Solvent vs Water-based Floor Finishes

Some of the serious health effects from short and long-term exposure to solvents include:

• • Chronic and Acute Asthma
• • Memory Loss, Brain Damage
• • Clinical Depression, Aggressive Behaviour
• • Impaired Fertility, Birth Defects, Neurocognitive Development
• • Sleep Apnea
• • Peripheral Nerve Conditions
• • Increased Susceptibility to Cancers

Solvent-based polyurethane finishes were the standard choice for coating timber floors back in the 1950’s. The technology is based on chemical formulas which use solvents as the carriers for the polyurethane. Solvent finishes are now classified as poisons posing serious health risks. Water-based finishes are now accepted as superior and pose no health threats.

Water-based floor finishes use water as the carrier for polyurethane dispersion. They are classified as non-toxic, produce no toxic fumes and contain no harmful chemicals. The technology of water-based finishes provides equal or better wear resistance to solvent-based and better retains the natural colour of timber. The amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) which are emitted as gases during the curing process of the coating. VOC gases are toxic and flammable. Solvent coatings release high levels of VOC’s posing serious health risks, with off-gassing continuing up to months after application. Water-based finishes emit such a low level of VOC’s they are considered harmless.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are the gases emitted during the curing process of the floor coating. VOC gases are toxic and highly flammable. Solvent coatings release high levels of VOC’s posing serious health risks, with off-gassing continuing up to months after application. Water-based finishes emit such a low level of VOC’s they are considered harmless. Most Bona finishes are below 80 grams per litre (g/Lt) VOC and none exceed 90g/Lt, well below the strict EU standard of 140g/Lt. Solvent finishes contain toxic VOC’s of between 300-850g/Lt.

Regulations in Europe now ban the use of Solvent based timber floor finishes. The European Union (EU) strictly controls VOC levels in building supplies, and hence solvent based finishes are illegal to use. In Australia however, there is no such legislation in place. Solvents can still be used by contractors with no health warnings required to protect or warn home owners. Consumers need to be well informed when choosing a floor coating to make a choice which protects the health of themselves and their families.

The technology of water-based finishes provides equal or better wear resistance to solvent-based and better retains the natural colour of timber, with no toxic fumes or health risks.