When you are completing a woodworking project, you want it to look its very best and last a lifetime. This is where you need to add a finish coat of polyurethane or polycrylic to the piece to give it a shiny appearance that is durable and resistant to damage.
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Knowing the difference between polyacrylic and polyurethane can help you create a woodworking piece that looks its best and stands up to the demands placed upon it.

This polycrylic vs polyurethane review will help you understand the differences in the two coatings and help you decide which is best for the application of your wood project. Once you are done building your wood piece and getting it ready for finishing, this guide will allow to protect and preserve it for years to come.

What is Polyacrylic?

Polyacrylic, or sometimes called just polycrylic is a water-based coating that can be applied to a myriad of wood surfaces. It is available in satin and high gloss finishes. It applies clear and can be cleaned up easily based on its water-based makeup.

Polycrylic Summary:

​- Water-based
- Fast drying
​- Satin and high gloss finish
​- Best used on lighter woods

You want to use polycrylic when you need a fast-drying sealant. Polycrylic dries very fast and seals quickly.

What is Polyurethane?

Conversely, polyurethane is a​ sealant that provides exceptional durability on wood surfaces, and is available as both a water-based sealant and an oil-based sealant. Polyurethane is much more durable than polycrylic – some label it as “liquid plastic” while its still in the tub, because when it dries it will turn as hard as plastic.

Polyurethane Summary:
​
- Water-based or oil-based
​- Slow drying
​- Matte, satin, glossy, and high gloss finish
​- Very strong sealant
- Provides a shiny look when dry

Finish Selection Overview
​Glossy = very shiny
​Satin = some shine
​Matte = no shine

When to Use Polyurethane?

Water-based Polyurethane
​- Suited for darker wood
​- Best for indoor surfaces
​- Low use items
​
Oil-based Polyurethane
- ​Suited for all wood
​- Indoor or outdoor surfaces
​- High use items
- Areas that get wet

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