Lakovi

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 better term would be environmentally adapted. Cleaning the roller or brush in the normal sewage system is allowed in most countries, and can be handled by the filtering system. Before cleaning a roller, scrape off as much lacquer as possible into a bin. Dried lacquer can be energy-recycled through combustion.

Which is the most environmentally friendly lacquer from Bona?
Waterborne lacquers are generally the environmental choice, if compared to solvent-based alternatives. Bona Mega is based on a polymer that is mainly made of vegetable oil – a renewable resource. Together with low solvent content, it is one of the more environmentally adapted products on the market. Bona Intense and Bona Amber would be good choices for primers, as they are based on the same 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.

Prajmeri

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.

Ulja

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.

Ostalo

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.