With all the options for water-based hardwood floor finish, it can be difficult to distinguish which to use. In this video chat with Brad West, Bona’s Midwest Territory Manager we discuss their two leading water-based finishes.
We answer these common questions:
- What’s the coverage of Traffic HD Floor Finish?
- What’s the difference between Bona Mega and Mega One?
- When should I use Bona Mega vs. Traffic HD?
Watch the video above or keep reading to find out when to use Mega One or Traffic HD for your next job.
Can you use Bona wood floor finish over a bare wood floor?
Bona recommends using a sanding sealer before coating with finish. While their finishes can act function as a sealer, using a sealer adds more depth and an extra build layer of protection. The biggest reason for using sealer is that it cost less than finish. Sealers can satisfy homeowners who desire an oil-based finished look.
Additionally, sealers help to preserve the true color of the wood or stain. Most waterborne finishes react with tannins in wood causing streaks or uneven discoloration. A Bona sealer can reduce the effect from tannin bleed before applying finish coats. Ultimately, a sealer seals the wood surface, keeping the wood from absorbing the finish. If a sealer is not used before applying finish, other problems can arise like panelization and side-bonding of boards.
How many coats of Bona finish should you use on wood flooring?
One coat of sealer, plus two coats of finish is the required minimum sufficient to protect the floor. This will give your customer peace of mind that they won’t need another recoat for 10-15 years (under normal living conditions). Skimping by with only one coat of finish will over time be more quickly worn through, increasing the likelihood of needing a refinish. If finish wears down to bare wood, a resand and finish can be expected.
How do contractors use Bona Mega One Hardwood Floor Finish?
Bona developed Mega One as an even easier product to work with than the original Mega finish. Like the original, Mega One is a single component waterborne finish which results in less waste when compared to 2-component finishes.
With two-component flooring finish it’s easy to mix incorrectly and have excess finish left over after a job. A single-component finish such as Mega can give the flexibility to move from one job to another while using the same bottle with little concern with it hardening beyond useableness.
Mega One is easily abraded for better inter-coat adhesion. It provides a better build as a first finish coat providing more protection to the wood surface.
What’s the difference between Bona Mega and Mega One?
Both Mega and Mega One are exceptional finish in their own right. As a clear finish, Mega One won’t amber with time or fade to a dingy look. It stays clear to natural even on light colored floors.
Bona Mega finish can over time begin to amber or darken as it is an oil-water hybrid finish. This does not affect its performance from normal residential traffic. If a homeowner is concerned about getting scratches, upgrading to Traffic HD with the final, top-coat applied over Mega One is recommended.
Mega One can be used as an first finish coat. Return the next day to abrade and apply final coat of Traffic HD.
While this product is easy to use, the most common is not mixing the finish thoroughly enough. If not mixed well, you can end up with a “gradient” sheen due to the flattening agents not being properly disbursed throughout the bottle. This is especially the case with satin or matte sheen.
What is the dry time for Mega One?
Like all finishes, the dry time for Mega One and Traffic HD depends on the environment. If you have good air circulation or high humidity can directly affect the dry time.
The best way to tell when it’s dry is to take two moisture readings. Take one before applying the finish and again after 30 to 45 minutes once the surface is dry to touch.
If you’re within a percentage point of the first reading you can move on. This means that 99% of the water has evaporated out.
Mega One has a 5-day full cure time – faster than the typical 7-days for 2-component water-based floor finish. You can walk on it in sock feet 3-4 hours later when its dry and move furniture back in after 72 hours.
Remind your customer to always lift and carry the furniture. Dragging large pieces will always scratch the floor, whether it’s fully cured or not.
*Only after 5-days should the homeowner replace rugs and clean the floors with a wood-safe cleaner!
How best to use Bona Traffic HD Finish on hardwood floors?
Like Mega One and Mega, Traffic HD is a newer version of Bonas original Traffic finish. It’s 10-15% more durable with better flow and leveling compared to Traffic.
Additionally, Traffic HD is GreenGuard Gold Certified, with lower VOCs than the original Traffic finish.
Because of the low VOCs and low odor formula, homeowners may remain in other parts of the house while their floor is being finished. This is a great selling feature as some homeowners don’t want the added expense or inconvenience of staying outside their home.
How many coats of Bona Traffic HD should you use?
Like Mega One, Bona always recommends a minimum of 2 coats of finish. Adding a third coat gives an added layer of protection that may be desired for some homeowners who are worried about scratches.
What is the dry time for Bona Traffic HD?
Traffic HD is one of Bona’s fastest drying finishes and fully cures in three days. You can walk on it with sock feet after 3-4 hours. After 72 hours, homeowners can move furniture back in safely by lifting and placing and not dragging pieces. Overall, its actually a quicker move-in process than Mega One.
How should you apply these hardwood floor finishes?
The versatility of Bona finishes means you can apply Mega One or Traffic HD with a Floor Coater or T-Bar sleeve, Nap Roller, or Cut-In Pad. Many contractors report getting a higher coverage rate using a T-bar, which is a plus with the higher cost of Traffic HD.
Traffic HD will apply more thickly for a greater build of finish in just two coat. This means that you wont get as much coverage as you may expect. Nevertheless, this still provides you more protection with less coats.
Watch Bona’s tutorial that explains the best practices for applying their wood floor finish.
Are there any products to avoid overcoating with Bona finish?
Other than acrylic polishes and hard waxes you should have few problems overcoating other products with Bona finish. Before coating any floor, abrade or scuff the surface to allow the finish to bond.
Bona also offers a hard-wax oil that allows you to top coat right over it. If you’re wanting to use a penetrating oil, with the option of a poly on top, then you might try Bona’s Craft Oil.
When should you use Traffic HD vs. Mega One?
When you observe a home with existing floors and there are large scratches present or damaged finish, these are good signs you need a high durability finish, like Traffic HD.
You can also offer different options by using both Mega One and Traffic HD. By combining top coats of Mega One and Traffic HD you can offer a savings over applying two coats of Traffic HD.
If the homeowner is sensitive to VOCs, it would be good to upgrade to Traffic HD, as it is GreenGuard Gold Certified.
Want to try Traffic HD or Mega One?
Give us a call at your nearest RW Supply+Design to answer any further questions.