DuraSeal polyurethane is our preferred oil-modified (aka oil-based or solvent-based) floor finish.

DuraSeal Oil-Based Polyurethane is not our favorite finish, no. But if you insist on using an old-school, solvent-based polyurethane like they used in the 50s or 60s, this is the best of the bunch. It does what all of those old-school polyurethanes do: it has a golden color that adds warmth and depth to wood grain.

It is very forgiving to apply because it flows level as long as you don’t overwork it. And it protects wood well – by that we mean that if you apply it as designed to be the top two coats of a three-coat system (learn about the primer designed as the primer coat for this system, DuraSeal Quick Dry) you will get 3-5 years before you need to re-coat in kitchens or main living areas, 10 years in bedrooms and upper storey spaces.

We sell other, newer finishes that last longer between recoats, but they are more expensive and they do not have the beautiful amber color of oil-based polyurethanes like this.

Pete’s has been using this brand of polyurethane for 25 years because of its quality and batch consistency.

While we believe this class of product has been eclipsed by toughness of some modern finishes, when a customer insists on an old-fashioned finish, DuraSeal Oil-Based Polyurethane is our go-to.

All that said, oil-based finishes like this are dinosaurs, chemically speaking. They rely on petroleum-derived solvents, which means they will stink your house right up with a heavy paint thinner odor for days, and sometimes weeks.

Little people and pregnant people should not be around while you are applying it and for at least two days after you’re done. It will be particularly difficult to get the smell to dissipate during the winter when opening the windows wide is not an option.

This product comes in gallons or quarts.

Due to environmental safety concerns, this product can only be ground-shipped and as of 2019 is cannot be sold in gallons (quarts are acceptable) in: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, New Mexico, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, or Virginia due to VOC regulations in those states.

Available in 4 sheen levels: Gloss, Semi-Gloss, Satin, and, Matte, but Gloss and SemiGloss will have longer lead times.

Mineral spirits clean up.