Depending on the finish you select depends how long your refinishing or installation project takes from start to competition. The last piece to the completion schedule of your floor is if you select water-based, oil-based or UV-cured finish. Each finish is different from each other and has their strengths and weaknesses.
Oil-Based Floor Finish Dry and Cure Times
Oil-Based finish is the longest curing and dry time of the options. This floor finish is by far the cheapest finish offered on today’s market.
- 24 hours before walking on the floor with socks
- walk on within 72-96 hours with shoes
- after 5-7 days can move furniture back
- dogs should not walk on for 2 weeks
- rugs should wait 30 days but can go back after 2 weeks
- cures for a total of 30 days
Water-Based Floor Finish Dry and Cure Times
Water-based finish dries within a few days and has far less smell than oil-based finishes. However, this finish is more expensive.
- 4-6 hours before walking on with socks
- walk on with shoes within 48-72 hours
- 3-5 days you can move furniture back
- rugs should wait 30 days but can go back after 2 weeks if necessary
- cures for a total of 30 days
UV-Cured Floor Finish Dry and Cure Times
UV Cured is the most expensive option of floor finish but dries the same day.
- 2-4 hours till walking on with shoes
- move furniture back within 2-4 hours
- dogs can walk on the floor within 2-4 hours
- rugs can go back on the floor within 2-4 hours
- cures in 2-4 hours
Finish dries faster and slower depending on the time of year, geographical location and the daily weather. The above time frames are the typical times to dry and cure. To learn more about these finishes you can read more here.
