Bona Quantum T is a 1-component silane-based timber flooring adhesive with titanium crosslinking technology — designed for installing solid and engineered timber floors over concrete and wood substrates. It's non-hazardous, zero VOC, and can function as a combined adhesive and moisture barrier in appropriate conditions.
This guide covers everything you need to install correctly with Quantum T — substrate prep, moisture assessment, application, timing, and the coating sequence that follows.
Substrate Preparation
The substrate must be:
- Clean — free from dust, oil, adhesive residue, curing compounds and surface treatments that affect bond
- Dry — within the moisture limits described below
- Sound — no loose sections, hollow spots, or contaminated areas
- Flat — within 3mm over 1.8m or per your timber supplier's specification
Concrete substrates should be at minimum 28 days cured. Any contamination from previous adhesive must be mechanically removed — Quantum T will not bond through it.
Moisture Assessment
Moisture is the critical variable in any glue-down installation. Bona Quantum T can function as a combined adhesive and moisture barrier for substrate moisture levels up to 95% RH — but only when applied with the Bona Trowel Plus system.
For moisture above 95% RH, a dedicated moisture barrier is required before adhesive application. Bona R540 Moisture Barrier is designed for this purpose.
Measure moisture using a calibrated hygrometer or in-situ RH probe. Surface moisture meters alone are not sufficient — they don't capture moisture at depth in the slab.
Trowel Selection and Application Rate
Application rate for standard installation: 1.0–1.5 kg/m². This requires the correct notched trowel to achieve the right bead height and coverage. Refer to the Bona application guide for specific trowel recommendations based on board width and profile.
Bona Quantum T is available in 9kg sausage packs, applied using the Bona Quantum T Applicator Gun. The sausage format reduces waste and gives consistent bead placement compared to bucket application.
Open Time and Working Sequence
- Open time: approximately 40 minutes at 20°C / 55% RH
- Light traffic: 4–6 hours after application
- Sanding: minimum 12 hours (normal conditions — 20°C, 55% RH)
- Full cure: 24 hours under normal conditions
Open time reduces significantly in hot or dry conditions — on a hot summer day in coastal NSW, you may have 20–25 minutes rather than 40. Plan your working sections accordingly and don't spread more adhesive than you can cover within the open time.
Sanding After Glue-Down
Sanding should not commence until Quantum T has reached its minimum cure time of 12 hours under normal conditions. In cooler conditions or higher humidity, extend this.
Test before you sand: press firmly on a few boards across the floor. If there's any movement, give it more time. Sanding a floor that's still tacky under the boards causes problems that can't be undone.
Coating Sequence After Sanding
Once the floor is sanded, the system proceeds like any bare timber floor:
- Prime with appropriate Bona primer — Prime Classic UX for standard species, Prime Intense for high tannin species
- 2 coats of chosen Bona topcoat — Traffic HD, Wave 2K, or Mega
FAQ
Can I use Quantum T over underfloor heating?
Yes — silane adhesives are generally compatible with underfloor heating systems. The floor surface temperature should not exceed the timber and adhesive manufacturer's maximum during installation or use. Refer to Bona's technical documentation for specific temperature limits.
What if I apply too much adhesive?
Excess adhesive that squeezes up between boards must be cleaned before it cures. Use Bona's recommended solvent cleaner. Cured silane adhesive is very difficult to remove without damage.
Is Quantum T suitable for engineered timber over concrete?
Yes — it's designed for both solid and engineered profiles over concrete and wood substrates.
Can I use it as a floating installation?
No — Quantum T is a full-bond adhesive. For floating installations, follow the timber supplier's recommendations for underlay and click/tongue-and-groove systems.
Stocking up on Quantum T or have a specific installation question? Contact Sand-Aid — we carry Quantum T sausage packs and applicator guns from our Toronto NSW warehouse.