Homeowner guide · Updated October 2026
Oil-Based vs Water-Based Varnish for Parquet
How oil-based and water-based polyurethane varnish compare on look, smell, drying time, durability and price for Singapore parquet floors.
Side by side
| Oil-based PU | Water-based PU | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm amber tone, deepens over time | Clear, keeps the timber's natural colour |
| Smell | Strong for 1 to 2 days | Mild |
| Drying between coats | Longer | Faster |
| Cost | Usually lower product cost | Can cost more: product and application time differ |
Choose oil-based if
- You like a warm, traditional teak look
- You want a hard-wearing finish at a lower product cost
- You can stay elsewhere or air the home for a day or two
Choose water-based if
- You have young children, elderly family members or pets at home
- You want a lighter, more natural look
- You need to move back in quickly
Gloss, semi-gloss or satin?
Gloss looks the most dramatic and is easy to wipe clean, but it shows scratches. Satin hides small marks and dust better and feels less slippery. Semi-gloss sits in between and is the most common choice for HDB bedrooms.
Related services
Parquet Polishing
Machine buffing plus a fresh coat of varnish in your chosen sheen. Single bedroom from $350.
from $350/roomFull Sanding & Varnishing
For worn-through floors: sand back to bare timber, fill gaps, then a sealer and 2 coats of varnish.
Quoted after inspectionParquet Repair
Loose, hollow or popped-up pieces lifted, re-glued or replaced with matching timber.
Quoted after inspectionStaining & Colour Change
Walnut, ebony, mahogany or a lighter natural look, tested on a patch first.
Quoted after inspectionStaircase Polishing
Every tread and riser hand-sanded and varnished, done in stages so you can still use the stairs.
Quoted after inspectionWater & Termite Damage
Black stains, swelling or termite damage cut out and relaid to blend in.
Quoted after inspectionWant your parquet looking new again?
Send 3 or 4 photos of your floor on WhatsApp and get a price, usually the same day.