I’ve actually been experimenting with water-based poly on the kitchen floors in our 1920s place. I was skeptical at first—old habits die hard, and I always thought oil-based was the gold standard for durability. But the newer water-based finishes have really surprised me. They dry fast, don’t smell nearly as strong, and the floors keep more of their natural character instead of taking on that amber tint you get with oil.
One thing I did notice, though: the first year or so, the finish seemed a bit more prone to scuffing compared to oil-based, especially in high-traffic spots near the sink and fridge. But after a couple of touch-ups and another coat, it’s holding up well. I do think you have to be a little more diligent about cleaning up spills quickly—maybe that’s just life with wood floors in a kitchen.
And yeah, satin is a sweet spot for me too. Hides just enough without looking dull. Matte always felt like it showed every crumb in our house... but maybe that’s just my eyes getting pickier over time.
Funny you mention the scuffing—my kitchen’s got a similar setup, and I’ve noticed the same thing with water-based poly. The quick dry time is a lifesaver, but I do find myself babying the floors more than I ever did with oil-based. I’m curious, did you do anything special for prep or between coats? I’ve tried buffing lightly but sometimes wonder if I’m overdoing it. Also, have you found a cleaner that doesn’t leave streaks? That’s been my ongoing battle...