Best Non Yellowing Polyurethane (Top Picks!)

Because of its strength and longevity, polyurethane is a popular choice for wood coating. 

However, not all polyurethanes are made equally, and some are more prone to yellowing than others. Those that get yellowed more quickly include:

What exactly should you search for if you want to find a polyurethane that won’t turn yellow over time? 

In this post, we will provide all the information you require to choose the best non-yellowing polyurethane for the project you are working on.

In addition, we will go through our top choices for the most yellow-resistant polyurethane available on the market today.

These materials will help you obtain a beautiful paint finish that will last a long time and won’t yellow over time, regardless of whether you are coating a floor or a piece of furniture before completing it.

VIDEO: How To Seal Natural Wood Without Darkening or Changing The Color

Why does polyurethane turn yellow when exposed to sunlight?

The yellowing of polyurethane is a naturally occurring occurrence that is more prevalent in oil-based polyurethane variants. 

The process may occur due to polymer degradation, direct contact with UV rays from the sun, or greasy deposits.

 The polyurethane coatings on these wood surfaces will experience chemical reactions if subjected to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. 

Because of these processes, the topcoat undergoes chemical transformations, which causes a shift in color from transparent to yellowish.

The yellowing of polyurethane coatings results from natural chemical reactions triggered when these coatings come into contact with reactive particles in the air, such as oxygen.

On the other hand, UV radiation plays the role of a catalyst, hastening the processes themselves and the yellowing that results from them. 

The degree to which the color is altered is proportional to the duration of the UV radiation exposure.

Utilizing wood surface types that already have a yellow hue, such as pine, is another factor contributing to the yellowing. Because of the effects of UV radiation, these types of wood gradually turn yellow with age.

The mix of painted wood that has begun to become yellow and poly might give the appearance that the color is more prominent. 

Scuffing the polyurethane coating using sandpaper with a fine grit should help lighten the color because the chemical processes take place from the top down.

Reviews of the Best Polyurethane Coatings that Won’t Turn Yellow

Types of polyurethane that are significantly more transparent and lighter in color tend to be yellow the least. 

If you only expose yourself to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation for short periods, the yellowing won’t be noticeable.

 It has also come to our attention that low-cost polyurethanes based on the water have a greater propensity to yellow with time than premium varieties. 

Therefore, if you are looking for a polymer that does not turn yellow over time, you may need to pay more to get the desired results.

According to our findings, the following are the clear coats that do not yellow over time.

Bona Traffic HD Commercial Extra Matte

Bona Traffic HD is by far the most excellent alternative that does not cause yellowing, despite being more expensive than most of its water-based competitors. 

In areas of the hardwood floor that are not directly exposed to sunlight, the coat maintains its transparency and helps to keep the wood’s natural appearance.

 Because it is constructed out of polymers of the highest possible grade, poly is the most long-lasting alternative we have found on the market. 

Because of its longevity, this product will, over time, result in significant cost savings for you.

Because it has such a low VOC profile, Bona Traffic HD is one of our absolute favorites. 

Paints and other types of wood treatments may include volatile organic compounds, which are abbreviated as VOCs. 

When employed in excessive quantities, they provide an offensive odor to the items and have the potential to generate harmful vapors.

When inhaled, the vapors given off by a product high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can create a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and a few more.

People who already suffer from allergies may experience an allergic reaction when exposed to the vapors. Because of this, low-VOC cabinet clear coats are always desired, and Bona Traffic HD may have the lowest levels of VOC of any cabinet clear coat.

 What We Enjoyed Most About It

• This clear coat will not be yellow and dries quickly, saving you time when applying it for floor finish.
• Since Bona Traffic HD is a commercial-grade product, it is resistant to the wear and tear caused by foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for busy restaurants and other commercial enterprises.
• Polyurethane has a formulation based on water, but it is just as durable as poly based on oil.
• It does not become cloudy over time, preventing the finished hardwood floors from losing color.
• It develops a tough coating resistant to the wear and tear caused by activities such as pets and other activities. Because of this attribute, purchasing it will save you money in the long term.
• You can choose the level of shine that best suits your needs with Bona Traffic HD because it comes in various sheen levels, including matte, satin, and glossy finishes.

What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• This non-yellowing clear finish for wood stain comes with a hefty initial price tag, which can be a deal breaker for some purchasers.

 Satin finish for water-based wood floors with the StreetShoe brand.

The product known as StreetShoe by Basic Coatings is your best option if you have wooden floors that you want to prevent from turning yellow over time.

For most consumers, this water-borne poly is only second to Bona Traffic HD in terms of durability. 

Because of its exceptional resistance to scuffing and scratching, the surface of the wood furniture will maintain its flawless appearance for many years to come.

When applied on hardwood floors in locations with a lot of foot activity, its strength is quite helpful. In the long run, you may be confident that the poly will help you save money.

 Depending on your preference, it is offered in various sheen levels, including semi-gloss and high-gloss. 

So, for example, if you want a shinier floor than the satin finish, you can select a sheen level higher than the satin finish here.

The curing period for StreetShoe poly is the industry’s quickest, reaching up to 90 percent within just 24 hours. This feature helps you save time by accelerating the completion of your project.

This non-yellowing top coat is also low in volatile organic compounds (VOC) and has a low odor, making it suitable for people, dogs, and those who suffer from allergies to use.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• Because it is possible to catalyze it to get rid of the trash, this polyurethane is good for the environment.
• It produces a highly long-lasting coating, which preserves timber floors and lasts significantly longer than the majority of its competitors, which are water based finish.
• Because it is highly resistant to being scratched and scuffed, it requires very little upkeep.

 What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• Some customers have commented that the satin option has a higher sheen level than they want.
• Additionally, some customers report that the surface is less resistant to pet stains.

Pallmann Pall-X 96 Matte

This relatively new polyurethane based on water is highly robust and works well in places exposed to the elements. 

Because of its resiliency and well-documented resistance to wear and tear, it is an excellent material for commercial projects and on the outside surfaces of residential properties.

Because it has such a strong resistance to the UV radiation that the sun emits, it is the perfect material for covering outside wood surfaces. 

In addition, because Pallmann Pall-X 96 has a formulation based on water, it emits very little smell.

This external poly also has low quantities of volatile organic chemicals, making it entirely safe for use in living areas that both people and animals frequent.

 Because of this property, it is safe to apply without requiring a respirator or a safety mask. In addition, it is a polyurethane that dries very quickly, making it an excellent choice for time-sensitive jobs.

What We Enjoyed Most About It

• The recipe of the product is long-lasting and is water based poly.
• Because it dries, it does an outstanding job of keeping the natural color of the wooden surface in your project.
• Because the Pall-X 96 has a quick dry time, it is possible to apply numerous coats quickly and finish your job in a single day using this product.
• The lack of gloss in the wood finish makes it ideal for people who gravitate toward a more authentic matte appearance.

What Aspects Need to be Enhanced

• Because this product has just recently been released onto the market, there is a great deal of room for additional testing to gain a clearer understanding of its benefits and drawbacks.

Kind of Polyurethane That Will Not Turn Yellow

The only polyurethane that does not become yellow over time is high-quality exterior polyurethane based on water or water based polyurethane. 

For example, Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish does not turn yellow with time, and it may be applied transparently to create a protective layer on your project.

Additionally, water based polyurethane finish is typically user-friendly and dries rather rapidly, allowing for the application of many coats within 24 hours. 

Even after prolonged environmental exposure, the dry polyurethane coat will maintain its transparent appearance.

Conclusion

If you want a clear topcoat that won’t turn yellow over time, you have to pick the polyurethane that doesn’t yellow the least, which is the ideal one.

If this describes your situation, your best bet will be to invest in high-quality water based polyurethanes, as their oil based polyurethane or oil based poly relatives have the propensity to yellow dramatically with use over time.

We hope this study and user guide will assist you in finding the ideal polyurethane coating for the next wood-finishing project you undertake.

FAQ on Best Non Yellowing Polyurethane