Bona Traffic GO... the go to finish
BJ’s Floors in Whittlesea Victoria has put Bona’s Traffic GO to the test across a number of projects. Brad Johnston from BJ’s has used Traffic GO on numerous projects and on different timber species including Tasmanian Oak, Blackbutt and Baltic Pine. We caught up with Brad to discuss what it’s like working with Traffic GO and what the results were like on the different species so we can drill down into this new 1K finish using 'built in 2K technology’...
Bona: So what do you think about the new '2k technology' in Bona Traffic GO 1k?
Brad Johnston: Yeah it works a treat, having the in-built in hardener activate only when the finish is applied is clever and simple, it totally eliminates hassle and saves time - even if the bottle does need a bloody good shake before you use it!
B: So no wastage? No worries about Pot Life?
BJ: Absolutely! It's simpler and quicker - not having to pre-mix a hardener eliminates wastage completely, just put the lid back on whatever's left-over and save it for the next job. Removing the issue of pot life and left over unused finish whilst still producing a 2k result is an obvious bonus.
B: Is Traffic GO easy to apply? Quick drying?
BJ: Yeah it goes on like a dream (unlike some other finishes I've used). Is it quick drying? Well it's summer, it needs to be tested in winter to prove that one. But i've had no issues with Bona finishes drying though so don't expect any with Traffic GO either.
B: Quality of Finish? Satin, Matt or Extra Matt?
BJ: My customers are more and more going for either matt or extra matt, it’s rare now that anyone wants a high gloss finish, if they do I might be forced to use a solvent, but I'm not a fan of doing it. The modern look is all about being natural and matt. Bona Finishes are perfectly suited for this and tick all the boxes, customers love the results.
B: How does Traffic GO perform on different species?
BJ: I've used it on a range of timbers so far including Blackbutt, Tasmanian Oak and recycled Baltic Pine. It's worked great on all of them. On the dark species like Blackbutt with more tannin I used Bona Prime Intense as the sealer which suits the rich grain. On a light species like Tasmanian Oak I used Classic UX as the sealer (absolutely love it ) and the recycled Baltic Pine boards got the same treatment as well.
B: Traffic GO is PFAS free, as well as being Water-Based non toxic. Does this resonate with your customers?
BJ: I think that home-owners now assume products are inherently safe to use and non-toxic. But a lot of them are still not aware of the dangers (and the smell!) of solvent finishes. Personally I just don't like using solvents. It just makes sense to use a water-based finish like Bona, the PFAS free aspect I think is something what will become more important over time.
B: What are some of the unique aspects of the projects you have used Traffic GO on?
BJ: The Baltic pine job was a cracker - the orig floor was absolutely stuffed and was replaced with recycled Baltic pine boards, It took a LOT of sanding to get that floor ready! There was also a lot of consultation required with the builders and architects, and Peter at Bona really helped me out here and provided all the specification and technical info that was needed to sign off for compliance and the green credentials of this job. The Tassie Oak job was a big reno of an existing home and required boards to be repaired and replaced as work included moving and removing walls. The Blackbutt job was a very modern home renovation, with completely new flooring in a new extension which covered about 100sqm of living and kitchen area.
