Compare three professional methods of colouring wooden floors: pigmented hardwax oil, fast-drying wood stain and two-component penetrating oil.
Bona Craft Oil 2K is a professional two-component penetrating wood floor oil combining colour, rapid drying and durable protection in a highly concentrated single-coat system.
Unlike a conventional wood stain, Craft Oil 2K penetrates and protects the timber rather than simply colouring it before another finish is applied.
It can therefore be used as a complete oiled finish on its own, protected further with Bona Hard Wax Oil, or overcoated with a compatible Bona Traffic lacquer where greater wear resistance and lower ongoing maintenance are required.
The system is extremely versatile, but coloured penetrating oils demand excellent floor preparation. Sanding differences, contamination, timber density and application technique can all become visible once pigment enters the grain.
What Is Bona Craft Oil 2K?
Bona Craft Oil 2K is a high-solids two-component impregnating oil developed for professional wooden floor finishing.
Component A contains the oil and colour system. Component B is the hardener.
Once mixed, the hardener accelerates curing and increases durability compared with a traditional single-component penetrating oil.
Bona specifies Craft Oil 2K for a wide variety of wood species, including oak as well as traditionally more challenging timbers such as walnut, cherry, smoked oak and steamed beech.
Which Bona Craft Oil 2K Colours Does WWFS Stock?
Bona manufactures a wider international Craft Oil 2K colour palette, but the current WWFS range focuses on five popular colours:
- Ash
- Dark Grey
- Driftwood
- Frost
- Sand
Available pack sizes are 400ml and 1.25L, subject to current stock availability.
Always Test the Complete System First
Bona specifically warns that the uniformity of sanding and the properties of the wood influence the final colour.
A representative test area should therefore reproduce the complete intended process:
- The same timber.
- The same sanding sequence.
- The same final sanding method.
- The same water-popping process, if being used.
- The same Craft Oil 2K colour.
- The same application and buffing method.
- The same final topcoat, where one is planned.
Preparation Is Critical with Coloured Oils
Bona requires the floor to be properly acclimatised, dry, thoroughly sanded and free from sanding dust, wax and other contamination.
With coloured penetrating oil, preparation becomes even more important because variations in absorption are highlighted by the pigment.
The complete floor should therefore receive a consistent sanding sequence, including:
- Main floor areas.
- Edges.
- Corners.
- Doorways.
- Repairs.
- Areas previously reached with different sanding machines.
What Final Sanding Grit Should Be Used?
Bona's current UK Craft Oil 2K Technical Data Sheet does not specify one mandatory final abrasive grit for every floor.
This is sensible because timber species, sanding equipment and the desired colour intensity all influence the correct preparation.
The important principle is to use a professional progressive sanding sequence and create a consistently prepared surface throughout the complete floor.
Avoid over-polishing isolated areas, because excessively fine sanding can reduce pigment absorption.
Keep the Final-Sanded Floor Completely Clean
Once the final sanding stage is complete, treat the exposed timber as part of the finished surface.
Sweat, water droplets, handprints, skin oils, dirty footwear and damp socks can all affect how penetrating colour is absorbed.
Pigmented oil may reveal contamination that was almost invisible before the oil was applied.
Should Gaps Be Filled before Bona Craft Oil 2K?
Bona recommends Bona Mix & Fill Plus or Bona Mix & Fill for suitable minor joints before applying Craft Oil 2K.
Whether a floor should actually be filled depends on the flooring construction and movement of the timber.
Large, open or continually moving joints should not simply be filled because a resin filler may subsequently crack or break loose as the floor moves.
Do Not Let Oil Disappear into Open Gaps
This is an important point within Bona's current instructions.
On floors that cannot appropriately be gap-filled, Craft Oil 2K should be kept at the timber surface and must not be allowed to seep freely into large open joints.
Apply the oil thinly and control its distribution rather than pouring excessive product onto an open-jointed floor.
Water-Popping before Bona Craft Oil 2K
Water-popping is a particularly useful option when a stronger or more uniform coloured finish is required.
Unlike some colouring systems where water-popping is simply a professional technique, Bona specifically includes water-popping within its current Craft Oil 2K guidance.
The process lightly wets the freshly sanded timber. As the water dries, the wood fibres open and raise, allowing the coloured oil to penetrate more strongly.
Bona's Water-Popping Method
Sand & Clean the Floor
Complete the normal sanding process and thoroughly remove all dust.
Apply Water Thinly
Bona specifies applying water thinly using a sponge or short-haired roller.
Keep the Wetting Consistent
The aim is uniform dampening, not puddles or isolated wet areas.
Allow the Floor to Dry Overnight
The timber must be completely dry before Craft Oil 2K is applied.
Water-popping generally increases colour intensity, so a water-popped test sample should always be approved before treating the complete floor.
Application Conditions
Bona specifies optimal application conditions of approximately:
- 20–25°C room/product temperature.
- 30–50% relative humidity.
- Minimum application temperature of 16°C.
High temperature and low humidity accelerate drying, while low temperature and high humidity increase drying time.
Allow Craft Oil 2K to reach room temperature before mixing and application.
How to Mix Bona Craft Oil 2K
Craft Oil 2K is a two-component product and the mixing ratio must be maintained accurately.
When activating a complete pack, allow the hardener to drain fully into the oil and mix the components thoroughly.
When preparing smaller quantities, measure the two components accurately at the same 9:1 ratio.
How to Apply Bona Craft Oil 2K
Bona's current UK instructions allow application using a Bona Oil Squeegee, short-haired roller or stainless-steel trowel.
The critical part of the system is what happens afterwards: the oil is allowed time to penetrate, worked into the timber, excess oil is completely removed and the surface receives a final buff.
Apply a Thin, Even Coat
Distribute a controlled amount of mixed Craft Oil 2K across the timber.
Work Wet-on-Wet
On larger floors, work in manageable sections and overlap adjoining areas while both remain wet.
Allow 15–30 Minutes Absorption
Give the wood time to absorb the oil.
Buff with a Red or Beige Pad
Work the oil thoroughly into the timber using a suitable rotary machine and Bona red or beige pad.
Feed Only Dry Areas
If particularly absorbent sections remain visibly dry, a small additional amount of oil can be introduced to ensure those areas are properly saturated.
Allow a Further 15–30 Minutes
Give the additional oil time to penetrate before removing the surplus.
Remove All Surplus Oil
Use clean cotton cloths beneath the buffing machine until no excess oil remains on the surface.
Complete the Final Buff
Bona recommends finishing with a Bona Wool Pad to create a smooth, consistent surface.
Why Removing the Excess Is So Important
Craft Oil 2K is a penetrating treatment. The objective is to saturate the timber, not leave a thick layer of wet oil on top.
Surplus material can:
- Dry slowly.
- Leave shiny or sticky areas.
- Create uneven colour.
- Collect dirt.
- Cause adhesion problems beneath a subsequent Traffic lacquer.
Wet-on-Wet Application on Large Floors
Large rooms should be broken into sections that can be completely controlled within the oil's working time.
Bona specifically instructs installers to overlap adjoining sections wet-on-wet.
This helps prevent one section drying before the next reaches it and reduces the risk of visible application boundaries.
How to Use Craft Oil 2K on Herringbone & Parquet
Craft Oil 2K works extremely well on patterned timber, but preparation remains critical.
Herringbone and parquet change grain direction throughout the floor, so the final sanding must be carefully blended to avoid directional scratches becoming darker after pigment enters the timber.
Once the oil is distributed, rotary pad application is particularly useful because it works the material evenly across the changing grain directions.
Edges and corners can be carefully treated with a suitable hand applicator, trowel or brush before being blended into the main floor.
Does Bona Craft Oil 2K Need Two Coats?
Not normally.
One of the main advantages of Craft Oil 2K is its high saturation level and ability to provide protection in a single properly applied coat.
Bona's current treatment schedule specifies:
Standalone Oiled Finish
Suitable within Bona's moderate/high-wear treatment schedule.
On unusually porous or highly absorbent timber, Bona allows an additional application where necessary to achieve complete saturation.
Drying Times
| Stage | Typical Bona guidance |
|---|---|
| Oil absorption before initial buff | Approximately 15–30 minutes |
| Additional penetration before surplus removal | Approximately 15–30 minutes |
| Neutral Craft Oil 2K – light use | Minimum approximately 8 hours |
| Coloured Craft Oil 2K – light use | Minimum approximately 12 hours |
| Furniture | Normally approximately 12–24 hours |
| Wet cleaning | Allow approximately 1–2 days |
| Rugs / floor coverings | Wait approximately 1 week |
These figures assume normal climate conditions and good ventilation.
Tropical timber, colder conditions or higher humidity can considerably extend drying.
How to Check Whether Coloured Craft Oil Is Really Dry
This becomes especially important when Craft Oil 2K will be overcoated.
Bona recommends rubbing the surface with a clean cotton or paper cloth.
If the cloth picks up a significant amount of pigment, the surface is not ready.
Can Bona Craft Oil 2K Be Lacquered?
Yes — and this is one of Craft Oil 2K's major advantages.
The oil can provide the colour while a Bona Traffic lacquer provides the final hard-wearing protective surface.
High-Durability Coloured Lacquer System
This system combines the depth and character of a coloured penetrating oil with the wear, chemical resistance and simpler long-term maintenance of Bona's premium two-component lacquer.
Can Bona Traffic HD Raw Be Used over Craft Oil 2K?
Yes.
Bona's current Traffic HD Raw specification includes Craft Oil 2K as a colouration system beneath the lacquer.
Bona Traffic HD Raw is particularly useful where a very low-sheen, natural-feeling surface is wanted while retaining the protection of a premium lacquer.
Important: Do Not Add Bona Rich Tone before Traffic
Bona specifically states that Craft Oil 2K can only be overcoated with Traffic HD or Traffic GO when the Craft Oil has been used on its own.
Do not combine the oil with Bona Rich Tone or other additives where a Traffic lacquer is planned afterwards.
Preparing Craft Oil 2K for Traffic HD
Once the Craft Oil is fully dry:
- Carry out the clean white-cloth pigment-transfer test.
- If significant pigment transfers, allow more drying time.
- When fully dry, buff the surface using a red pad.
- Vacuum the complete floor thoroughly.
- Apply the first Traffic coat.
- Apply the second Traffic coat according to Bona's current instructions.
Bona recommends only a gentle intermediate abrasion where required to remove grain raise, using the specified Bona Scrad system.
Can Bona Hard Wax Oil Be Applied over Craft Oil 2K?
Yes.
Bona also approves Bona Hard Wax Oil as a protective topcoat over Craft Oil 2K.
Coloured Hardwax-Oil System
A gentle intermediate abrasion between the Hard Wax Oil coats may be used where required to achieve the best surface finish.
Which Finish Should I Choose over Craft Oil 2K?
| System | Result | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Craft Oil 2K only | True penetrating-oil surface with natural timber feel | Customers wanting a traditional oiled surface that can be maintained with oil |
| Craft Oil 2K + Bona Hard Wax Oil | Coloured oil character with a hardwax-oil protective surface | Where a traditional repairable hardwax-oil system is preferred |
| Craft Oil 2K + Traffic HD | Coloured timber beneath a premium hard-wearing lacquer | Busy domestic and commercial floors requiring maximum durability and easier maintenance |
| Craft Oil 2K + Traffic HD Raw | Coloured timber with an ultra-matt, natural-feeling lacquered surface | Projects wanting strong protection without a conventional lacquered appearance |
How Much Bona Craft Oil 2K Do I Need?
Bona specifies an approximate application rate of 30m² per litre.
| Pack size | Approximate theoretical coverage |
|---|---|
| 400ml | Up to approximately 12m² |
| 1.25L | Up to approximately 37.5m² |
Actual consumption varies according to timber species, porosity, sanding preparation and whether particularly absorbent areas require additional oil.
What Pads Are Used for Bona Craft Oil 2K?
Bona's current standard Craft Oil 2K procedure specifies a red or beige pad for working the oil into the timber.
WWFS stocks Bona 407mm Buffing Pads for professional 16-inch floor machines.
After the absorption stage, clean cotton Bona Oil Cloths are used to remove surplus oil.
Bona then specifies a final Wool Pad buff to create an even surface.
Safety: Oil-Soaked Cloths Can Self-Ignite
This warning is extremely important.
Craft Oil 2K contains drying oils. Used cloths, paper, rags and similar absorbent materials can self-heat and potentially ignite if left piled together.
Bona also specifies suitable gloves, safety goggles and disposable shoe covers during application.
Maintaining Craft Oil 2K Used on Its Own
An exposed Craft Oil 2K floor remains an oiled floor and should therefore be maintained as one.
Routine maintenance should begin with dry cleaning or vacuuming to remove grit.
When damp cleaning is required, use a specialist cleaner such as Bona Cleaner Spray for Oiled Floors with as little moisture as practical.
Bona recommends Bona Oil Care for periodic professional replenishment of the oil surface, with frequency determined by the amount of traffic and wear.
Maintenance Changes If You Apply Traffic HD
This is an important distinction.
Once Craft Oil 2K has been overcoated with Traffic HD or Traffic HD Raw, the exposed surface is now a lacquered floor, not an exposed oiled floor.
Do not maintain that lacquered surface using oil-care products simply because Craft Oil 2K sits underneath it.
Bona Craft Oil 2K vs Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints
Bona Craft Oil 2K
A two-component penetrating oil using a hardener for rapid curing and high durability.
Standard coloured application is normally one coat and it can be overcoated with approved Bona Traffic lacquers.
Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints
A pigmented hardwax-oil colouring system applied exceptionally thinly, normally followed by the appropriate Osmo protective topcoat.
Application methods and drying behaviour are different from Craft Oil 2K.
See our complete Osmo Polyx-Oil Tints application guide for the correct process.
Bona Craft Oil 2K vs Morrells Light Fast Stain
Morrells Light Fast Stain is a dedicated fast-drying wood stain.
It colours the bare timber and then requires a separate compatible protective finishing system.
Craft Oil 2K is different because the two-component oil itself penetrates, colours and protects the timber.
See our Morrells Light Fast Wood Stain guide for the full staining process.
Common Craft Oil 2K Problems
Patchy or Uneven Colour
Common causes include inconsistent sanding, contamination, uneven water-popping, variable timber absorption or failing to distribute and buff the oil consistently.
Dark Edges
This can happen when the edge sanding differs from the centre of the floor or excessive oil is applied during cutting-in.
Shiny or Sticky Areas
Usually associated with surplus oil being left on the surface rather than completely buffed away.
Dry Patches
Highly absorbent timber may take more oil locally. Bona allows an additional pass to feed these areas before the final excess-removal stage.
Visible Application Boundaries
On larger floors, failing to work wet-on-wet can create differences between adjoining sections.
Traffic Lacquer Will Not Bond Properly
Likely causes include remaining surplus oil, insufficient drying or using an incompatible Craft Oil system beneath the lacquer.
Confirm complete drying, carry out the pigment-transfer test, red-pad buff and vacuum before lacquering.
Pigment Comes Off on the Cloth the Next Morning
The oil is not fully dry.
Allow additional drying time and improve ventilation rather than proceeding with the next finishing stage.
Recommended WWFS Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bona Craft Oil 2K a stain?
Not in the conventional sense. It is a two-component penetrating oil that can simultaneously colour and protect bare timber.
What is the mixing ratio?
Nine parts Craft Oil 2K Component A to one part hardener Component B by volume.
How long is the pot life?
Approximately 6–8 hours after the components are mixed.
How much does Craft Oil 2K cover?
Approximately 30m² per litre, depending on timber species, porosity and sanding preparation.
How long does coloured Craft Oil 2K take to dry?
Bona specifies a minimum of approximately 12 hours before light use under normal conditions. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and certain timber species can require considerably longer.
Can you water-pop before Bona Craft Oil 2K?
Yes. Bona specifically recommends water-popping as an option for achieving more intense and uniform colour. The water is applied thinly to the sanded floor and allowed to dry overnight before oiling.
Does Craft Oil 2K need two coats?
Normally no. Craft Oil 2K is designed to provide high saturation and protection in one properly applied coat. An additional application may be required on unusually porous or highly absorbent timber.
Can Bona Traffic HD be applied over Craft Oil 2K?
Yes, when the Craft Oil 2K has been used in accordance with Bona's approved system. The oil must be fully dry, all surplus removed, the surface red-pad buffed and vacuumed before two Traffic coats are applied.
Can Traffic HD Raw go over Bona Craft Oil 2K?
Yes. Bona's current Traffic HD Raw system specifically provides for Craft Oil 2K as a colouring treatment beneath the lacquer.
Can I use Bona Rich Tone under Traffic HD?
Not as part of the current Craft Oil 2K and Traffic overcoating system. Bona specifies that Craft Oil 2K must be used without Rich Tone or other additives when it will be overcoated with Traffic HD or Traffic GO.
Can Bona Hard Wax Oil go over Craft Oil 2K?
Yes. Bona specifies two coats of Hard Wax Oil over the correctly applied, fully dried and prepared Craft Oil 2K surface.
How do I know whether Craft Oil 2K is dry enough to lacquer?
Rub the surface with a clean cotton or paper cloth. If significant pigment transfers onto the cloth, allow additional drying time.
What pad should I use?
Bona's current standard application method specifies a red or beige pad for working the oil into the timber, followed by cotton cloths for surplus removal and a Bona Wool Pad for the final buff.
Can Craft Oil 2K be used on herringbone?
Yes. It is suitable for properly prepared wood flooring including patterned floors. Pay particular attention to consistent sanding because herringbone changes grain direction throughout the floor.
How should a Craft Oil 2K floor be cleaned?
If Craft Oil 2K remains as the exposed surface, use Bona's oiled-floor cleaning and maintenance system. If it has been overcoated with Traffic HD or Traffic HD Raw, maintain it as a lacquered floor instead.
WWFS Final Recommendation
Colour, coverage, drying and absorption vary according to wood species, natural timber colour, sanding preparation, porosity, temperature, humidity and application technique. Always complete a representative test using the exact proposed finishing system and consult the latest Bona Technical and Safety Data Sheets before professional application.