Maple Hardwood finish - oil- or water-based

Typically the water borne product is "Water White" i.e. clear with no yellowing, it has much better qualities, easier and faster to apply, and only costs a bit more a gallon.

out of the house when it's applied for a day or so. The fumes are awful.

Moisture cured poly's contain isocynates, and are toxic to use. DO NOT USE THEM.

Very true. 2 component water based has poly-functional aziridine, highly toxic, known for birth defects.

Moisture cure needs moisture to cure, only works best in high humidity.

M Hamlin

Thanks for the replies. We just went with what was in the original contract - polyurethane oil based.

If this stuff is toxic, is there a real risk in our case - a one time application (3 coats) where the fumes eventually dissipate, and we never use it again?

On jobs that I want to look _really_ good and that I care about (as opposed that I got shafted into doing) I use waterbased MEGA Bonx-X finish. It's dummy proof. No buffing between coats, and no pooling. You could probably pour the stuff on the floor, and come back an hour later to find it perfect. I prefer the satin.

Oil is fine, but it's a PITA. It smells, is hard to clean, etc etc.