first to prevent damaging the paint. 

What is the best way to apply spar urethane?

Spar urethane should be applied with a thin natural brush. Ensure the brush is either a bristled brush or a foam brush. This tool will help to spread the thicker consistency solution. You will likely see brush stroke marks if you are not careful. It won’t be easy to correct these when working if you have a lot of air circulating. An increased drying time means extra hardening will occur, and you will not be able to remove those strokes. Make sure to take caution regardless of the time required to apply the finish. 

It is also possible to apply the spar urethane with a lint-free rag. This cloth will need to be very clean. You can dilute it with half mineral spirits and half spar urethane for better results. Given the additional dilution, you may have to add more coats.

Brushstrokes reduce the value of your end product. This method works well to reduce the risk of leaving behind brush strokes. If you have a sprayer available, you can spray your project instead. In general, spar urethane is too thick to be sprayed and will need to be diluted first before you can use it. This dilution can be done with mineral spirits. 

Be sure to keep the surface clean and smooth before adding spar urethane to it. Dirt can lead to bubbles and drips, only ruining the finish. 

Do you have to sand between coats of spar urethane?

Suppose it has been longer than 24 hours, sand with 220-320 grit paper to remove brush strokes and bubbles. It is important to note that this will not help the urethane polymers stick.

Which is better, oil-based or water-based spar urethane?

If you are short on time, you will prefer water-based spar urethane because it dries three times faster than its oil-based counterpart.