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Best Polyurethane For Countertops of 2024

Lorin Nielsen
  Apr 26, 2024 10:38 PM

 In this review, the Gilsons Lyceum Reviews Team researched the 14 best polyurethane for countertops to help you find the product that’s right for you and your garden. You can see some famous brands as Stone Coat Countertops, Varathane, GlobMarble, BALADOG, Pro Marine Supplies, Minwax, Incredible Solutions, Rust-Oleum, Z Counterform, EcoProCote, INTERBUILD REAL WOOD.


Overview

Countertops made of wood in kitchens and bathrooms are exposed to water and moisture on a regular basis.

Because of this, wood countertops might benefit from the best polyurethane for wood countertops.

To avoid placing your family at risk of food poisoning, you want to use food-safe polyurethane on your kitchen counters.

Countertops made of food-grade polyurethane are readily available from most major manufacturers; all you have to do is find the ones you like most.

This article presents a shortlist of the best polyurethanes for countertops, as well as a full reference to the elements to consider when selecting such polyurethanes.


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1
  • SCORE
    9.2
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    Stone Coat Countertops
2
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    Varathane
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    GlobMarble
4
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    9.2
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    BALADOG
5
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    9.0
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    Pro Marine Supplies
6
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    9.0
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    Minwax
7
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    9.0
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    Pro Marine Supplies
8
  • SCORE
    9.0
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    Incredible Solutions
9
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    9.0
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    Rust-Oleum
10
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    8.8
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    Z Counterform
11
  • SCORE
    8.8
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    Incredible Solutions
12
  • SCORE
    8.6
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    EcoProCote
13
  • SCORE
    8.6
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    EcoProCote
14
  • SCORE
    8.6
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  • Brand
    INTERBUILD REAL WOOD

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Types of Polyurethane for Countertops 

There are two primary varieties of oil-based and water-based polyurethane available for use on countertops. Differentiating one type from the other is based on the unique qualities of each.

You can make better choices for your project if you are aware of these features.

Oil-based poly 

Even while oil-based paints are more durable and less likely to smudge or smear, they require turpentine or mineral spirits to remove. Those aren't things that the majority of us keep sitting around.

When using oil-based polyurethane, it is strongly suggested that you use a mask. Water-based paint dries more quickly than oil-based paint.

Plan ahead of time to keep youngsters, pets (who have particularly sensitive mucous membranes), and yourself out of the house for a reasonable amount of time while it heals and your house is ventilated.

Additionally, oil-based finishes penetrate the wood more deeply than water-based ones do.

Water-Based Polyurethane  

In comparison to the harsh chemicals required to clear up other types of paint, water-based paint is extremely easy to clean up with mild soap and water. In addition to being less harmful and having a milder odor, water-based formulations are also more environmentally friendly.

For one thing, it goes on clear, unlike an oil-based polyurethane that might leave behind a yellowish hue after application. Compared to oil, it dries much more quickly as well.

As a result, I wouldn't use it for outdoor projects or anywhere else where heat would be an issue. Instead of penetrating deeply into the wood, water-based finishes tend to sit on top of the surface. That appearance may offend some people.

Things to consider

Sheen level

High-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte polyurethanes are all options for this material. Glossy surfaces reflect the most light, whereas matte and satin polyurethane finishes reflect the least amount of light.

You may be better off going with a glossy finish in a small kitchen because it will reflect more light, making the room appear larger.

Food safety

Food preparation often takes place on kitchen counters. A food-safe surface requires a food-safe substance for its final application of wax or sealant. This could lead to food poisoning complications down the road.

Durability 

As far as I'm concerned, this is an obvious choice. You want the polyurethane that will last the longest on your countertop, not the one that will last the shortest. You get the most bang for your buck with such a product, and you end up saving money in the long run.

Eco-friendliness

During the curing process, chemical solvents used in oil- or solvent-based polyurethanes generate hazardous vapors. These products typically produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect the environment.

Water-based finishes, on the other hand, have a lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content, making them better for the environment. As a result, if you have the choice, consider using one of these less risky substitutes.

Drying time

Nobody wants to work on a job for several days when they could do it in a day or two. When it comes to polyurethanes, some can dry to the touch in 30 minutes, while others might take anywhere from four to six hours.

Using a solution that dries to the touch in half an hour will let you to recoat in around two hours, so you may finish the process within the day.

Although some products can be reapplied after only six hours of drying time, others may require eight hours of drying time before they are suitable for use again. As a result, you may not be able to finish the project in less than three days when utilizing this product. This can be annoying.

In order to speed up the completion of your tasks, it is sense to use a fast-drying polyurethane whenever available.


Faqs

What Is Polyurethane And What Is It Used For Exactly?

The urethane linkages in polyurethane make it a polymer made up of organic units. Acclaimed for its ability to protect any surface it is applied and curing to, as well as its synthetic resin properties. Countertops are well-sealed with its help.

It's a terrific option for wood counters or even laminate ones that need a nice coat of polyurethane.

A wide range of other products, including refrigerators, freezers, cushions and footwear, as well as automotive and industrial coatings and adhesion agents, also make use of polyurethane. Since its inception, it has been employed in a wide range of applications.

What Are Some Of The Best Ways To Apply A Polyurethane Finish?

A paintbrush is the tool of choice for me while applying it. Depending on the base you're working with, you may need a different kind of brush.

Natural bristles are ideal for oil-based polyurethane, but synthetic bristles should be used for water-based polyurethane since natural bristles can absorb water.

A few thin coats are better than one heavy one, so allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next. When using a brush to apply water-based polyurethane, moderate strokes are preferable since bubbles can form.

Be sure to brush any bubbles that form before they harden so that you don't have to sand them out. Otherwise, they'll be stuck there forever.

With a rag and an aerosol can, you can also apply polyurethanes to counters with a wipe-on mixture.

Which Is More Durable: Polyurethane or Epoxy?

Epoxy resin and polyurethane resin differ primarily in their manufacturing processes and the materials they are made of throughout construction. However, the quality and durability of the two items are rather similar. The ability to withstand high temperatures is the most significant distinction.

Coatings need to be durable, but they also need to be safe, dazzling, and simple to keep clean. Criteria practice dictates that one must meet this standard. Three coatings of epoxy are typically used, followed by a polyurethane finish. A prevalent misconception is that all layers of epoxy are the same thickness. In any case, the polyurethane topcoat boosts its durability and smart appearance.

 

Polyurethanes are excellent at coping with both hot and cold temperatures. Epoxy resins surpass the competition due to their inherent stiffness and ability to move with a concrete basis when exposed to temperature fluctuations.

For countertops in kitchens, where temperature fluctuations are typical, this high level of thermal shock resistance is a boon to the design team. Hot liquid spills can occur in steam cleaning rooms, locations with hot oven doors that must be opened, and other high-risk areas.

epoxy resin can tolerate even higher heat, including open flames, than polyurethane resin counters (up to 350°F/176°C). However, if your kitchen is regularly subjected to harsh conditions, epoxy resin may be a better option.

Is Epoxy or Polyurethane Better for Countertops?

The primary differences between polyurethane resin and epoxy resin can be found in their manufacturing processes and the components they include into their final products. Epoxy resin would be a better choice for kitchens that see a lot of usage.

All of your kitchen's cooking and baking supplies are kept on the counters. It's easy to locate a countertop that's both robust and economical thanks to the wide range of options that are available.

Because every kitchen is different, it's critical to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various materials. Both materials can tolerate high temperatures, yet they are extremely similar in terms of quality and durability.

You can save money by using epoxy instead of polyurethane. Polyethylene can be expensive if you're buying it for the first time. If you're planning a large countertop design for your new house, epoxy could save you money on construction.

Polyethylene, on the other hand, is a weaker adhesive than epoxy. As a bonus, epoxy's resistance to wear and tear makes it excellent for a kitchen that is constantly in motion.

Epoxy and polyethylene have quite different chemical reactions. When it comes to polyethylene, sulfuric acid has a better reactivity than epoxy. Polyethylene, on the other hand, is the best option if solvents or chemicals are required.


Conclusion

It's best to seal wood countertops with polyurethane varnish since it provides a strong layer that prevents scratches, water damage, and UV radiation from damaging the wood.

The best product for your project must be chosen, however, and this is critical. Hopefully, you'll find these reviews and extensive user manuals useful in the planning of your upcoming projects.


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