Common questions from floor sanding contractors and homeowners across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and Central Coast. Answers are based on Bona product specifications and professional floor sanding practice in Australian conditions.
Primers
Do I always need a primer before a waterborne finish?
On bare timber, yes. A primer manages absorption, helps control colour, locks grain, and gives the topcoat something to bond to. Skipping it on bare timber leads to uneven absorption, patchy finish and adhesion problems.
What's the difference between Prime Classic UX and Prime Intense?
Classic UX is for standard species — light, natural colouration. Prime Intense is for high-tannin species (Blackbutt, Tallowwood) — richer colouration, tannin bleed control. Using Classic UX on Blackbutt is a common cause of tannin bleed problems.
When do I use Prime White?
Prime White is used when a whitened or limed appearance is the goal — it gives a cool, Scandinavian-style tone to the timber before topcoating.
Can I use Prime Intense on a RAW finish system?
Technically yes, but Intense produces a richer, darker colouration that moves away from the "raw" look. For Traffic HD RAW, Classic UX is the recommended primer on standard species.
Finishes
What's the difference between Traffic HD and Wave 2K?
Both are genuine 2K waterborne finishes. Traffic HD is spec'd for high traffic intensity — commercial, retail, hospitality. Wave 2K is for heavy residential and light commercial. Same 2K chemistry, different traffic specification.
Is Traffic GO a 2K finish?
No. Traffic GO is a 1-component finish with built-in hardening technology — no mixing required. It's faster and simpler but doesn't carry the same durability rating as Traffic HD or Wave 2K.
What does "extra matt" mean on Traffic HD?
Extra Matt refers to a 20° sheen level — very low gloss, contemporary appearance. Silk Matt is 40°. Lower sheen hides day-to-day scratches better and is increasingly the preference in residential projects.
Can Traffic HD be used on pre-finished floors?
Yes — Traffic HD is listed as suitable for pre-finished floors. Correct adhesion prep and the Bona overcoating specification apply.
How long before the floor can be walked on after Traffic HD?
Light traffic at 6 hours, full use at 12–24 hours under normal conditions (20°C, 50% RH).
Abrasives and Sanding
What grit should I finish on before applying a waterborne finish?
Typically P100–P120 for most species. Finer than P120 can close the grain too much and reduce primer penetration. Refer to the Bona system guide for the specific product you're using.
How do I avoid halo marks at the edges?
Match your final edge grit to the final field grit. Work out the rotary edger scratches with hand scraping or a random orbital before coating. Check with a raking light before priming. See our full edge sanding guide.
Can I use the same belts on all Australian hardwoods?
Most zirconia belts handle a range of species well. For very hard, dense timbers (Ironbark, Spotted Gum) you may need more aggressive grit stages or higher-quality abrasives to maintain cut rate.
Maintenance
What cleaner should I use on a Bona-coated floor?
Bona Cleaner — pH-neutral, safe for all waterborne Bona systems. Avoid vinegar, ammonia, steam mops and wax-based products.
Can I use Freshen Up on a RAW floor?
No. Bona Freshen Up adds sheen and alters the appearance of a RAW-system floor. Use Bona Cleaner only for RAW-coated floors.
How often should a floor be recoated?
Residential floors with a good maintenance regime: 5–10 years. Light commercial: 3–5 years depending on traffic. High-footfall commercial: assess annually.
Adhesives
What is the moisture limit for Bona Quantum T as a combined moisture barrier?
Up to 95% RH when applied with the Bona Trowel Plus system. Above this level, a separate moisture barrier is required first.
How long before I can sand after Quantum T installation?
Minimum 12 hours under normal conditions (20°C, 55% RH). Always test for movement before sanding — if boards flex, give it more time.
More questions? Contact Sand-Aid in Toronto NSW — trade pricing on all Bona products, fast dispatch across Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast.