Which Is the Right Polyurethane to Use on My Timber Floor: Moisture-Curing or Water-Based?

Choosing the right polyurethane finish for your timber floor isn’t just about how it looks today—it’s about performance, durability, air quality, and long-term customer satisfaction. At Handley Industries, we offer a full suite of timber coating solutions including moisture-curing solvent-based, water-based polyurethane, and premium German imports from Loba. Whether you’re coating a commercial showroom, a high-traffic café, or a family home, this guide will help you make the right choice. 

Comparing Handley Polyurethane Systems

🔷 1. Solvent-Based Moisture Curing Polyurethane 

🔷 1. Solvent-Based Moisture Curing Polyurethane 

Maximum Durability. Proven Reliability. 
Our traditional Handley Urethane system delivers exceptional resistance to abrasion and chemicals, making it the go-to solution for high-traffic or heavy-use timber floors. 

Best for: 

• Residential homes with pets or children 

• Retail, commercial or hospitality floors 

• Sports floors, gyms, and community halls

• Projects where long-term resilience matters most 

Product Benefits: 

• Extremely hard-wearing finish 

• Excellent scratch and burnish resistance 

• Withstands intense foot traffic and chemical wear 

• Available in a full range of finishes: Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin, Lo Sheen, Matt 

• Most cost-effective option over large-scale areas 

• Cures slower than water-based, but delivers a tougher, deeper-wearing surface 

👉 Explore Handley Urethane 

🔷 2. Water-Based Polyurethane 

Low-VOC, Fast-Drying, and Aesthetically Modern 
For homeowners or sites needing minimal disruption, water-based polyurethane offers a cleaner, faster, and lighter-looking finish—perfect for clear or blonde timbers. 

Best for: 

• Homes where occupants remain on-site 

• Light commercial projects or boutique retail 

• Contemporary interiors where a natural look is desired 

Product Benefits: 

• Dries in hours, walkable in 24 hours 

• Low VOC – no strong odour; ideal for occupied homes 

• Gives a more natural, light timber appearance 

• One-pot application – no mixing or measuring required 

• Excellent abrasion and scuff resistance 

• Available in Gloss, Lo Sheen, Matt, and Matt 5G (Ultra Matt) 

• Perfect for fast-turnaround jobs 

👉 Explore Handley Omni~ 

 🔷 3. Loba – German Engineered Water-Based Polyurethane 

For Premium Projects Requiring European Excellence 
Imported and distributed exclusively by Handley Industries, Loba is a premium German brand trusted globally for performance, sustainability, and elegant finishes. 

Available Options: 

• Loba Viva & Easy Finish – high-quality one-component systems 

• Loba Duo & Supra – two-pot commercial-grade protection 

• Loba Invisible – ultra-matte, bare timber appearance 

Why Choose Loba: 

• Professional-grade results for high-end flooring projects 

• Advanced chemical resistance 

• Range includes both 1K and 2K solutions 

• Excellent flow, clarity, and finish consistency 

👉 Explore Loba Finishes 

Key Considerations When Choosing a Polyurethane 

✅ Do You Need Fast Turnaround? 

Choose Handley Omni~. It dries within hours and can be recoated multiple times in a single day. 

✅ Are People Living On-Site During Application? 

Water-based systems like Omni~ or Loba Viva are low odour and low VOC—no need for families to vacate. 

✅ Is Maximum Durability Essential? 

Go with Handley Urethane for intense wear zones—great for commercial entries, pets, or sports applications. 

✅ Do You Want a Clear, Bare-Timber Look? 

Try Omni~ Matt 5G or Loba Invisible for ultra-matte, natural aesthetics. 

Real-World Case Study: Balancing Durability with Daylight in Devonport

When a heritage home in Devonport needed a durable yet low-VOC finish, the client was torn between staying traditional or modern. With large sunny windows and light native timber, Handley recommended Omni~ Matt 5G. It delivered a flawless, non-yellowing finish with low odour—perfect for the young family who stayed in the home throughout the application. Three coats were applied in one day, and no yellowing occurred even after 12 months of UV exposure. 

Takeaway: The right product doesn’t just meet technical specs—it supports the lifestyle of your client and the beauty of their home. 

Handley Omni~ Matt waterborne polyurethane in action. Contractor - Duncan Floor Co