Master Product List
Oil/Polyurethane
- Sampson Classic World Premium Polyurethane
- Sampson Craftsman’s Choice Polyurethane Professional Floor Finish
- Sampson Easy Flow Premium Hardwood Floor Finish
- Sampson Old Pro Polyurethane Floor Finish
- Sampson Poly-U-Var Premium Urethane Clear Wood Finish
- Sampson ProForce Polyurethane Hardwood Floor Finish
- Sampson SamSeal Professional Polyurethane
What’s the Right Finish for your Hardwood Floors?
Water-Based Polyurethane
Ideal for floors in need to return to use quickly, and with a clear finish
| PROS | CONS |
| Fast Dry | Price per gallon is more than traditional polyurethane |
| Easy to Apply / Easy to Clean-up | Less “open” time during application than traditional polyurethane |
| Low Odor | |
| Low VOC’s |
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Ideal for floors that are high traffic, provides richer and slightly amber look
| PROS | CONS |
| Very durable / tough finish | Slow / longer drying time |
| Generally less expensive than water-based products | Ambers over time |
| Easy to apply / Easy to maintain | Stronger odor during application compared to Water-Based finishes |
| Resists moisture |
Swedish Finish (Acid Cure)
Ideal for exotic woods floors or high-end elaborate wood flooring patterns
| PROS | CONS |
| Dries very fast | High VOC’s / Flammable |
| Outstanding durability / hard finish | Difficult to refinish once used |
| Long-lasting finish / more durable than poly | More expensive than many other floor finishes |
| Pro-only application |
Moisture-Cured
Ideal for high-traffic areas and situations requiring the toughest floor finish
| PROS | CONS |
| Toughest floor finish / Extreme durability | Very high VOC’s / Flammable |
| Fast drying allows for multiple costs per day | Strong odor may last for weeks |
| Longest lasting finish | Low humidity extends drying time |
| Pro-only application |
Wax Finishes
Ideal for areas requiring low-sheen finish such as historic homes
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to apply and touch-up | Not as durable as polyurethane finishes |
| Penetrates wood / combine with stains | Requires ongoing upkeep |
| Low odor / low VOC’s | Application is labor intensive |
| Low luster finish | Darkens and yellows over time |
| Can be walked on within hours | Susceptible to water marks and to stains |
Shellac
Ideal for refinishing antiques floors with shellac or where you want a natural product look
| PROS | CONS |
| Natural and sustainable product | Poor durability / recoated periodically |
| Easy to work with / easy to repair | Very flammable |
| Very low VOC’s | Not easy to apply |
| Dries Quickly | Most contain wax, can’t refinish using other finishes |
| Inexpensive versus other floor finishes |
Penetrating Oil Sealer
Ideal for creating a low-shine or antique looking floor which highlights the grain of the wood
| PROS | CONS |
| Natural product, easy to apply | Multiple coats required |
| Accentuates the natural wood beauty | Requires recoating /maintenance |
| Low / mild odor | |
| Subdued Sheen |
Aluminum Oxide – UV Cured
Ideal for high traffic areas or for best protection against wear and tear
| PROS | CONS |
| Longest lasting finish / extremely durable | Impossible to repair or touch up |
| Low maintenance | Only available on prefinished wood |