5 Things to Know Before Buying polyurethane oil seal

12, May. 2025

 

Polyurethane as a seal material - Ceetak

What is Polyurethane?

Is it rubber? Is it plastic? Is it rigid? Is it flexible? The answer to all of those questions is – yes. Polyurethane covers a group of materials; plastic polymers produced by the combination (or synthesis) of di-isocyanates with polyols and a chain extender.

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Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) belongs to the Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) family. It was originally invented by Otto Bayer in and further developed during WWII as an alternative to rubber (which was difficult to source at the time). It can be formulated to produce different finished materials with an array of properties suitable for a wide range of applications.

In addition to seals, Polyurethane is the basis of products as diverse as varnish, foam mattresses, roller skate wheels and surfboards. There are literally hundreds of different types of polyurethanes, each made in a slightly different way to suit the demands of the final product.

How are Polyurethane materials manufactured?

In a one-step process, the polyol (a compound containing multiple hydroxyl groups) is mixed with isocyanate (highly reactive low molecular weight chemicals) and chain extender (low molecular weight diols or diamines). The result is a random copolymer with a physically cross-linked irregular molecular structure.

In a two-step process, the polyol and isocyanate are mixed first to produce a pre-polymer. This is then mixed with the chain extender to produce a block copolymer with more regular molecular structure. This can result in improved and more consistent material properties in exchange for a slightly higher production cost.

In both cases, additives can be used to help prevent hydrolysis attack (water absorption), UV or ozone etc. For more rigid Polyurethanes (like the ones we use for sealing products) the mixed liquid material can either be cast into tubes from which seals can be machined on CNC lathes, or cast into bricks which are then chipped, mixed with dye (or other additives), and fed into injection moulding machines.

Why is Polyurethane a good seal material?

When formulated appropriately, Polyurethane yields an impressive set of material properties that make it an ideal material for sealing products. It can be flexible; which allows seals to be assembled into closed grooves, resist large deformation and make them robust enough to survive without damage. In this respect it outperforms PTFE and is at least on a par with rubber.

It has excellent elastic behaviour, recovering almost instantly from deformation; again outperforming PTFE (no springs or rubber energisers needed here to give the initial sealing contact stress) and matching rubber materials. However, unlike rubber it has a lower coefficient of friction, with very high abrasion resistance, tensile strength and stiffness. These properties mean it can often be used without anti-extrusion/back-up rings at considerably higher pressures than even a 90 durometer elastomer O-ring would be capable of.

In abrasion tests, Polyurethane has a quarter of the wear rates shown by typical rubber sealing materials such as NBR (and considerably lower than even filled grades of PTFE). Its tensile and tear strengths are typically 3-5 times higher than rubber seal materials, and although it lacks the chemical resistance and temperature capability of PTFE, it is compatible with mineral oils.

Polyurethane seal materials typically have a general operating temperature range of around -35°C to +110°C, although more specialist grades can remain flexible down to -50°C, and other grades can push the upper limit to around 130°C.

Because it can be injection moulded as well as machined from tubes, it lends itself to production of seals in both high and low quantities, which allows commercial flexibility at both prototype and production stages of a project.

With complex chemistry, care must be taken to ensure sealing fluid resistance and temperature capabilities are always considered (as is the case when selecting any seal material). In many applications though, Polyurethane can often bring physical property and whole-life cost advantages over rubber or PTFE options, therefore bridging the gap in capabilities between these material groups.

The Best Polyurethanes () - Reviews by Woodsmith

It’s incredibly expensive to buy wood to construct new hardwood floors, tables, and even cabinets or to buy new furniture from the market. So, you should keep the pieces you already have in good condition as long as possible.

Using polyurethane on your wooden constructions, like table tops will not only give them a lovely appearance but will also protect them from frequent wear and tear. Polyurethanes come in a variety of forms, as you can see from our reviews.

Prior to choosing heavy duty polyurethane for your projects, you have to consider different aspects to be sure of making the right choice.

Which Type of Polyurethane Should You Buy?

Polyurethane can be divided into two categories:

Water-based polyurethanes

These are popular among woodworkers because they are shiny and bright, bringing out the wood’s natural beauty. It aids in rehydrating wood, preventing further drying. Hydration aids in maintaining the appearance and quality of the wood.

Oil-based polyurethane

Polyurethane based on oil is more expensive than polyurethane based on water. This sort is the most long-lasting, making it ideal for outdoor projects.

Depending on the weather conditions, oil-based polyurethanes can contract or expand, protecting wood in various climates and situations.

Which Factors About Polyurethanes Are Worth Considering?

Think about these things before you buy polyurethane for your home’s exterior or interior:

Finish’s appearance and feel

In terms of aesthetics, polyurethane comes in a variety of finishes such as matte/clear, gloss, and satin. How beautiful your wood buildings will look depends on the type of finish you choose; therefore, you must make sure you get the proper one for them.

Polyurethane finish has a significant impact on the appearance of your wood furniture and surfaces once it has been applied, so think carefully before making a decision. Glossy wood table tops, for instance, would be stunning. On the other hand, a satin finish is the best option for hardwood floors as they provide a subtle sheen with minimum glare compared to using high gloss finishes.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of polyurethane oil seal. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Drying time

When looking for your products, keep in mind how long polyurethane will take to dry. If your project has a tight deadline, you’ll want to use a polyurethane product that dries quickly. Fast-drying polyurethanes are nothing to be concerned about, as there are a number of options available on the market today.

Durability

When deciding on the best polyurethanes, durability is key. Some polyurethane materials are more durable than others, even though all last quite long.

The polyurethane that lasts longer is the ideal choice as it helps save you time and money in the long run. Consider factors like scratch and abrasion resistance while making your choice.

Ease of use

Using polyurethane to decorate and protect your woodworking items is critical. Choose your product, but confirm that it’s easy to use before you buy it. It reduces the chances of making a blunder during the process.

Quite a few of the polyurethane materials we’ve looked at merely require that they be painted. Spray guns and other instruments, on the other hand, would produce the best outcomes for others. As a result, having a product that simplifies the application process is critical.

Check the video from ‘Stumby Nubs’ for some best ways to use polyurethane.

How Are Polyurethanes Beneficial?

Tolerance to a certain temperature

Thermosetting polymers or thermosets are the main components of polyurethane finishes. As a result, they are inherently resistant to the effects of extreme heat. So, even when heated to a fair level, they do not deform.

Because of their chemical nature, they are also temperature flexible. Basically, this means they can expand and contract according to ambient temperature.

You can also use a polyurethane coating to keep your tables from deforming when it’s exposed to extreme heat. Temperatures in the 80-to-200-degree Fahrenheit range are typical for polyurethane finishes.

Easy to use

Because polyurethane finishes are single-element applications, no complicated pre-mixing step is required before using them. Water-based polyurethane coatings, in particular, allow you to remove excess material with just lukewarm water and ordinary soap after application.

You may also easily apply new layers by scrubbing off previous finishes with a mineral spirit or paint thinner-soaked sponge.

Versatility

The versatility of a polyurethane finish in terms of compatible materials is significantly superior to varnish or lacquer. It may be used on a wide range of surfaces, including metal, concrete, stone, imitation wood, and even natural wood.

How May Polyurethane Drying Be Accelerated?

Knowing how long polyurethane takes to dry is critical. There are ways to speed up the drying process, so why waste time waiting for it to dry for the whole day?

If you want to shorten the drying time of a finish, you must first determine the variables that hinder the drying process. You will be in a better position to deal with them once you have identified them. Here’s all you need to know about reducing the drying time of polyurethane.

Color and brand

There are numerous types of paint, and each one dries at a different rate. All you have to do is check the package to see how long the product needs to dry. The substance of the paint is what sets one type of paint apart from another.

Latex/water-based paint, for example, needs anywhere from four to twenty-four hours to dry. The recovery period ranges from 21 to 30 days. A coat of oil-based paint will dry in 6 to 8 hours, whereas a cure would take 3 to 7 days.

Allowing the paint to cure properly is preferable. Because some paints are darker than others, they take longer to dry.

Condition of the atmosphere

The paint’s dry time is influenced by the temperature. Paint thickens and dries more slowly in low temperatures because of the increased surface area exposed to the air. Overly slow-drying paints create an uneven surface, necessitating a re-painting.

The amount of humidity in the air also has an impact on drying time. When the humidity is high, water vapor accumulates on surfaces and fills the atmosphere. Wood absorbs moisture, which makes it difficult for the paint to cure.

Ventilation

The time it takes for paint to cure depends heavily on ventilation. The paint will take longer to dry if there is inadequate ventilation. When painting in the future, be sure to use a ventilated location to speed up the drying process.

Finish with a water-based product

Water-based poly, as previously mentioned, dries more quickly than its synthetic competitors. If you’re looking for a poly that dries quickly, stay away from oil-based paints and stick with water-based coatings.

Favorable temperature

Working in a temperature range between 26°C and 35°C will speed up the drying process for your paint and prevent it from cracking. These conditions are more conducive to drying polyurethane since they are in the middle of the temperature range.

For more pu dynamic sealinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.