When choosing a perfect refinish product for hardwood floors, we often feel confused. Should you choose oil-based poly or a waterborne finish like Bona Traffic HD?
Picking a particular option first requires you to learn everything about each finish.
A good quality hardwood floor finish will protect the surface from stains, dirt, humidity, and humidity. It also helps the hard floor retain its original color and a soft glow.
Let’s check out the primary differences between Bona Traffic HD and oil based poly.
A Quick Comparison Table
Want a quick idea about both finishes? Check out this small table to quickly learn about them.
| Specification | Bona Traffic HD | Oil Based Poly |
| Appearance | Good appearance | Better appearance |
| Drying Time | Faster drying | A little slow drying |
| VOCs | Lower VOCs | Higher VOCs |
| Installation ability | Requires skills | More forgiving |
| Color Effects | Becomes dull over time | Ambers over time |
| Cleaning requirements | Easier | A little bit of hassle |
| Softness | Less soft | Softer than Bona |
| Cost | Slightly pricey | More affordable |
| Labor Costs | Lower | Higher |
| Durability | Decent durability | More durable |
In-depth Differences Between Bona Traffic HD And Oil Based Poly
- Appearance
Though Bona Traffic HD has a decent appearance, oil-based poly looks better due to its in-depth color and shine.
You may notice a dramatic difference when comparing both finishes together.
The richer look of oil-based poly makes it more attractive.
You will feel this is the look you have been thriving for a long time.
However, your application method may give your hardwood floors a better or dull appearance.
- Drying Time
Since Bona Traffic HD is water-based poly, it takes less time to dry than any oil-based poly. Generally, Bona Traffic HD can dry within one day and cure entirely within 3 days after applying several coats.
On the other hand, oil-based poly will take 2-3 days to dry properly. Their full curing time can be 3 to 4 weeks or more, depending upon the product’s formula.
- VOCs
Since oil-based polyurethane has a thicker formula, they contain an increased amount of VOCs. But Bona Traffic HD has lower VOCs, so it is more eco-friendly as they release fewer Volatile Organic Compounds.
Apart from that, Bona Traffic HD doesn’t have as strong an odor as oil-based polyurethane. So, if you have allergy or asthma issues, wearing a mask before using an oil-based poly is good.
- Installation Ability
Installing a water-based poly finish like Bona Traffic HD requires highly skilled installers to ensure a successful project and quick dry time.
On the contrary, you don’t need to be as precise as water-based poly finishes to install oil-based poly. After all, they are more forgiving.
- Color effects
You should not expect to have a similar color to Bona Traffic HD for a long time.
The color will become dull over time.
However, proper take care can slow down the color effect,
In contrast, oil-based poly finish amberizes and darkens the original color, adding a richer look to the hardwood floors.
However, they also leave a yellowish appearance gradually due to the surrounding environments.
- Cleaning Requirements
Bona Traffic HD generally has a smooth appearance that is easy to clean. But oil-based poly finishes are prone to attract dents.
Therefore, regularly cleaning oil-based poly finishes are necessary to prevent ruining the color. Otherwise, its durability will be compromised. You will have to add another finish.
- Softness
Though Bona Traffic HD is a scuff, scratch, and chemical resistant product, it adds a rough texture to the floor surface. You won’t feel as soft as you do for an oil-based poly.
However, due to the softness of oil-based poly finishes, they dent and scratch very easily. Quickly refinishing them than other woods will be necessary. Otherwise, you may get a flimsy result.
- Cost
When evaluating the costs of Bona Traffic HD vs oil-based polyurethane, the price per gallon is quite different but total job costs end up being fairly comparable when factoring in labor time.
Bona Traffic HD costs approximately $50 per gallon which is around twice the price of oil-based poly per gallon.
Oil-based poly typically runs $20-30 per gallon.
However, the additional coat required for oil-based finishes makes material costs much closer in the end. And Bona Traffic HD’s faster drying time cuts down significantly on labor required for applying multiple coats.
Professional refinishing services will account for all these variables in their bids no matter what finish you choose. But DIYers may save a few dollars upfront opting for the cheaper oil-based product.
- Labor Costs
Since oil-based poly takes more time to dry, you have to wait more time to dry and complete the projects. This will increase the labor cost.
In contrast, you can complete the installation of Bona Traffic HD within 3 days, so you don’t need to spend as much as you do for oil-based poly finishes.
- Durability
Durability is a very important factor when choosing a floor finish.
You want something that will hold up well to foot traffic, pets, furniture rearrangements and more.
Both Bona Traffic HD and oil-based polyurethane offer extremely durable floor protection:
- Bona Traffic HD is widely considered one of the most durable and scratch-resistant water based finishes available. It’s actually marketed as a commercial-grade finish built for heavy-use spaces like restaurants and stores. So while oil-based is also very durable, Bona Traffic HD has an edge when it comes extreme durability.
- Oil-based poly has been used for decades to protect all kinds of hardwood floors. The oil base permeates deep into the woodgrain to create an extremely hard, protective layer. So oil-based is still a great option for durability and scratch-resistance.
No matter which option you choose, you can rest assured knowing your hardwood floors will be protected by a super-durable finish built to last years of wear and tear if properly maintained over time.
- Odor
The odor during application and drying is another key difference between water-based and oil-based hardwood floor finishes.
Bona Traffic HD has extremely low VOC levels and virtually no odor as it applies and dries. This makes it ideal for use in occupied homes or spaces sensitive to chemical smells.
Oil-based polyurethane, on the other hand, has a very strong solvent smell during and after application. Floors will continue off-gassing for several days as the finish cures.
The fumes can be overwhelming for some people, requiring windows to be opened and use of fans to air out the space. Any pets or sensitive individuals will need to be removed from the area entirely while oil-based poly dries.
So Bona Traffic HD is by far the best option if low odor is a priority in your hardwood floor refinishing project.
- Environmental Impact
VOC levels and clean-up requirements also contribute to the environmental footprint of each flooring finish option.
Bona Traffic HD is considered a low-VOC formula, giving off much less air pollution as it dries compared to oil-based products. Clean-up also only requires soap and water, without any solvents or chemicals going down the drain.
Oil-based finishes have high VOC off-gassing during drying and require mineral spirits for equipment clean-up. This leaves a larger environmental impact through creation of air pollution and waste products.
So overall, Bona Traffic HD is the more eco-friendly choice if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of floor finishes.
What Will Be The Suitable Choice For Your Home?
Bona Traffic HD is an excellent pick if you want a particular wood finish with minimal curing time and lower VOCs. It is more convenient when you are in a hurry to complete the project.
On the contrary, when looking for an affordable and richer-looking hardwood floor finish, an oil-based poly is a great choice. It is highly durable and more forgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Oil-based polyurethane is prone to attract more dents because of its software finish and takes a longer time to dry, increasing the labor cost.
Water-based polyurethane is more eco-friendly and takes less time to dry, while oil-based polyurethane is a highly durable and more affordable option.
Bona Traffic HD lasts as much as 40 years if you install it properly and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
Yes, Bona Traffic HD is a waterborne polyurethane finish, which has an effective formula not to get affected by scuff, scratch, and chemicals.
Conclusion
So, which option appears to be the best option between Bona Traffic HD vs. oil-based poly?
No doubt, both hardwood finishes have an excellent quality to use wide ranges of the floor surface. They can show reliable performance for a long time.
Before picking a particular option, you must consider your household requirements and personal preference. Hopefully, this post has given you some valuable information to choose the best hardwood finish.
Ralph. Sounds like you NEVER refinished a wood floor…