Frequently Asked Questions
Why use Bona waterborne finishes?
There are two main reasons for using Bona finishes. Firstly, for the sake of your health and that of your employees. It is an undeniable fact that solvent based polyurethane coatings pose severe health risks to flooring contractors, other trades on site, during and after the floor has been coated, and occupiers of the property. These coatings contain high levels of solvents, up to 80%, and chemicals such as Toluene Di-isocyanate, Formaldehyde, Xylene and Benzene. Secondly, using waterborne finishes will give you an advantage over competitors who only offer customers solvent products. In other words, you will win more quotes at a higher price. That’s because homeowners and other customers are willing to pay for the many benefits of Bona non-toxic finishes.
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Aren’t waterborne finishes expensive?
In dollar terms, the difference in product cost between applying 3 coats of a solvent-based finish or 3 coats of Bona waterborne finish is generally between $4 and $6 per square metre depending on the products used and coverage rates. On a typical 50 m² floor that means a difference of $200 to $300. The customer must compare the extra cost with the numerous benefits of a non-toxic, non-yellowing waterborne finish. In many cases, just the fact that there is no need to vacate the premises for at least a week is more than enough reason to make the waterborne choice.
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Aren’t waterborne finishes difficult to use?
No, this is a myth which has developed for no readily apparent reason. In many ways Bona waterborne finishes are easier to use than solvent-based finishes. For example, there is no need to wear a respirator, in normal circumstances, and all coating tools wash out in water so no need to have to buy cleaning solvent. As far as application technique is concerned, waterborne finishes are easier to apply than solvent finishes and all that is required is a little experience to get used to a new healthier way of working. The essentials are the same with all coatings: apply evenly with a smooth technique whilst ensuring that the coverage rate is observed.
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How wear resistant are Bona finishes?
Bona waterborne finishes such as Mega and Traffic are 100% polyurethane and have a resistance to wear comparable with both 2 pack and moisture curing solvent finishes. Bona Naturale is a unique formulation with the same performance level as Traffic. This is demonstrated in various Standard Abrasion tests and supported by ‘real life’ evidence over many years. Bona finishes perform well in busy homes, restaurants, museums, art galleries and retail outlets in 55 countries all over the world. Bona sold enough finish to coat over 75 million m² in 2007.
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Why use a sealer or primer?
Bona top coats can be used directly on bare timber but we strongly recommend the use of a Bona Primer. Firstly you save money because a primer costs less than a top coat and in addition there are sound technical reasons to use a primer. Prime Classic or Intense ensure the floor has an even look without discolouration or a patchy appearance. You also save time, again saving money, because both products dry faster than top-coats.
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What is the difference between Prime Classic and Prime Intense?
Classic and Intense have different properties but both give great advantages.
A 100% polyurethane coating, Intense has been developed with several things in mind; to reduce a phenomenon know as 'tannin bleed’, on timber species containing high amounts of tannin such as Blackbutt, to give a greater depth and colour on all timber species In comparison to other waterborne based primers and to reduce the possibility of edge-bonding. As a 100% polyurethane finish it sands easily if there is a need to cut back the surface. Intense is suitable for all timber species and has been designed, like Prime Classic, to minimize the effects of edge bonding. Care should be taken with Jarrah and other ‘reddish’ coloured species to ensure that coverage rates are maintained at 8m² / Lt as anecdotal reports suggest that where coverage rates are not maintained there is a slightly greater risk of seeing lapmarks.
Classic is a 100% acrylic coating which maintains the natural colour of timber species. It is the best choice for minimizing the risk of edge-bonding where high levels of movement are expected i.e. new softwood floors, end grain blocks, etc. Edge-bonding is caused by a combination of the gluing effect of a polyurethane finish and natural timber shrinkage. When climatic conditions change the timber is prevented from shrinking naturally and the result is uneven gapping between boards. In some cases splitting occurs within the boards themselves. Classic minimizes the risk of edge-bonding by allowing the boards to move freely as the product stretches with the movement of the timber. Classic is suitable for most timber species with the exception of Blackbutt or other high tannin timbers.
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What is ‘tannin bleed’?
This is a phenomenon that occurs on some timber species containing high amounts of tannin, especially Blackbutt. After the second coat of finish has dried, the effect gives a green, blotchy look within the grain of the timber. Sometimes the finished floor can still be acceptable, but often the floor needs to be sanded back to bare timber and coated again. Always use Bona Prime Intense when coating Blackbutt, or other similar high tannin content species, as it has been proven to minimise tannin bleed.
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