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July 29, 2008
Oil-based poly, how bad?
We are moving into a coop within a couple of weeks, and the floors are in serious need of refinishing. I see that the oil v. water poly debate has been well covered here. After talking to friends and contractors, the consensus seems to be that oil lasts longer and is less expensive.
We are trying hard to be good neighbors and sensitive to those around us, especially being new to the building. My question is this - how much will the odor of the oil-poly affect our neighbors, and how long will it last? (Prewar apt building.) I realize this is difficult to answer - but first hand anecdotes or knowledge is appreciated. Thanks.
Comments
If you're going to do oil, this is the best time of year for it, so long as you keep your windows open.
Posted by: Steve at July 29, 2008 7:07 PM
Yeah, I second Steve. THe odor will be gone in a coupla days, but if you don't put what you want on the floor, you'll be f*cked for a long time.
Remember your neighbors probably did the same thing.
You can also have your contractor put some temporary exhaust fans in the windows. Depending on the building's layout, you could open the roof door and put another fan to suck it out of the common areas.
Posted by: denton at July 29, 2008 7:17 PM
So solly cholly
Posted by: guest at July 29, 2008 8:18 PM
I would like to thank Mr. B for reinstituting anonymous "guest" posting.
Posted by: guest at July 29, 2008 8:19 PM
Hmm, how do you do that, "guest". I assume you grabbed the "guest" login?
Posted by: cmu at July 29, 2008 8:52 PM
grrr i have the same problem on a contract im working on, water based doesnt seem completely odorless though. I will probably install vent fans in the windows.
Posted by: alrosariojr at July 29, 2008 9:57 PM
It's not quite the oil v acrylic polyurethane debate. Acrylic polyurethane sold right now is junk and I don't think anyone on the forum would recommend it. The discussion is between polyurethane for floors or oil based finishes directly on the floors, such as tung oil or linseed oil.
The choice is coating your floor in plastic or soaking it in oil. As I see it, the skill of your installer/finisher has more to do with it than the medium, but I tend to lean oil finish since it's more forgiving of mistakes.
Posted by: Smokychimp at July 29, 2008 11:08 PM
How about the effect it will have on your own health? those fumes, and those of paint, will affect you for a long time.
Posted by: zapzap at July 30, 2008 9:12 AM
Personally, I think is has all to do with the type of finish that you want: an oil based poly will amber giving the floors a yellowish/brown rich look over time. If however, you want to pickle of bleach the floor and want to maintain a 'whiteish' color, use a water based poly which will not amber over time.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at July 30, 2008 10:02 AM
Maybe a nice note slipped under your neighbors' doors warning them of the potential for a smell, letting them know what it is, how long it might last, thanking them for their patience and understanding, and finally providing your phone number just in case, would go a long way towards mitigating their inconvenience. If I smelled poly from my neighbor's apartment, and I knew that the smell would go away within a few days, it would be a non issue. If I smelled it and had no idea what the smell was and how long it would last, I would be a bit annoyed.
Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 30, 2008 10:42 AM
yawn
Posted by: guest at July 30, 2008 2:07 PM
Spend a little more and be safe. Oil based often leads to fires. Not only is the solvent flammable, but oily rags spontaneously combust. Many have found this hard to believe, until too late. We had such a fire in my building. So don't be cheap and hire somebody who knows what they are doing.
Posted by: Green Mt at July 30, 2008 8:44 PM
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