From what I've read and been told, wtr based poly's will stay clear over time. Oil based will yellow or amber over time. I'm going to stain a darker brown on my oak floors. Probably English Chesnut, Antique Brown or possibly Coffee Brown (Duraseal colors). Two companies have quoted OMU, two have quoted water based. I'm curious if the oil based will yellow or amber and be noticable...even though its a darker stain.

Any advice?

I love this website.

The amberizing process of OMU will occur over time, regardless of the stain underneath. However, it wont be nearly as noticeable as it would on a natural finished floor. However, if you leave an area rug in place for a long time, then decide yo removeit, there will be a definite difference in appearance between the two areas.

The oil-based will darken over time it is gradual and probably not too noticeable due too the dark stain and the time it takes too darken. The water base finish also changes over time usually not as drastic but they all change. My advice would be to have some sample made up and possibly look at some projects the contractors have done, then choose the look you prefer.

thanks for the replies. Good point about the rugs, which we would be using to try to protect the floors...

Also agree the yellowing is barely noticeable when the floor is stained.