Choosing the Right Finish: Bona Super Sport vs. Bona Super Sport Elite

When it comes to maintaining a pristine and high-performance gymnasium floor, the choice of finish is paramount. Bona, a leading name in floor care, offers a range of professional-grade finishes for athletic courts, including the popular Bona Super Sport and its advanced counterpart, Bona Super Sport Elite. While both are designed for durability and a high-quality aesthetic, there are key differences that can influence which is the best fit for a particular facility.

Both Bona Super Sport and Bona Super Sport Elite are two-component, waterborne urethane finishes, meaning they offer a tough, protective coating with low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) for a healthier indoor environment. They are both formulated for professional use on maple sport floors and are part of the larger Bona Sport System, which includes sealers and paints. However, their distinctions lie in their performance characteristics, available sheens, and overall technology.

Bona Super Sport: A Proven Performer

Bona Super Sport is a premium finish that has been a go-to for many gymnasiums and athletic facilities. It's known for its durability and ability to provide a tough, high-build urethane finish that stands up to the rigors of athletic use. Key features of Bona Super Sport include:

• Durability and Protection: It provides a robust, protective layer that resists scuffs and scratches from heavy foot traffic, sports equipment, and various events.

  
  

• Non-Yellowing Formula: The finish is designed to remain clear and colorless over time, preserving the natural beauty of the wood floor.

  
  

• Fast Drying: With a drying time of approximately 2-3 hours, it allows for a quick turnaround, making it a practical choice for busy facilities.

  
  

• High Gloss Sheen: While Bona offers other products, the traditional Super Sport finish is primarily known for its high-gloss sheen, which gives the floor a classic, professional look.

Bona Super Sport Elite: The Next Generation of Performance

Bona Super Sport Elite represents the latest innovation in Bona's sport floor finishes. It takes the established qualities of Super Sport and enhances them with new technology to meet the demands of modern athletic facilities. The "Elite" designation signifies a step up in performance and features.

Here's a breakdown of what sets Bona Super Sport Elite apart:

• Unprecedented Scratch and Scuff Resistance: The Elite version is specifically formulated to offer "unprecedented" scratch and scuff resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for the highest-traffic areas or floors that host a variety of events beyond just basketball, such as concerts or community gatherings.

  
  

• Exceptional Sheen Retention: Elite is engineered for superior sheen retention, ensuring the floor maintains its vibrant, "like-new" appearance for a longer period.

  
  

• Satin Sheen Option: A major differentiator is the availability of a satin sheen option in addition to the traditional gloss. The satin finish is a result of new technology that helps to minimize glare and reflections on the court surface, which is particularly beneficial in facilities with bright lighting, such as those with LED light fixtures.

• Quicker Full Cure Time: While both finishes dry quickly, the Super Sport Elite boasts a full cure time of just three days, making it even faster to return the floor to full use.

  
  

The Bottom Line

Feature	Bona Super Sport	Bona Super Sport Elite
Durability	Excellent, provides a tough, high-build finish.	Unprecedented scratch and scuff resistance.
Sheen Retention	Maintains a clean, clear look.	Exceptional sheen retention for lasting beauty.
Sheen Options	Primarily available in gloss.	Available in both gloss and satin sheens.
Glare Reduction	Standard performance.	Satin sheen option specifically designed to minimize glare from LED lighting.
Cure Time	Approximately 3 days for 100% cure.	Full cure in 3 days.
Best For	General purpose gymnasiums, schools, and facilities seeking a durable and reliable classic finish.	High-traffic, multi-use facilities, and those seeking the highest level of performance, glare reduction, and a modern aesthetic.

Export to Sheets

Ultimately, both Bona Super Sport and Bona Super Sport Elite are top-tier choices for gym floor finishing. Bona Super Sport is a trusted and robust workhorse that provides excellent results. Bona Super Sport Elite, on the other hand, is the premium, next-generation product designed for those who need the absolute highest level of protection, glare reduction, and a wider range of aesthetic options for their athletic floors. For facility managers and contractors, the decision comes down to the specific needs of the court, the level of traffic it endures, and the desired visual outcome.