Duraseal Polyurethane vs. Bona Traffic HD vs. Loba Rush Finish for Wood Floors

Which is right for me?

Although finish isn't something that you might think about when having your hardwood flooring refinished, it can have a major impact on aesthetics and even durability. Two common finishes for hardwood floors are Bona Traffic HD and Duraseal polyurethane. We offer both these finishes as well as Loba Rush. We will be detailing the difference in this article.

Bona Traffic HD is a two-component (2K) waterborne finish with a 72 hours cure time, while Duraseal polyurethane is a one-component (1K) oil-based finish with a 30 day cure time. The application of either product has definite benefits, with some disadvantages. In some instances, the softer polyurethane is more appropriate than the glassy, hard surface offered by Bona Traffic HD or Loba Rush.

Bona Traffic HD Basics

Bona Traffic HD is a two-component, waterborne polyurethane finish designed for exceptional durability on hardwood floors, particularly in high-traffic residential and commercial settings. 

Here's a brief breakdown of its key features:

• Exceptional Durability: It offers superior resistance to scuffs, scratches, and chemicals when fully cured. In fact, Bona Traffic HD is considered the toughest and fastest-drying finish for wooden floors exposed to extreme wear. It significantly outperforms other urethane finishes, including Bona Traffic, in durability at 24 hours.

• Fast Drying & Curing: It boasts a fast drying time of 2-3 hours and reaches full cure (allowing for scuff, scratch, and chemical resistance) in just 3 days. Floors may be walked on after 24 hours.

• Safety and Environmental Friendliness: Bona Traffic HD has very low VOCs (less than 150g/L), making it a healthier and safer choice. It is also non-flammable and has a very slight, non-offensive odor. It's GreenGuard Gold certified for very low indoor emissions, making it suitable for schools and nurseries.

• Aesthetics: It is clear and colorless when dry, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood or the stain applied. It is available in various sheen levels, including Extra Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss. There's also Bona Traffic HD Raw, which provides an ultra-matte, natural, untreated wood appearance

Duraseal Polyurethane Basics

Duraseal Polyurethane has additives that resemble the elasticity and physical properties of rubber or plastic. Polyurethane provides greater flexibility but less wear-resistance than Traffic HD or Loba Rush. Duraseal Polyurethane is an oil-based finish. VOCs are 550g/L. Slow to cure and dry, a full cure takes up to 30 days.

Loba UV Finish Basics

Loba Rush is a UV-curing, one-component water-based polyurethane finish designed for hardwood floors. It is particularly notable for its quick drying and curing times, achieved through the use of a UV-light curing machine. This makes it ideal for projects that require minimal downtime, such as in high-traffic commercial spaces like shops, restaurants, and schools. 

Key features include:

• Instant Cure: No waiting time after the UV curing process.

• High Durability: Offers excellent resistance to scuffs, scratches, and abrasion, as well as chemical resistance, making it suitable for heavy traffic areas.

• Low Emissions: Extremely low VOC content (<10g/L).

• Easy to Use: Applies smoothly with good leveling and no foaming or lap marks. 

BONA TRAFFIC HD

• Dries clear

• Extremely durable (2K finish)

• Used in many commercial settings

• Cures in 72 hours

• LOW VOC

DURASEAL POLYURETHANE

• Has an amber tint

• Durable (1K finish)

• 4 Weeks for full cure

• High VOC levels

LOBA RUSH

• Dries clear

• Very durable (1K finish)

• Used in many commercial settings

• More expensive

• Cures instantly with UV technology

• VERY LOW VOC

BONUS: SUN AND SCRATCH PROTECTION

Aluminum Oxide Basics - SCRATCH PROTECTION

ProCoat® NanoWear™ is a blend of aluminum oxide nano-particulates exclusively formulated to add unmatched wear and scratch resistance to both LOBA RUSH and BONA TRAFFIC HD coatings. Aluminum Oxide is used in array of industries including military and healthcare for both its strength and its bio-inertness.

LOBA UV-Protect Basics - SUN PROTECTION

Loba UV-Protect is an additive designed to minimize the yellowing of light-colored wood species like maple, birch, ash, and spruce when exposed to sunlight.  Can be used with BONA TRAFFIC HD only!