Oil finishes are easy to apply and generally the most used. They are solvent base polyurethane and most dry in about 8 hours. You need to work in a well ventilated area and know these finished grow slightly darker with age.
Water Based Finishes
Water urethane finishes are clear when they dry. They are fairly expensive but dry completely in under 2 hours.
Moisture Cure Finishes
These are another solvent base polyurethane like oil based but moisture cure finishes are more durable and moisture resistant than any other type of finish. You can usually find these in satin or glossy to have more control over the appearance of your wood floor after you refinish. This types of finish is very difficult to apply properly without experience.
Penetrating Stain or Wax
This type of wood floor finish works by penetrating into the wood and hardening into a protective coating. Wax finishes are great because they wear only as the wood wears. Wax will not scratch or chip either. The only real drawback is the maintenance is a bit higher than other finishes.
Aluminum Oxide
This is the newest type of wood flooring finish available. It provides a very durable coating that lasts longer than other floor finishers.
It is best to educate yourself about the type of wood flooring you have before choosing a finish as some work better depending on the type of wood they are applies to. You should be able to go to the website of the manufacturer of your wood flooring to find out any specifics you need.
