What Can I Use Instead of Polyurethane? 6 Alternatives

Looking to finish your woodworking project but ran out of polyurethane? Don’t worry.

Depending on your requirements, you can opt for epoxy, lacquer, sanding sealer, tung oil, linseed oil, beeswax, etc. While epoxy is more durable, lacquer and sanding sealers are easy to apply. Similarly, tung oil, linseed oil, and beeswax are good eco-friendly alternatives to polyurethane.

AlternativeCharacteristic
EpoxyMost durable alternative
LacquerEasy-to-apply
Sanding SealerProduces a smooth finihs
Tung OilProduces a smooth finish
Linseed OilNatural and warm finish
BeeswaxTop coat with good moisture resistance
Alternatives to polyurethane

We tested several finishes in our studio and came up with the 6 best alternatives to polyurethane that can be used for your woodworking projects.

6 Best Alternatives to Polyurethane

1. Epoxy- Most Durable Alternative to Polyurethane

2-part blue epoxy used to enhance the aesthetics of a wooden workpiece
2-part blue epoxy used to enhance the aesthetics of a wooden workpiece
ProsCons
Extremely durable and long-lastingCan be difficult to work with
Resistant to water, chemicals, and stainsRequires proper ventilation during application
Self-leveling and easy to applyMay yellow over time
Can be used as a glossy finishMay be more expensive than polyurethane
Offers excellent protection against scratches and abrasionsMay take longer to cure than polyurethane
Pros and cons of using epoxy as an alternative to polyurethane

Epoxy is worth considering as an alternative to polyurethane in applications where strength, durability, and chemical resistance are important. It may be more expensive and difficult to work with, but its superior properties make it an excellent choice for many applications.

Epoxy is stronger and more durable than polyurethane. It can resist tension, compression, chemicals, moisture, and UV rays.

It can also look different depending on the color, tint, and transparency. Unfortunately, epoxy is more costly and harder to use than polyurethane.

Also, epoxy requires careful mixing and application, and it is hard to remove.

Polyurethane is easier and cheaper to use, but it is weaker and less resistant.

2. Lacquer- Easy to apply alternative to Polyurethane

Lacquer coated workpiece
Lacquer coated workpiece
ProsCons
Dries quicklyCan be toxic and flammable
Provides a hard and durable finishMay require more coats than polyurethane
Can be sanded and polished to a high glossMay not be as resistant to heat and chemicals as polyurethane
Offers a wide range of colors and sheensMay not be as long-lasting as polyurethane
Can be easily repaired and touched up
Pros and cons of using lacquer as an alternative to polyurethane

Lacquer is a viable alternative to water-based polyurethane. It is easy to apply and dries quickly. However, if you need a durable finish that can withstand heavy traffic and outdoor elements, polyurethane is the better choice.

One of the main advantages of lacquer over polyurethane is its ease of application.

Lacquer can be applied using a spray gun, making the process much faster and more efficient.

Surface finish of lacquer coated workpiece
The surface finish of a lacquer-coated wood

It dries much faster than polyurethane, which means that multiple coats can be applied in a short time.

Furthermore, lacquer is easier to repair, and a recoat can be applied easily to repair any damage or defects.

However, it is not as durable as polyurethane and is vulnerable to scratches and water damage (forms white rings).

As a result, it is not recommended for outdoor applications or high-traffic areas.

3. Sanding Sealer- Best Alternative for Base Coat

Sanding sealer coated workpiece
Sanding sealer-coated workpiece
ProsCons
Can be used to seal porous woodMay not provide as much protection as polyurethane
Helps to create a smooth and even surfaceMay not be as durable as polyurethane
Can be sanded and stainedMay not be as long-lasting as polyurethane
Dries quicklyNot as water-resistant as polyurethane
Can be used as a primer for other finishesNot as UV-resistant as polyurethane
Pros and cons of using sanding sealer as an alternative to polyurethane

Sanding sealer is good for smoothing soft or porous woods, but it doesn’t protect as well as polyurethane. It’s a quick-drying primer that fills the wood pores and makes the final finish sit on top.

It’s best for situations where you want a smooth surface, not heavy-duty protection.

Surface finish of sanding sealer coated workpiece
The surface finish of a sanding sealer-coated workpiece

Polyurethane is thicker and stronger, and it can handle more wear and tear. It’s better for working with hard or durable wood.

4. Tung Oil- Best Natural Alternative to Polyurethane

Tung Oil finished workpiece
Tung Oil finished workpiece
ProsCons
Provides a natural and warm appearanceMay require additional coats of finish
Easy to applyMay not be as durable as polyurethane
Resistant to water and mildewMay take longer to dry
Can be used on a variety of surfacesIs prone to scratches if not maintained properly
Can be applied with a brush or cloth
Pros and cons of using tung oil as an alternative to polyurethane

Tung oil can be a great alternative to oil-based polyurethane if you’re looking for a natural-looking finish that highlights the wood’s natural beauty. While it may not be as durable or fast-drying as polyurethane, it provides a unique and authentic finish that can add character and charm to any project.

Surface finish of Tung Oil coated workpiece
Surface finish of Tung Oil-coated workpiece

Tung oil is a penetrating oil that gives wood a natural, low-sheen finish.

It is easy to apply with a rag or brush and can be repaired by sanding and recoating.

Tung oil resists water, scratches, and dings but not as well as polyurethane. It also takes longer to dry and can darken the wood over time.

5. Linseed Oil as an Alternative to Polyurethane- Is it Any Good?

Linseed oil finished workpiece
Linseed oil finished workpiece
ProsCons
Natural and non-toxicLong drying time
Enhances wood grainCan darken over time
Easy to applyLow durability and protection
AffordableCan attract dirt and grime
Can be used indoors or outdoorsRequires frequent reapplication
Penetrates deep into wood fibersCan leave a sticky residue
Can be used on unfinished or finished woodCan yellow over time
Can be easily maintained and repairedCan promote mold and mildew growth in humid environments
Pros and cons of using linseed oil as an alternative to polyurethane

Linseed oil is a natural oil that protects and enhances wood. It comes from flax seeds and penetrates deep into the wood fibers. It does not have harmful chemicals and is easy to apply on many wooden surfaces.

Surface finish of Linseed oil coated workpiece
Surface finish of Linseed oil-coated workpiece

Unfortunately, linseed oil dries slowly and can be sticky. It also needs regular upkeep and reapplication, as it can break down and yellow over time.

It is not as strong as polyurethane and may not suit high-traffic areas or low-maintenance preferences.

6. Beeswax as an Alternative to Polyurethane- Is it Worth it?

Surface finish of Beeswax coated workpiece
Surface finish of Beeswax-coated workpiece
ProsCons
Natural and non-toxicNeeds frequent reapplication
Enhances the natural beauty of woodMay not offer sufficient protection
Easy to apply and buffCan be difficult to remove for refinishing
Can be used on a variety of surfacesNot as durable as polyurethane
Can be combined with other natural oilsMay darken or yellow over time
Offers a soft, satin finishMay not hold up well to heat or moisture
Can be used for spot repairsLimited resistance to scratches and abrasions
Pros and cons of beeswax oil as an alternative to polyurethane

Beeswax is a natural durable finish that repels water and enhances the wood grain. It does not have harmful chemicals and is easy to apply with a cloth or brush. It is good for eco-friendly projects.

Unfortunately, beeswax is not as strong as polyurethane and does not protect as well against scratches and dents.

It also needs more upkeep and reapplication, and it can yellow over time. It is not very water-resistant, and water can damage it.

Final Thoughts

When selecting an alternative to polyurethane, it is important to identify your requirement and select the best-suited alternative for your project.

Generally, epoxy is the best alternative when durability is desirable, whereas lacquer is preferable for its ease of application.

Similarly, a sanding sealer is preferable where you need to seal the pores of the wood to produce a smooth surface for additional finishes.

Apart from that, you can also opt for tung oil, linseed oil, and beeswax if your project demands an eco-friendly finish, irrespective of its durability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you apply epoxy over polyurethane?

Yes, you can apply epoxy over polyurethane, but it requires careful preparation and application. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants. The polyurethane must also be sanded to provide a rough surface for the epoxy to adhere to.

Can you use lacquer on outdoor furniture?

No, lacquer is not recommended for outdoor use because it is highly flammable and susceptible to UV damage. It is best suited for indoor use on furniture, musical instruments, and cabinets.

Is polyurethane finish toxic?

No, polyurethane is not toxic once allowed to cure, and its water-based variant is also considered to be food-safe. However, it can produce harmful fumes when applying the finish making it important to follow safety guidelines when using polyurethane, including wearing a respirator, gloves, and protective clothing and working in a well-ventilated area.