Lacquer

Can I put Bona Mix Colour in the lacquer?
It is not officially recommended, but yes, it is possible. But bear in mind that working with tinted lacquer is not easy. Applying a clear primer first, and only applying the tinted lacquer along the grain, makes the process a bit easier. A typical addition rate is about 0.5-1% for White. Dark colours require less, with Black usually at around 0.1% or less. Adding more pigment makes it harder to work with.

How long do I leave lacquer applications between coats?
This varies between products and climate conditions. A touch-dry but wet lacquer feels cold to the touch. When the temperature is more consistent with the surrounding area, it is a good indication that it is dry. Fans and ventilators can be used to speed up the drying process once the lacquer is touch-dry.

Can barrier seals be overcoated with Bona lacquers?
The composition of a barrier seal is not consistent. Where one epoxy works, another may not. An on-site check for compatibility must be done before treatment. For your best chance of success , we recommend using Traffic HD/Traffic.

What could be the reason for poor adhesion of the lacquer?
It could be many things. Typically, it is the result of inadequate preparation of the original surface - not abrading properly, or maybe failing to remove contaminants or previous maintenance products. Also poor and extended drying conditions can disturb the curing process of two-component products, resulting in lowered strength and adhesion.

Can there be any disadvantage in applying additional coats of lacquer?
Yes, but it takes quite a few. Cases of floors with 15 coats have been recorded. Due to its thickness, the film exceptionally strong, which places greater demand on adhesion to the wood. When film strength exceeds the strength of adherence, adhesion failure may occur when the floor is stressed. So, exceeding 10 coats is not recommended.

Can Bona lacquers be spray-applied?
Yes, but be sure to use the necessary protective equipment. Two-component products containing isocyanates should never be sprayed (apart from in controlled, ventilated industrial environments).

I didn't add the hardener to Bona Traffic. Can I still use it for overcoating?
Without the hardener, Bona Traffic will not crosslink properly. It will become weak and won’t adhere well. A subsequent application of Traffic with hardener will not improve this weak link. Overcoating is not recommended.

Can I use your 2K lacquers directly on wood, without a primer?
This is not recommended due to an increased risk of side-bonding. On oak, Bona Traffic is quite hard to apply, and may produce light application marks where overlapping.

Can I apply Traffic on top of Mega or Novia?
Yes.

Why don’t we have a glossy version in the Traffic family?
The polyurethane and isocyanate combination tends to cloud the lacquer slightly. This is not visible or relevant on matt versions.

Is it true that high-gloss finishes are more durable?
It depends on how you measure durability. In a taber wear tester, the results are rarely different between gloss and matt, but the matt version often comes out with a slightly better score. However, gloss versions do typically perform better in scratch- and scuff-resistance, so they are visually perceived as more resilient. 

What is the difference between Bona Mega and Bona Traffic HD?
Bona Mega is a one-component product designed for medium wear, covering all domestic needs. Bona Traffic HD is a two-component product, designed for heavy commercial wear, and qualified for all sorts of environments. Traffic HD also allows an earlier return to the floor after application.

How many coats of lacquer do I need to apply?
One coat of primer together with two coats of a Bona lacquer are always recommended.

Can I mix smaller volumes of Traffic or do I have to mix the whole bottle?
You can mix smaller volumes. Follow the lines on the lacquer can and the hardener bottle. Alternatively, use a Bona Mixing Bottle, or any other external volumetric measurement.

Is it true that waterborne lacquers are more durable than conventional lacquers, such as solvent- and acid-based?
Yes, taber wear resistance testing confirms this. 

How resistant to liquid spills are Bona finishes?
All lacquers will tolerate common household spills, if removed promptly. If chemical resistance is a priority, Bona Mega and Bona Traffic/Traffic HD are the best alternatives.

Is there a guarantee for the finishes? How long do they last?
Bona offers lifetime support on all products, but cannot provide a warranty for specific sites, as the conditions can greatly vary. In a domestic environment, a finish easily lasts 15 years, whereas in a commercial environment, maintenance and periodic recoating are often required to keep the floor in good condition.

Are waterborne finishes environmentally friendly? Can I clean the roller afterwards?
A more accurate description is that waterborne finishes contain lower solvent levels than many traditional solvent-based products. Cleaning the roller or brush in wastewater systems may be permitted in some countries where local regulations allow. Before cleaning a roller, remove as much lacquer as possible and dispose of it in a bin. Dried lacquer can be managed through approved waste-to-energy recovery processes.

Which Bona lacquer has lower solvent content?

Waterborne lacquers typically contain lower solvent levels when compared with solvent-based alternatives. Bona Mega uses a polymer technology partly derived from vegetable oil, a renewable raw material. The formulation is designed with low solvent content compared with many traditional solvent-based products. Bona Intense and Bona Amber can be used as primers and are based on the same core technology.

Why can’t you use the hardener from Bona Traffic for Bona Traffic HD?
The hardeners are similar, but behave differently, and contain different types of solvents. To obtain the desired results and characteristics of the product, each product should be used with its designated hardener.

Which is the best lacquer for OSB boards?
OSB boards consist of wood chips bonded with resin. As the type of resin is likely to vary between different manufacturers, a preliminary test is recommended to ensure compatibility. Bona Traffic/Traffic HD, with a light abrasion of the OSB, is usually the most suitable way to go.

What kind of lacquer should I use on softwood?
All Bona lacquers can be used on softwood. Since many softwoods have lower dimensional stability, always use a primer to reduce the risk of side-bonding.

What can I do if the finish is full of unwanted particles?
A mid-abrasion followed by a new coat will normally resolve the situation.

What can cause the appearance of fish eye on a lacquered surface?
A fish-eye occurs when the lacquer is rejected by the surface and cannot wet out. This can either be due to contamination or not abrading on a fully-cured lacquer before applying a new coat. Frozen product can also be the cause.

The coat has crazed - why?
Salt or high alkalinity (such as from lye) can cause instability in the lacquer, and result in cracking.

The coating has white bubbles in it. What might have caused this?
The coating has probably dried very quickly, before the bubbles had a chance to pop. Dry conditions, drafts, and low application rates are all possible causes. The defoamer in the lacquer could also be damaged due to poor storage (heat- and cold-sensitive).

A lacquered floor has become slippery; how can this be remedied?
The surface could have a build-up of contaminants. A thorough deep-clean will often restore the slip-resistance. If the surface has been polished, a new layer of polish can be applied to increase slip-resistance.

The recently lacquered floor has pet claw indentations. How?
The lacquer is hard but it will not improve the hardness of the wood. When exposed to the force of a pet claw, the weakest link will give in. To avoid marks from pet claws, a wood type with high Brinell Hardness should be chosen.

Is it true that we could lacquer the floor of a shop over the weekend and reopen on Monday without a high level of odour? 
Sensitivity to odours is subjective, so it is difficult to determine beforehand. With regards to emissions, weekend jobs are certainly possible. The best choice would be to use an EC1- or EC1Plus-classified lacquer.

Is it okay to not abrade the first layer of the top coat?
Yes, in many countries the abrasion is done on the primer. Whether the abrasion is done on the primer or the first top coat has little impact on the result.

How long is the drying time between coats?
Check the recommended drying time for the relevant lacquer. Normally 1-3 hours.

Primer

Can a white primer be used on red or dark wood to lighten the floor?
Technically yes, but the dark background can make the application very challenging. Aesthetically, Bona White works best in combination with light wood types, but the appearance is in the eye of the beholder.

Can a natural primer be used on red or dark wood to lighten the floor?
Yes, this generally works fine. However, it can be a bit of a challenging application, due to the white-on-black contrast.

Why is the white/natural primer different shades in different areas?
These products contain a small degree of pigmentation. The greater the film thickness, the whiter it will appear. The shade differences you can see are variations from application rate. A consistent application rate is essential with tinted products. Also, avoid overlapping across the grain.

How do I avoid overlap marks when applying your primers?
Keep a consistent application rate and minimise the time between overlaps. The longer the primer is allowed to sit before overlapping, the greater the risk of application marks. On large or very square floors, ask a colleague to help out. In dry conditions, avoid drafts, and take measures to increase air humidity. The Bona Retarder can be a good addition to increase the open time of the primer.

Which primer is best on for exotic wood species?
The best results are typically achieved with Bona Intense and Bona Amber.

Why should I use a primer first?
Primers are formulated to be more forgiving when applied to raw wood, while possessing the properties to reduce the risk of side-bonding. Thanks to an array of nuances, they are also used to establish the desired wood tone.

Do you have to seal three times?
Yes, to establish proper resistance to water and chemicals. Also, to avoid wear-through, three coats of finish (total, including primer) should be applied. This is in line with recommendation standards for the surface treatment of wood floors.

Oil and wax

What does an oil consist of?
A hardening oil for wood floors typically consists of a vegetable oil that has been pre-polymerised to improve its drying properties and make it more resilient. It is often blended with alkyd oil (a synthetic derivative). Various types of metal salts are also added to enhance drying properties.

How long does a surface coated with Bona Craft Oil 2K have to dry before waxing?
For a subsequent application of Bona Wax Oil W or Bona Hard Wax Oil, the standard drying time is recommended. Check the packaging.

Can I use a 1K Oil in combination with lacquer?
No, this is not recommended.

Why is the Craft Oil 2K better than the 1K?
The addition of an isocyanate hardener creates better cross-linking, which improves the overall strength and durability. It also has an faster drying time.

What is the maximum drying time when overcoating a 2K oil with a Traffic family finish?
Bona Craft Oil 2K has proven to be forgiving in this aspect, but as a general recommendation, not more than 72 hours should be allowed between coats.

How soon can I overcoat Craft Oil with Hard Wax Oil and avoid pulling the color?
Normally the following day. Creating air circulation with fans, and ensuring that the location is warm enough, will support the drying process.

Will I get overlap marks with the craft oils?
No, the Craft Oil is very forgiving. However never leave a puddle of oil on the floor unattended. Extended exposure can create a deeper/darker tone.

Can I use Craft Oil outside?
Bona Craft Oil was not developed for this purpose. The higher viscosity can make it challenging to work with on wooden decks. Bona Decking Oil is recommended as the first choice for exterior surfaces.

Can Craft Oil be used on every type of wood?
Yes - no direct incompatibilities are known. However, very dense and resinous wood types may take longer to dry.

How can bleeding be avoided after oil application?
Fill joints with Mix&Fill or Mix&Fill Plus to prevent the oil seeping into joints. Apply the oil using an oil application sleeve to keep the oil at the surface. Give the oil time to be absorbed and then remove surplus oil carefully. Let the floor dry thoroughly before walking on it (the movement in the floor from a person’s body weight can push up uncured oil from the joints).

How can bleeding be avoided when combining Bona Craft Oil 2K and Bona Traffic HD?
Fill joints with Mix&Fill or Mix&Fill Plus to prevent the oil seeping into joints. Apply the oil using a cloth wrapped around a pad under a buffing machine to keep the oil at the surface. Without delay, remove any surplus oil carefully. Let the floor dry fully before overcoating with Bona Traffic HD.

How do I check if 2K oil is dry?
Rub the surface with a piece of wiping paper. The paper should be clear, or have minimal traces of pigmentation. If it’s clouded with pigmentation, the surface is not dry.

Can finish be applied on a surface treated with Rich or Nordic Tone?
No, Nordic Tone will diminish adhesion. Rich Tone will react with the waterborne finish, and cause an unappealing wood colouration.

How do I properly apply Rich/Nordic Tone?
Pour it into a bucket, and use an oil application sleeve to apply it. The Bona Floor Brush, attached to an extension bar, also works well for Nordic Tone.

Why doesn’t the care oil dry overnight?
It should. Check room climate conditions, and check whether air circulation can be improved. Also, check the application method. It is possible that too much oil has been applied.

How can I remove care oil from the floor?
Clean the floor with the Bona PowerScrubber and Bona Deep Clean Solution. Alternatively, on cured oil, sand the floor using a Scrad Pad before oiling the surface again.

Can I apply Bona Care Oil by spraying?
A small pump spray would work fine. High-pressure spray is not recommended, due to the aerosols. Clean the nozzle after use or the nozzle will most likely get clogged.

How long does hard-wax oil need to dry before it's fully cured?
Normal floor traffic can normally resume the following day. And after a week, it is close to its final hardness.

Can hard-wax oil be used on top of decking oil?
Technically, yes. But doing so can eventually cause flaking. And future maintenance must include sanding, instead of simply cleaning and applying a new coat of oil.

Why do I smell solvents in the air when I apply hard-wax oil?
Rollable hard-wax oils contain about 50% solvents. The solvents in Bona Hard Wax Oil are aliphatic and smell less offensive than aromatic solvents that are commonly used on the market. Even so, the solvents are noticeable to anyone with a normal sense of smell.

For how many sqm can I use one cotton cloth during the oiling process?
It depends on the amount of oil that has been left on the surface, and the absorbency of the wood. If you have buffed the surface after application with a pad or wool pad, the excess oil should be close to none. One cloth will last around 20-40 sqm or more. But applying a large amount of oil to a wood type that has poor absorbency will require a number of cloths to remove the excess oil.

Are there any fire hazards with your oils and waxes?
Our oils and waxes are not flammable, but they can present a risk of fire due to the heat that is generated during the curing process. Immediately after completing an oil treatment, place all cloths and fibrous materials containing oil in an airtight metal container, or soak them in water in a plastic bag.

Can I use decking oil on interior floors?
No, this is not recommended, due to the amounts of solvents and odour.

What is the replacement of Bona Carl's Oil 90?
Bona Craft Oil 1K.

If I water-pop a floor before applying oil, when should I deal with the raised grain?
The raised grain is normally not a problem, and will disappear during the oil application and subsequent buffing. On rough wood, a green or brown pad can be used for buffing.

Which pad should I use for oiling a floor? Beige or green?
Both pads can be used. Beige is less aggressive and a good choice on fine wood. Rougher wood (raised grain, etc.) will benefit from the green pad.

Can I mix the oil colors?
Yes, all colours of the same product can be mixed.

Others

Can I overcoat solvent stains?
Always perform a compatibility test prior to using with non-Bona products. Please be aware that you do this at your  own risk.

How do I repair overlap marks without sanding to bare wood?
It depends on the character of the overlap. Dark overlaps have a tendency to disappear after a few days and rarely require intervention. Light overlap lines are usually more persistent. If it has occurred, there is a short window, as soon as the surface has dried, to abrade and apply a new coat in an attempt to re-wet the wood. This can in some cases resolve the situation. Otherwise, you will need to sand it back to the bare wood.

How do I make sure that the floor does not yellow?
Yellowing is part of the wood's character and is difficult to prevent. Check what you can do to limit exposure to sunlight. Using a stain and a non-yellowing lacquer as surface treatment will help to delay the yellowing process.

The customer is pregnant; is it safe to have the floor treated?
Check the safety datasheet; any risk for pregnant women will be specified there. As a general precaution, measures should be taken to avoid and contact with skin (of the wet material).

Is oil or lacquer recommended in homes of people with allergies?
This depends on type and severity of allergy. Oil emits aldehydes during the curing phase, and this can be an irritant. The odour from a lacquer disappears faster. Choose an EC1-classified product for the lowest possible level of emissions. The highest level of emissions will occur right after the lacquer is touch-dry. Weather as much as possible after this point.

Compatibility of products – what lacquer goes on which primer?
All our primers and lacquers are compatible with each other. Only Bona Mega should be avoided on Bona White, but that is just for cosmetic reasons.

What’s the methodology of tinting the parquet?
For colouring, Bona recommends Bona Craft Oil 2K. Apply a thin coat (no need to saturate the wood) and allow to dry. Finish with two coats of the desired Traffic lacquer. See the technical datasheet for a detailed description.

What type of coating is better to use: oil, hard-wax oil or lacquer?
This depends on your priority  for the floor. Oil is an impregnation treatment, and is valued for its matt and natural appearance, but it is rather maintenance-heavy, as the wear is directly on the wood. Hard-wax oil, which forms a film on top of the wood, is a more durable alternative to oil, but still cannot match the superior wear-resistance of a lacquer.

What's the coverage rates for your primers and lacquers?
The coverage rate is 8-10 sqm/litre. It is typically a bit higher on raw wood, and a bit lower on sealed surfaces.

How do I produce the most natural appearance for my floor?
For natural beauty, apply two coats of Bona Natural, and finish with one coat of Bona Traffic Natural.

How long until I can use the floor following treatment with oil/lacquer?
The floor can normally be used the following, day if there is decent air-flow. However, Aa certain degree of care is advised the first few days. The surface treatment will gradually harden and improve during the first week, until it reaches its final hardness.

How do I achieve a white floor?
For lacquered floors, we recommend using Bona White in 1-3 layers, depending on desired intensity of whiteness. A low-gloss-level lacquer on top will further enhance the whitewashed look. For this, we recommend finishing with Bona Traffic Natural, or another extra-matt lacquer. For oiled floors, we recommend using Bona Nordic Tone and Bona Craft Oil Frost.

After how long is it safe to cover a newly oiled or lacquered surface?
We advise waiting a week before covering with mats and/or other floor coverings.

What can I use to cover a finished surface?
The most important attribute of a covering is that it should made from a breathing material. Do not use plastics or laminated sheets.

What’s the maximum gap width that Bona Mix&Fill can be used for?
2 mm.

Can I colour Bona Mix&Fill and Bona Mix&Fill Plus?
Yes, Bona Mix Colour can be used in small amounts to adjust the colouration in the desired direction.

Can felt gliders or masking tape damage water-based paint?
Felt gliders can damage low-quality lacquers, or lacquers that have not fully hardened. Make sure to use felt gliders that are designed for wood. It is often the small bits of grit embedded in the felt glider that cause damage. Only use low-tack tape on lacquer, and remove it within the recommended time period (as specified by the tape manufacturer).

What does a retarder do?
Bona Retarder adds a few minutes of extra open time, which can be very useful when working in dry conditions.

What’s the difference between the T version and the standard version (e.g. Quantum and Quantum T)?
The 'T' version has a higher viscosity (T stands for 'Thick').

What are the largest solid elements (planks, etc.) that can be glued down with R848?
For larger planks, we recommend Bona Titan or Bona Quantum. Do not install floors with a width/thickness ratio of more than 1:5.

How do I use R590?
Bona R590 can be used as a DPM on cement screeds and concrete up to 90 %rH or 5 CM%. It can also be used to reinforce slightly weak sub-floors.  

Can R590 be applied with a roller and thinned with S100?
No.

Will the addition of Bona S100 improve penetration of Bona R540?
Bona S100 cannot be added to Bona R540!

Can I apply levelling on top of R540?
No, the levelling compound will not adhere to Bona R540. You must use Bona D520 as an adhesion promoter.

What’s the difference between Bona R540 and Bona R410?
Chemically and reactionally, they are totally different. While Bona R540 cures by a chemical reaction with moisture, Bona R410 requires the addition of the hardener. Bona R540 contains isocyanates, and Bona R410 consists of bisphenol-based material and an amine hardener. 

Is there a replacement to the 2K Epoxy Primer?
Bona R590.

What’s the difference between Bona notched trowel and TKB notched trowel?
There is no difference. All Bona notched trowels conform to TKB standards. 

Can the adhesive be used as a moisture barrier?
In Central Europe, adhesives are usually not used as MB - but they can be. Bona Quantum/Quantum T, applied with Bona Trowel Plus, blocks residual moisture up to 95 % RH or 5 CM-% on unheated substrates. 

Is it possible to apply the moisture barrier on top of levelling compounds?
No.

Which Bona moisture barrier is the best?
It really depends on local requirements. But the most convenient one - with the most technical benefits - is Bona R590.

What happens if I install parquet more than the recommended 24 hours after applying the moisture barrier?
The main risk is that adhesion problems can occur, caused by fine dust that may have accumulated on the surface.

Can I apply a moisture barrier on a heated cement screed?
Yes. But please note that the moisture is still present, and might become 'pressed out' quicker when the heating is on. Ensure good ventilation around the skirting area. On a heated substrest, it is recommended to have no more than 85%.

Can Bona silane adhesives be used on underfloor heating systems?
Yes. Make sure that the surface temperature above the wood floor does not exceed 28°C permanently to avoid parquet damages. Be careful with electrical heating systems. The temperature inside the adhesive must not exceed 35°C permanentely.

Which adhesive should I choose for an underfloor heating system?
All Bona adheisves can be used. The best ones are the silane-based adhesives.

If the floor accidentally ends up with adhesive stains, can they be easily removed?
Only our silane-based adhesives can be easily removed once cured. All others must be mechanically removed. Try to remember to remove the stains as soon as possible.

A foreign primer was used – are your adhesives compatible with that?
We can only guarantee our adhesives with our primers.

Should a primer be used on a levelling compound?
No. Do not use a primer on a levelling compound!

Must the substrate be primed before gluing down the parquet floor with silane adhesives?
If the sub-floor is physically sound, the application of a primer is not typically required.

Do I need to prime the sub-floor before an adhesive installation?
This depends on the condition of the sub-floor. Physically sound sub-floors usually require no priming prior to the use of a Bona silane-based or 2K PUR adhesive. Dispersion-based adhesives require a prior application of a primer (Bona D500), to reduce the absorbency of the subfloor.

What should I use for strengthening the sub-floor?
Bona R590 should be your main choice. However, Bona R540 and Bona R410 can also be used. Other options are the underlayments Bona U310 and Bona U340.

Do Bona adhesives provide any sound dampening?
A fully bonded wood floor will always be provide some sound dampening. In comparison to a loosely laid wood floor, the level of sound reduction (impact sound) is around 10 dB when installed with a Bona silane-based adhesive. To improve the level of impact sound reduction, we recommend using Bona U300.

Can I use the adhesive to level uneven parts of the substrate?
No. An adhesive is not designed for this. Standard evenness tolerances must be respected. 

Which adhesives should I use for different types of floors?
As a rough guideline: use Bona R848/R848T for engineered floors and small solid elements; use Bona Quantum/Quantum T for engineered floors, small solid elements, solid parquet and hardwood planks; and use Bona Titan for all of the above and wood floors with extraordinary sizes.

Are silane-based adhesives sensitive to frost? Can they be stored outside?
As they contain no water, they are not sensitive to frost. If stored outside, you must allow the adhesive to acclimatise before use - otherwise, you won't be able to spread it!

Do Bona's silane-based adhesives meet environmental and indoor air quality standards?

Our adhesives are designed to meet recognised VOC emission requirements and are certified to standards such as Greenguard, EMICODE EC1-R Plus, and DIBt where applicable.

They are formulated without added solvents. During curing, methanol may be released as part of the chemical reaction, and emission levels are evaluated within the limits defined by the relevant certification standards.

Can I use silane-based adhesives for the installation of laminate or solid cork?
Do not use a silane-based adhesive for the installation of solid cork. Laminate floors should only be installed with a silane-based adhesive after a laboratory investigation, and if the supplier allows for the floor to be glued down.

Can Bona adhesives be used after passing the shelf life?
We will only guarantee functionality if the product is used within its shelf life.

What’s the coverage rate of your adhesives?
Approximately 850-1500 g/m². 

Can I install parquet on top of tiles or mosaic pavement, using Bona adhesives?
Yes - Bona silane-based adhesives, particularly Quantum/Quantum T and Titan, are perfect for it. The most important thing to remember is that thorough deep-cleaning and sanding are done before installation.

How do I glue parquet to tiles? What should I watch out for?
In brief, deep-cleaning, sanding with Power Drive and Diamond Abrasives (grit 80). For more detailed, we recommend getting in touch with your local Bona technician.

How do I glue a floor to a new concrete sub-floor?
This usually requires the application of a moisture barrier and a levelling compound as a mechanical pre-treatment - in some cases, you may need shot-blasting.

What is the fire-retardant class of your adhesives?
We do not claim a single fire-retardant class for our adhesives. According to the Commission Decision 2000/147/EC, a full-bonded wood floor will be classified as Cfl-s1 when specific conditions are given. Details can be found here.

Can I bond timber directly onto vinyl/plastic?
The installation on resilient floor coverings such as linoleum, PVC, or rubber is not recommended.

How do I fill the gaps between floorboards?
With the steady compound Bona H610.

Is there a universal adhesive to glue all types of parquet?
Bona Titan.

If I dpm the screed, where does the water go? Can it create problems, such as damp walls? 
The water - after the application of the DPM - is still present as gas. It will diffuse the main parts over the skirtings. A very small amount will still penetrate through the DPM. Therefore, take care of a good back-ventilation around the skirtings – or wait with the skirting board installation.

I have an anhydrite screed; how do I ensure it is suitable for wood floor installation?
The assessment does not differ from when testing a cement screed. The indication of a non-sound sub-floor is a sandy surface, or when the screed is sensitive to mechanical stress (scratch test). Visible sinter layers must be removed as well.

How do I glue a solid plank to a dry screed?
The decoupling board, Bona U340, must be used. Please contact with a local Bona technician for details.

Which adhesive should I use for wood-block paving?
Wood-block paving RE (up to 40 mm) can be installed with Bona Titan, Bona R777 or Bona D720/D705. But wood-block paving GE cannot be installed with Bona adhesives.

What are the sanding steps for colored oil?
Coarse sanding: Bona 8700 (grit 50)
Medium sanding: Bona 8300/8600 (grits 60, 100, and 120)
Fine sanding: Bona Diamond Abrasives (grit 120)

How do I sand Bona Rich/Nordic Tone?
Use a buffer machine, 407mm Pad driver and our Scrad Pad.

What are the differences between the oxid-aluminum, carbon-silicon, zirconium and ceramic abrasives?
The different materials represent different qualities. In the end, it comes down to the lifetime of the product.

What kind of abrasives should I use on tiles?
Diamond Abrasive (grit 80) for creating adhesion. Use water for wet-sanding.

What grit abrasives should I use when recoating a lacquered floor?
Diamond Abrasives - grit 80 and/or 240. This depends on the condition of the floor. A floor in decent condition can be sanded directly with grit 240. A floor that is more worn, possibly with polish or wax on top, needs to be abraded with grit 80 followed by grit 240.

Why don’t you have ceramic abrasives with other grits than 36 and 50?
Ceramic abrasives are used for removing old finish. For mid- and fine-sanding, other materials are better suited.

How many sqm does a zirconium belt last?
60-80 sqm.

How many sqm can the Diamonds and Maxi PCD segments be used on?
1000 sqm. But it depends on what kind of surface and underfloor you are working with.

Pad 407 mm – colours and field of use? 
White Pad: Fine-polishing pad producing a burnished or gloss finish. Ideal for cleaning and polishing both dry and softly-waxed floors. Often used with creams and polishes.
Red Pad: for everyday use. Removes light surface blemishes and scuff-marks, to give a smooth and shiny finish.
Tan/Beige: polishing or buffing. Suitable for light dirt-removal, leaving a shiny surface.
Brown Pad: for oil-coating.
Black Pad: for basic hard-cleaning. Often used with stripping agents.

Can all kinds of wood be brushed?
For the most part, yes. However, it only makes sense to brush floors with soft grains (like oak, ash and teak).

How many sqm will the metal brushes last?
At least 400 sqm, if water-popped.

Doesn’t the Connect Metal brush damage the wood when brushing against the grain?
No, it only brushes out the softer grains of the wood, and doesn’t affect the hard wood itself. Wood types with softer grains are the best to brush (e.g. oak, ash and teak). If you plan to brush pine, spruce or other soft wood, use the Connect Tynex brush.

Can Bona FlexiSand and Bona Power Drive be used for coarse sanding?
Yes, the FlexiSand and Power Drive can be used effectively for coarse sanding. Together with the Bona 8700 Ceramic Abrasives, they deliver powerful rotary sanding, right down to the bare wood. However, sometimes the faster alternative will be to use a belt sander, especially if the floor differs in height, or if the application area is very large. 

 

 

Can polish be used on vinyl, LVT or welded homogenous material?
Bona Polish Gloss functions well with a wide variety of materials including PVC, Linoleum and Rubber. Make a smell test prior to use to ensure compatibility and that the floor has not been contaminated.

Can Bona Polish/Freshen Up be used on laminate floors?
Laminate floors can be difficult to adhere to and application of polish is in general not recommended. Any attempt must be preceded by a test. Bona Polish Gloss would be the most suitable to test with. Freshen Up is not likely to function well.

How frequently should Bona Polish/Freshen Up be removed with remover/deep clean?
This is partly related to how well the dirt was removed between the layers of polish. As a general guide, every 5-8 layers would be suitable.

What is the best tool to apply Bona Polish/Freshen Up with?
The Bona Applicator Pad works for all polishes and gloss levels. Gloss polishes can also be applied thinner using a microfiber pad such as the Bona Cleaning Pad.

How do I remove too much polish from the floor?
Follow Bona’s guideline for polish removal. In short, the polish must be softened with a deep cleaning agent and scrubbed off with a pad attached under a buffing machine. If the layer is very thick, the process may need to be repeated several times.

Can I remove Bona Freshen Up?
Fully cured Freshen Up can be quite challenging to remove. If the intention is to overcoat with lacquer and the adhesion is good, then a full removal is not necessary. Although the surface must be thoroughly but superficially abraded first. A fine abrasion with Diamond Abrasives, grit 240, prior to chemical removal, can also aid and simplify the process.

What is better – Polish or Freshen Up?
Both have similar properties and durability. Freshen Up is formulated without waxes to simplify overcoating with lacquer; however, the presence of wax in polish (particularly in Bona’s polishes) is not a problem provided that the preparation before overcoating is thoroughly executed and according to recommended procedure. Bona Polish Gloss has somewhat better adhesion properties and is easier to remove chemically compared to Freshen Up.

Can I use Bona Polish to change the sheen level of a floor from glossy to matt?
Yes, the final coat will decide the gloss. Going from high gloss to matt may however require more than one coat of polish. In the opposite direction, one coat may suffice.

Is any Bona Cleaner anti-bacterial?
No, to state that the product is anti-bacterial, the product must contain biocides with anti-bacterial activity. No Bona product contains biocides.

Does cleaning reduce bacteria?
Yes, surfactants in the cleaner together with mechanical action from a cleaning pad or an autoscrubber remove bacteria and other microorganisms from the surface along with dirt. The Bona PowerScrubber is particularly effective as it is immediately picking up the dissolved dirt instead of spreading it around, as the traditional mop and bucket method does.

How to clean a hard wax oil surface – cleaner, soap? 
Ideally the floor should be cleaned with a Bona Cleaner but there is no harm in using Bona Soap. As hard wax oil is film-forming, Bona Soap may leave insignificant amounts of superficial soap residue.

Can Bona Oil 35 be used as a maintenance product on formerly Carl's covered wood?
Bona Oil 35 can be used as maintenance oil on all types of previously oiled surfaces (natural oil, not UV-oil).

Can I use Bona Cleaner on oiled floors?
There is not much harm in using Bona Cleaner on an oiled floor on occasion. But for sustained use, use Bona Soap.

Is it ok to use Bona Wax Oil W directly on bare wood? 
If used and applied in the same way as Bona Craft Oil, then yes. Bona Wax Oil W will provide a high degree of saturation and protection.

How many times can I wash the Bona Cleaning/Dusting Pad?
Up to 300 times in up to 60 degrees. Do not use fabric softener.

Which system (oil or lacquer) is easier to clean?
Lacquer seals the wood pores and block dirt pick up, making cleaning easier.

How can I clean outdoor decking?
Wet and soften the wood with a diluted solution of Bona Deep Clean Solution. Scrub the decking using the Bona PowerScrubber equipped with orange brushes. Wash off the loosened debris with a garden hose.

What kind of Bona cleaner should I use on sport floors with handball glue?
Handball glue can be very difficult to remove. It is equally important to look at the handball glue being used at the court. Colophonium-free resins such as Select ProfCare are easier to remove (and non-allergenic). The cleaning schedule should be developed, not allowing handball glue to build up and harden. Bona Sportive Cleaner Plus is very efficient on Select ProfCare and can also be used on other types of glues provided that cleaning routines are followed.

Blood, oil, food, fat stains on floor – how to clean?
Remove stains as soon as they are discovered. Most stains can be safely removed using a dry paper towel, water, detergent, white spirit or alcohol (in that order). Do NOT use highly alkaline products (ammonia, soda) or strong solvents such as acetone as they can be harmful to both people and to your floor. If any doubt exists, test cleaning materials on a sample piece or in an inconspicuous area.