Bona Products Explained: Which Finish for Which Situation
I have used Bona products exclusively for over fifteen years. Before that I tried everything on the market. Bona is what I settled on because the results are consistent, the products are low-odour, and the finishes last. Here is a breakdown of what I use and why.
Bona Traffic HD
This is my go-to finish for most residential floors. It is a two-component water-based polyurethane that cures to an extremely hard film. Traffic HD resists scratches, scuffs, and household chemicals better than any single-component product I have tested.
It dries clear and does not yellow over time, which matters on light timbers like blackbutt and Tassie oak. On spotted gum, it lets the natural colour and grain show through without distortion.
I use Traffic HD on about 80 percent of my jobs across Merewether, Hamilton, Charlestown, and the wider Newcastle area.
Bona Mega ONE
Mega ONE is a single-component water-based polyurethane. It is easier to apply and more forgiving than Traffic HD, but not quite as hard. I use it for rental properties, secondary bedrooms, and situations where the budget is tighter but the client still wants a quality finish.
It is also a good choice for recoats where the existing floor is in reasonable condition and just needs a fresh layer of protection.
Bona Rich Tone
Rich Tone is a reactive stain that works with the tannins in the timber to create colour rather than sitting on top like a traditional stain. The results are more natural and more even, especially on species with varied grain like spotted gum.
It comes in a range of colours from light ash through to deep espresso. I always do sample boards before committing to a colour on the full floor. What looks good on a swatch card can look completely different on your specific timber.
Bona Nordic Tone
Nordic Tone is a white-wash effect treatment. It lightens the timber without hiding the grain. Very popular in coastal homes around Nelson Bay and the beachside suburbs. It gives that Scandinavian look without painting the floor white.
Nordic Tone needs Traffic HD over the top for protection. It is not a standalone finish.
Bona Hardwax Oil
Hardwax oil gives a completely different look to polyurethane. Instead of sitting on top of the timber as a film, it penetrates into the wood and hardens. The result is a natural, matte look where you can feel the timber grain under your feet.
The trade-off is maintenance. Oiled floors need refreshing every 12 to 18 months in high-traffic areas. They also show water marks more easily than polyurethane. I recommend hardwax oil for living rooms and bedrooms where the look is worth the extra upkeep, but not for kitchens or laundries.
Which Finish Should You Choose?
- Family home with kids and pets: Traffic HD in satin. Hard, clear, low maintenance.
- Rental property: Mega ONE. Good protection at a lower cost.
- Coastal home wanting a light look: Nordic Tone plus Traffic HD.
- Heritage home wanting a natural feel: Hardwax Oil.
- Changing the floor colour: Rich Tone plus Traffic HD.
All Bona finishes are low-VOC and low-odour. You can usually sleep in the house the night after the final coat, though I recommend ventilating well for 48 hours.
If you are unsure which finish suits your floor, get in touch and I will come out and discuss the options in person. You can also see finished results in the gallery.
For information on the full sanding process, read what to expect during floor sanding. For outdoor timber, see the deck sanding guide.