Adhesives and Moisture Control

Is a moisture barrier necessary when installing hardwood floors?
Because subfloor conditions are usually less than ideal when installing hardwood floors, the use of a moisture barrier is usually the right choice. Especially over concrete subfloors, or in climates that are either very humid or go from one extreme to another, a moisture barrier protects against moisture-related damages such as warping and cupping.

While the necessity of a moisture barrier may depend on specific installation conditions, incorporating one can significantly benefit the long-term performance and aesthetic appeal of hardwood floors. We recommend Bona R450 – the moisture barrier/primer that mitigates vapor transmission on absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors, including Gypsum-based underlayments. Bona R540 is compatible with the entire Bona Adhesives System.

How do I properly test the subfloor for moisture before applying adhesive?
Flooring contractors have two options when conducting an on-site relative humidity (RH) moisture test. Each meets NWFA guidelines. To learn more, read our article: Moisture Mitigation with Bona R540.

What are considered suitable substrates for hardwood floors?
Suitable hardwood floor substrates include concrete, plywood, cork, particle or chipboard, stone, ceramic, terrazzo, Warmboard®, radiant heat flooring, dry above-grade gypsum underlayment and recycled rubber underlayment.

Do Bona wood floor adhesives offer moisture protection?
Yes. 18 pounds and 95% RH with standard MPB clip-on trowel, or ¼” x ¼” v-notch trowel. Unlimited MP with Bona QUANTUM Flow. 

What are the best flooring adhesives for my needs?
Bona silane-based adhesives offer a complete range of products to serve all your wood flooring installation needs. See product details to determine which Bona adhesive will be suit your project goals.

What is the sound rating for Bona hardwood floor adhesives?
Bona adhesives meet ASTM E92-09 and ASTM E90-04 and IIC with ceiling.

Do Bona adhesives provide freeze-thaw stability?
Yes – down to zero degrees F.

Can Bona® floor adhesives be used to glue to rubber and acoustical rubber mats?
Yes. Use the Bona 1000F trowel or Bona Engineered Flooring (EF) trowel. Bona Adhesives are engineered to reduce impact noise and rate higher than average in Impact Insulation Class (71 dB) and Sound Transmission Class (65 dB). 

How do Bona wood floor adhesives impact the environment?
By choosing Bona adhesives, you’re reducing environmental impacts and helping to create healthier, safer interiors for your customers. Here are the environment-related facts about Bona Silane wood flooring adhesives:


• Bona Silane-based adhesives were first in the the industry to become GREENGUARD GOLD certified for indoor air quality, whereas urethane wood floor adhesives release airborne chemicals in vapor form.
  

Do Bona floor adhesives emit VOCs?

• Our adhesives emit zero (0) volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Compare that to the high VOC emissions (until cured) of urethane wood floor adhesives.
• Bona adhesives deliver advanced technology to protect your investment and health.
  

Can flooring adhesives fail?
Yes. Adhesive failure in hardwood flooring is a critical concern that can affect the durability, appearance, and safety of the floor. Understanding the causes and signs of adhesive failure is essential for both professionals and homeowners to ensure the longevity of hardwood floors.

Causes of adhesive failure include:

• Moisture and high relative humidity (RH)
• Improper surface preparation
• Incorrect adhesive selection or application
• Exceeding open time
• Environmental conditions
  
  

What are the signs of adhesive failure?

• Loose or Lifting Planks: One of the most obvious signs of adhesive failure is when hardwood planks start to come loose or lift from the subfloor.
• Hollow Sounds: Walking across the floor may produce hollow sounds in areas where the adhesive has failed to bond effectively.
• Gapping or Cupping: Changes in wood plank alignment, such as gapping or cupping, can indicate that the adhesive has failed to keep the wood in place against environmental changes.
• Visible Adhesive Residue: Improper application can result in adhesive being pushed up between the planks, visible as a residue on the surface.
• Discoloration: Moisture issues leading to adhesive failure might also cause discoloration of the wood or the development of mold and mildew.

To learn more read our article, Helping with Wood Floor Cupping.

Why is it important to consider llC and STC ratings for multi-level homes, condos, and commercial spaces when choosing a flooring adhesive?
Sound is transmitted when hard objects interact with hardwood floors, like high heels, dogs, or dropped objects. Without anything to absorb them, sound waves can permeate a building or home and cause an unsettling ambiance. Often there are requirements for minimum IIC and STC ratings and not all adhesives meet the requirements. Bona Adhesives are engineered to reduce impact noise and rate higher than average in Impact Insulation Class (71 dB) and Sound Transmission Class (65 dB).

Does the wood floor adhesive need to be back-troweled or ‘keyed in’?
No, but by back-troweling or keying in the adhesive, the moisture protection will increase to 15 lbs – one of the best ratings on the market.

What is the spread rate of Bona R540?
300-400’ per 5 Liter jug as a Vapor Retarder over plywood and concrete, 400-600’ per 5 Liter as a Primer over Advantech, and 400’ per 5 Liter as a moisture barrier. Learn more about Bona R540.

Why am I not hitting my spread rates on the adhesive?
Trowels are measuring devices that dictate how much glue will be spread; Bona recommends holding the trowel as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to ensure the right ridges and spread rates.

Other possible reasons for not hitting spread rates:

• Floating the adhesive
• Porous substrates
• Using the adhesive to fill cracks and fill in low spots
  
  

How many coats of Bona R540 should be applied on concrete? What about plywood subfloor?
Two coats before installing LVT/LVP and only one coat needed when used with 1250G or 1500G trowel and any Bona Silane Adhesive. Two coats are required in all other installations over concrete when the above criteria is not met. Only one coat over plywood.

Since Bona QUANTUM® R851 has a moisture barrier in it, can I use only one coat of Bona® R540 on concrete?
Yes, only one coat is needed when used with 1250G or 1500G trowel and any Bona Silane Adhesive.

Abrasives and Sanding

What is the best sanding sequence for hardwood floor renovation?
The most important thing to remember in your sanding sequence is to follow the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)’s general rule: Never skip more than one grit of paper between cuts.

When using Bona’s floor sanding sequence, blended mineral abrasives are dialed in to give you the best performance for each specific step.

How do I combine Bona’s modern sanding machines and high-tech abrasives?
This specific floor sanding grit sequence works for natural, stained or oiled floors that demand a scratch-free surface; while still being open enough to permit proper colorant penetration and achieve optimal adhesion for oils, stains, sealers and finishes.

Fine sanding can also be done with 80 or 120 grit Bona Diamond Abrasives and the optional Bona Steel Plates accessory. One set of Bona Diamond Abrasives lasts 4,000 – 6,000 square feet and works perfectly for your final pass on raw wood, especially when working with species like Brazilian cherry, maple, hickory, ash and pine for scratch-free results.

What is an example of applying the Bona Sanding Sequence, using Bona Abrasives and Bona Sanding Machines to a flooring project?

• Bona Net Ceramic Abrasives Sanding Sequence 
  • Coarse sanding: Bona Green Abrasives 
  • Medium sanding: Bona Green Abrasives 
  • Fine sanding: Bona Net Ceramic Abrasives 
• Bona Net Alox Abrasive Sanding Sequence 
  • Coarse sanding: Bona Blue Abrasives 
  • Medium sanding: Bona Blue Abrasives 
  • Fine Sanding: Bona Net Alox Abrasives 

What are the key design features of the Bona Belt sander that contribute to its maneuverability and transport ease?
The Bona Belt sander is designed with a compact chassis, which significantly enhances its maneuverability around the job site. Its special transport wheels are crafted for both protection of the unit and convenience during transportation. Additionally, the sander's overall design allows for easy handling and moving, even in tight spaces or between locations.

In what ways does the wider drum of the Bona Belt sander improve productivity and floor
finish quality?
The wider drum of the Bona Belt sander enhances productivity by covering more floor area with each pass, reducing the total number of passes needed to sand a room. This not only speeds up the process but also contributes to a more uniform and flat finish, as it decreases the likelihood of uneven spots or dips in the floor. A flatter floor from the start sets a solid foundation for all subsequent refinishing steps, ensuring a superior end result.

Can you detail the safety and operational adjustments available on the Bona Belt sander, and how they contribute to user convenience?
The Bona Belt sander offers several adjustable features that enhance both safety and operation. Drum pressure, tracking, and cut angle can all be adjusted safely from the top of the machine, minimizing the need to stoop or reach awkwardly, which reduces the risk of operator injury. The double-feather handle and lever operation allow for precise control and easy adjustment mid-task, contributing significantly to user convenience and ensuring optimal sanding results.

What certifications and warranties support the Bona Belt sander, and why are they significant for professional flooring contractors?
The Bona Belt sander comes with a 2-year warranty and is GREENGUARD Certified. The warranty provides professional flooring contractors with peace of mind, ensuring that their investment is protected against defects and performance issues. The GREENGUARD Certification is significant as it signifies that the Bona Belt sander meets stringent chemical emissions standards when used in conjunction with our innovative dust containment systems, helping to ensure a safer and healthier working environment. This is especially important in residential or commercial settings where air quality is a concern.

What makes Bona's Dust Containment Systems effective?
Bona's Dust Containment Systems are engineered to eliminate up to 99.8% of dust from the air, compared to traditional sanding methods. This significant reduction in airborne particles provides a cleaner and healthier work environment.

How does the Bona DCS 50 help maintain a dust-free environment during the sanding process?
The HEPA certified Bona DCS 50 utilizes an automatic filter cleaning system that ensures efficient suction throughout the sanding process, preventing dust from escaping into the air and maintaining optimal indoor air quality.

What are the key, immediate benefits of using the Bona dust containment system during floor sanding?
Immediate benefits include:

• Direct removal of dust through a vacuum system connection
• Reduced need for prep work or clean-ups after sanding
• Sealed system with multi-stage air filtration prevents dust from settling into the finish
  
  

What certifications does Bona's dust containment technology have, particularly regarding indoor air quality?
Bona’s dust containment technology is GREENGUARD certified, affirming its contribution to maintaining indoor air quality. By significantly reducing dust emissions during floor refinishing, it creates a more sustainable, healthier environment.

Are Bona DCS machines fully compatible with all Bona Sanding Machines?
Yes, Bona DCS (Dust Containment System) machines are designed to be fully compatible with all Bona sanding machines. This compatibility ensures that professionals can seamlessly integrate Bona's innovative dust containment solutions with their sanding equipment, significantly reducing the amount of airborne dust produced during the sanding process.

The integration of Bona DCS with Bona sanding machines, such as the Bona Power Drive®, Bona FlexiSand, and Bona Belt sander offers several key benefits:

•  Enhances the efficiency of floor refinishing projects
• Promotes a healthier work environment by minimizing dust exposure and aligns with Bona's commitment to providing sustainable and user-friendly solutions for hardwood floor care and maintenance
• Safeguards your investments (Bona machines) by giving them longer lives
• Customers will appreciate the care shown to their home environment
  
  

How do Bona Wire Brushes enhance the natural character of wood floors?
Bona Wire Brushes are designed to get down to the grain of the wood, creating texture and beautiful wood floor effects without scratching or harming the wood fibers. This technology enhances the natural character of wood floors and allows for dramatic new looks and two-tone contrasts when combined with Bona penetrating oils, stains, and finishes.

What features does the Bona Power Drive® offer for maneuvering and transporting between
job sites?
The Bona Power Drive® features large wheels and a compact design, making it easily movable between rooms and up and down stairs. This easy handling and transport capability enhance its usability and convenience for flooring contractors working on multiple sites.

What makes the Bona Power Drive® so effective?
The rotating geared-disc arrangement, or cog system, of the Bona Power Drive® delivers significantly more power to the sanding discs. This increased power enables effective bare wood sanding or removal of coatings and stains, ensuring a high-quality finish with minimal effort.

What types of finishes can be achieved with the Bona wire brush system?
With the Bona wire brush system and penetrating oils, flooring professionals can create stunning two-tone contrasts or eye-catching contemporary 2-color effects. These techniques allow for the creation of textured, three-dimensional surfaces that highlight the wood's natural beauty and character.

How close to walls can the Bona Power Drive® sand, and what impact does this have on the overall refinishing process?
The Bona Power Drive® allows for sanding movements exceptionally close to walls, leaving approximately 1” - 2” of surface width requiring manual edge sanding. This capability minimizes the need for manual edging, significantly improving efficiency and reducing labor time in the overall refinishing process.

What machine is recommended for the first cut when sanding hardwood floors?
The Bona Belt sander is ideal for the first cut when sanding hardwood floors, due to key design factors that save flooring contractors time and money:

• Compact Chassis for Precision: The compact chassis of the Bona Belt provides enhanced maneuverability. This allows for precise positioning and easier handling during the initial coarse sanding phase, where control and precision are critical for evenly removing the old finish and flattening the floor.
• Increased Power Efficiency: The inclusion of a Poly-V drive belt offers increased power efficiency. This means that the Bona Belt can deliver a more powerful sanding action necessary for the first cut. The robust removal of old coatings, scratches, and dents from the hardwood floor is essential at this stage to ensure a smooth base for subsequent finer sands.
• Wider Drum for Productivity: Utilizing a wider drum increases the floor area covered in a single pass, enhancing productivity by reducing the number of passes needed. This wider drum also contributes to achieving the flattest floor possible, an essential element after the first cut to ensure a high-quality finish upon completion of all sanding stages.
• Adjustable Operational Features: The Bona Belt's design includes easily adjustable drum pressure, tracking, and cut angle from the top of the machine, allowing for quick and safe adjustments. This adaptability is particularly important during the first cut, as it enables the operator to finely tune the machine's settings to the specific needs of the floor being refinished.
• Compatibility and Reliability: Being Bona DCS® compatible, the Bona Belt can be connected to a dust containment system, significantly reducing the amount of airborne dust produced during the initial, and often dustiest, phase of floor sanding. Additionally, the 2-year warranty and GREENGUARD Certification give professionals confidence in the machine's reliability and its contribution to maintaining indoor air quality standards.
  
  

What grit should I use to abrade finish?
Grit selection is going to depend on your reason for abrading. For our waterborne finishes that have just dried, a 320-grit maroon pad should be enough unless you feel you need to be a little more aggressive due to an extreme amount of grain raise and/or debris in the finish coat. To be a little more aggressive you can use one or two Bona Diamond Discs (180 or 240-grit) on the bottom of the maroon pad, or if the finish has dried overnight or longer then you could consider using the Bona MultiDisc with 1/4" intermediate pads for abrading.

There are only two reasons for abrading Bona waterborne finishes that have just been applied – for smoothness or if it has been more than 48 hours since the previous coat. For Bona Woodline Oil Base finish it's common to use a 100-grit screen or the Bona MultiDisc with 1/4" intermediate pads with Diamond Disc(s) (120 or 180-grit).

Is the Bona Power Drive aggressive enough to do a complete sand job, and does the Weight Kit make that big of a difference?
Yes, the Bona Power Drive can do a complete sand job; it can also complement your big machine and giving you some time savings as well. The extra weights and steel plates can be used for more aggressive cuts for removing finish and then the weights can be removed for succeeding cuts as your grits get higher.

Should I use water when wire brushing?
Yes, we highly recommend it because:

• It helps keep dust control down (even with Bona’s Dust Containment System, some microparticles can still escape and get on the floor’s surface.
• It keeps the wire brushes cool, which helps them last longer.
  
  

What pro tips should I know about when using the Bona Power Drive?

• Keep it as vertical as possible (at a 90 degree angle), when sanding.
• Use a power station or converter so that you’ll know exactly how much power is being directed to your machine. By ensuring that you’re getting the right voltage, you are safeguarding your investment!

Stain

How long do I have to wait for Bona DriFast Stain to dry?
The dry time of the stain depends on which color you're using. Wood tones are a minimum of 2-hour dry times, 6 hours for white stain, and 12-18 hours for Ebony, Spice Brown, and Bark under ideal conditions: 60º-80º F(16º-27ºC) with 35-75% relative humidity. Keep in mind water-popped floors will increase dry times. Learn more about Bona DriFast Stain.

How do I fix a stain blemish, when the first coat finish is applied?
When attempting this type of repair you will need to create the same footprint to the areas around the repair, final sandpaper grits, water popping, and stain used from the same can and or batch. Also the 'chasing the grain technique' will assist greatly in matching the area around the repair.

Can I apply Bona NordicSeal over Bona Drifast Stain - White to take some of the pink tones out of the red oak?
Yes, Bona NordicSeal will adhere over Bona DriFast Stain - White. Be sure to make samples and have the client approve the look prior to coating the floor. Review our TDS to ensure proper application. 

Sealers

What are Bona Waterborne Sealers?
Bona Waterborne Sealers provide the initial build layer for finish to sit on for maximum performance and durability. Bona’s waterborne sealers also improve adhesion, minimize side-bonding and reduce the chance for tannin pull.

What types of Bona Waterborne Sealers are available?
Bona offers a range of five waterborne sealers: Bona NordicSeal®, Bona AmberSeal®, Bona ClearSeal®, Bona NaturalSeal®, and Bona IntenseSeal®. Each sealer provides unique colorations and performance characteristics to suit different aesthetic preferences and durability needs.

Can Bona Waterborne Sealers be combined with other Bona products?
Yes, Bona Waterborne Sealers are designed to work in conjunction with Bona stains and finishes. This combination provides the best floor protection, enhancing both the appearance and durability of your hardwood floors.

What are the benefits of Bona Waterborne Sealers?
Bona Waterborne Sealers offer a smart and easy-to-use system that provides unparalleled floor sealer. Their versatility allows for a wide range of color options, from light and fresh tones to rich amber hues. Once you experience the benefits and superior performance of Bona Sealers, you'll find them indispensable for achieving beautiful, durable floors.

The benefits of Bona Waterborne Sealers are:

• Penetration and Sealing: Bona Waterborne Sealers are designed to penetrate, seal, and set the overall tone of hardwood floors, creating a strong foundation for finishes.
• Enhanced Durability and Protection: These sealers work with Bona finishes to add build and depth, improve adhesion, and enhance overall floor durability and protection.
• System Versatility: The system offers five sealers, each providing different colorations and durabilities, allowing for customization and inspiration with the latest choices.
• Reduced Side Bonding: They reduce the potential for side bonding, thereby improving the application process.
• Quick Drying Time: All Bona Waterborne Sealers dry quickly within 2-3 hours.
• Nonflammable and Low Odor: They are nonflammable and virtually odorless, making them safer and more pleasant to use.
• Environmentally Friendly: With low VOCs (250 g/L) and GREENGUARD Certification for Indoor Air Quality, they are eco-friendly and contribute to healthier indoor environments. Bona ClearSeal boasts GREENGUARD Gold certification for indoor air quality. 
• Color Personalization: The sealers offer various color options—from light and fresh to rich amber—allowing you to achieve specific aesthetic results.

How long does it take Bona Waterborne Sealers to dry?
Bona Waterborne Sealers dry within 2-3 hours, making them a fast and efficient option for sealing hardwood floors.

Are Bona Waterborne Sealers safe to use?
Yes, Bona Waterborne Sealers are safe to use. They are non-flammable and require simple water clean-up, making them easy to use in any residential or commercial setting. Additionally, Bona Waterborne Sealers are GREENGUARD Certified, which means they meet stringent emissions standards set by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute. This certification ensures that the products have low chemical emissions, improving the air quality in which they are used.

What is the best way to appy Bona NordicSeal?
Waterborne sealers can be very technical because you are applying the product to bare wood. Although you can use any of our applicators, we recommend the T-bar floor coater for the quickest application. Comfort level and layout of the floor will also play a role in your applicator choice. Watch our sealers application best practices video for all the tips.

Is Bona NaturalSeal a clear sealer or does it have pigment? 
Bona NaturalSeal has a little bit of white pigment. The amount of pigment in the product allows it to virtually disappear, allowing the wood to look as though there is nothing on the floor, but a pure clear sealer. It's not recommended for all woods as your darker species could turn out frosty or hazy looking. The same holds true if going over a dark stained floor.

Can I use Bona Sealers over Bona DriFast Stain?
It’s important to note that you do not need to use a sealer when you use Bona DriFast Stain. Our stain formula will penetrate and seal the wood so it’s ready for a coat of finish. However, if you do decide to use a sealer over Bona stain for coloration purposes, we do have some recommendations.

First of all, we always recommend reading through the complete product specs before application in addition to making samples for client approval before coating the floor. For white stain, we recommend Bona NordicSeal, Bona ClearSeal, or Bona NaturalSeal to enhance or keep it from changing color. For all other colors, we recommend Bona IntenseSeal or Bona AmberSeal to enhance and/or protect color. 

Finishes

What are the key advantages of Bona Waterborne Wood Floor Finishes?
For bringing out the beauty in hardwood floors, Bona Waterborne Wood Floor Finishes stand alone. Also the industry’s most durable formulas, our finishes won’t fade, amber, or change color over time.

• Non Yellowing
• Excellent scuff and chemical resistance
• Fast dry and cure times
• Formaldehyde-free products
• No need to abrade between coats if less than 48 hours
• No need for homeowners to vacate the home during application 
• Very low VOCs and GREENGUARD certified
• Bona Traffic HD Family of products is GREENGUARD Gold certified for indoor air quality

What are some concerns about acid-cured floor finishes?
The common concerns with "Swedish" floor finishes include:

• High Toxicity/VOCs: High Toxicity/VOCs: One of the primary concerns with acid-cured finishes (also known as "Swedish" finishes) is their high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ranging from 550 to over 700, which significantly exceed the levels found in waterborne finishes (less than 150). The presence of toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde, compromises indoor air quality and poses health risks such as respiratory issues, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and eye, nose, and throat irritation.
• Long Cure Time: Although these finishes dry quickly, they can take 30 to 90 days to fully cure. During this period, the finish continues to off-gas harmful chemicals, necessitating prolonged avoidance of placing rugs on the floors and caution with anti-slip rug backings, which may dissolve due to the ongoing off-gassing.
• Yellows Over Time: Acid-cured finishes alter the appearance of hardwood floors by developing a yellow or amber patina as they age, which can significantly change the original chosen color of the floor.
• Homeowner Hazard: The application process of Swedish finishes requires homeowners, along with their pets and plants, to vacate the premises due to the extreme levels of toxic fumes and VOCs. Furthermore, any food left in the house during application must be discarded, and pilot lights or other heat sources must be extinguished due to the low flash point of these finishes. The extended curing time also implies that VOCs may continue to affect the home's air quality well beyond the initial application period.
  
  

What are the key benefits of Bona Craft Oil 2K® penetrating oil finish?
Bona Craft Oil 2K is a premium penetrating oil finish designed for long-lasting protection, giving wood floors an enhanced natural appearance. This unique blend of vegetable oils, modified for durability, augments the inherent beauty and color of various wood species and delivers a stunning ultra-matte finish. Its formulation allows for straightforward spot repairs and color blending customization, making it a versatile choice for professionals. 

Key benefits include:

• Rapid Drying Time: With an impressive drying time—Neutral shades in 8 hours and colors in 12 hours—it facilitates speedier project completion.
• Environmental and Health Safety: Boasts extremely low VOCs (25 g/L) and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for Indoor Air Quality, emphasizing its commitment to environmental responsibility and indoor health safety.
• Customizable and Blendable Colors: Available in nine base colors that can be blended for custom shades, offering unparalleled creativity in design.
• High Saturation for Natural Look: Delivers high saturation for an enhanced natural look and feel with an extremely matte finish, accentuating the wood’s organic beauty.
• Ease of Repair and Enhanced Durability: Simplifies spot repairs while offering the option to increase durability by topcoating with Bona Traffic HD family of products.

Bona Craft Oil 2K is crafted for those who prioritize both the aesthetic quality of the wood grain and the longevity of the wood's protection.

Can you apply Bona Traffic HD on bare wood without using a sealer?
We do not recommend applying any of our finishes on bare wood for these reasons:

• Due to Bona Finishes’ excellent adhesion properties, there is a chance that you could end up gluing the wood planks together (referred to as “side-bonding”). The result is that smaller seasonal gaps look larger and could cause breakage at the seams (splintering or fracturing the plank).
• Sealers are designed to provide a stage or initial build coat before applying finishes. This allows the finish to sit above the wood surface, providing long-lasting protection.

 

Does Bona Traffic HD Anti-Slip dry rough or gritty?
Bona Traffic Anti-Slip does not feel rough or gritty – it should have the same smooth feel as our other finishes. Bona Anti-Slip has a little more grab to it, which is more noticeable in socks. It’s the ideal choice for stairs, nurseries, kitchens, and similar locations.

After I apply Bona Traffic HD it looks milky. Will this look go away after it is dry?
Bona Traffic HD does have a milky appearance and will dry clear unless there are other flooring issues, such as moisture, which could interfere with the drying process.

Can Bona Traffic HD be applied over other Bona Waterborne Finishes?
From a "Systems" standpoint, Bona recommends using the same finish throughout the finishing process. However, if a decision is made to change the finish to upgrade to a higher-performing topcoat, we recommend waiting overnight, lightly abrade, and then tack before applying. If this is being done more than a week later, you should abide by the “recoat” rules (good, better, best). If you are applying Bona Traffic HD over a different manufacturer's product, we suggest you consult that manufacturer for compatibility assurance.

Can Bona Finishes be applied over Minwax or other competitor stains?
Some contractors have success, and some do not. Bona cannot guarantee success with this system as we do not test for compatibility with other manufacturer’s products. We recommend using Bona DriFast Stain with Bona Waterborne Finish.

How long should I wait between finish coats before applying another coat?
Bona waterborne products dry in 2-3 hours under ideal conditions. If you are applying the same product then it will be okay to do so once dried. If you are switching to a different product (finishes) then it is recommended to wait overnight, lightly abrade, vacuum then tack before applying the next Bona finish.

Does Bona Traffic HD® Hardener have to be added to Bona Traffic HD?
Yes, Bona Traffic HD Hardener must be added to Bona Traffic HD. Bona Traffic HD cannot become a urethane without Bona Traffic HD Hardener. The finish will still dry, but the film will be soft and therefore will not reach maximum durability.

Will Bona Traffic HD prevent dog scratches or furniture scratches?
Bona Traffic HD is the most durable waterborne urethane finish on the market to protect against wear and has excellent scratch and scuff resistance. However, no finishes on the market are 100% scratch-proof. Hence, we emphasize preventative maintenance and floor care. Customers can make simple adjustments such as taking shoes off at the door, putting felt pads under the feet of furniture and appliances, and keeping dog or cat nails neatly trimmed. These strategies, along with dusting and cleaning wood floors with a Bona Microfiber Mop and Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner are among the best ways to keep floors looking beautiful for years to come.

Why is my floor finish sheen uneven and streaky?
When it comes to sheen, proper mixing (whether shaking waterborne or stirring oil-modified) dictates the sheen. You cannot over-shake or over-stir Bona finishes, but not shaking or stirring enough can throw the sheen off.

Other issues that can affect sheen:

• Not bundling multiple containers
• Contaminated applicators
• Film thickness
• Trapping solvents between layers of finish
• Hot spots from windows projecting heat to areas of the floor
  
  

Why is the finish peeling?
Finish peeling can occur when you have poor adhesion, compatibility, or moisture issues. Poor adhesion can come from the sanding sequence. Compatibility issues can happen when using a mixed-system without proper testing. Moisture problems such as coating over stain that has not dried will cause peeling. Many variables will contribute to finish peeling.

Do I have to apply Bona Traffic HD over Bona Craft Oil 2K?
No, in situations where an additional layer of protection is desired, Bona Craft Oil 2K can be top-coated with Bona Traffic HD Anti-Slip, Bona Traffic HD RAW, or Bona Traffic GO, but it is not necessary.