As nouns the difference between acrylic and polyacrylic is that acrylic is (organic chemistry) an acrylic resin while polyacrylic is any of several thermoplastic materials made from polyacrylates.Click to see full answer. Similarly one may ask, what is the difference between polyurethane and acrylic?But there are differences between these protective finishes: Acrylic urethane is typically water-based, while traditional polyurethane is oil-based. The two differentiate by drying time, application amounts, cost and, depending on definition, durability.Additionally, what is Polycrylic? Polycrylic Overview Polycrylic is water based protective coat. It is available in high gloss and satin finishes. It can be applied with a spray bottle or roller. It offers protection of wood along with faster drying times. It adds beauty to interior wood pieces such as furniture, woodwork, doors and cabinets. Secondly, can you use Polycrylic over acrylic paint? “the only products we offer that will be suitable for use over paint would be the Polycrylic or the Water-Based Helmsman Spar Urethane. Neither of these coatings will amber over time, which is typical with other polyurethane type products.Is water based polyurethane the same as Polycrylic?Polyurethane finish is basedon both oil and water while polycrylic is a water-based finish.