Bona Traffic HD vs Synteko Nova Best XC
Two premium 2K water-based floor finishes -- one with a published wear rating, one with ceramic reinforcement. Here is how they stack up for contractors in the Newcastle and broader NSW market.
Specification comparison
| Spec | Bona Traffic HD | Synteko Nova Best XC |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 2-component water-based | 2-component water-based (ceramic-reinforced) |
| Coverage | 8--10 m²/L | 8--10 m²/L |
| VOC | 50 g/L | Not published |
| Wear rating | 1.5 mg/100 rev (SIS 923509) | Not published (ceramic-reinforced claim) |
| Recoat time | 2--3 hours | 2--3 hours |
| Walk-on | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Full cure | 3--7 days | Not published |
| Sheen options | Extra Matt 10%, Matt 20%, Satin 45% | Matt, Satin |
| Pack size | 4.95L | 5L + hardener |
| Price (ex dealer) | $286 inc GST | Contact dealer |
Bona Traffic HD
Bona Traffic HD is the most specified commercial water-based floor finish in Australia. The published Taber abrasion rating of 1.5 mg per 100 revolutions under SIS 923509 gives architects, specifiers, and contractors a standardised, independently verifiable number to work with. That transparency is a significant part of why Traffic HD appears on project specifications.
Three sheens are available: Extra Matt (10%), Matt (20%), and Satin (45%). VOC is published at 50 g/L -- compliant with Green Star and NCC indoor air quality requirements. Full cure is 3--7 days, with 24-hour walk-on and furniture placement at 3 days.
The system advantage applies here as strongly as anywhere. Traffic HD is tested with Bona Prime Intense for high-tannin species, Bona Classic UX for general priming, and the full Bona stain catalogue. Every inter-coat bond in the system is documented and tested.
Synteko Nova Best XC
Synteko Nova Best XC is a two-component water-based finish with ceramic reinforcement -- micro-ceramic particles added to the formulation to increase surface hardness and scratch resistance. Coverage and recoat times match Traffic HD. Walk-on is also rated at 24 hours.
Synteko does not publish a Taber abrasion wear rating or VOC figure for Nova Best XC on their Australian-facing documentation. The ceramic-reinforcement claim is a product feature rather than a tested specification, which makes independent comparison difficult. Sheen options are Matt and Satin -- no extra matt option is available.
Synteko also offers Pro XC (a single-component water-based finish, comparable to Bona Mega) and Synteko Sealer (comparable to Bona Classic UX).
A note on Synteko Classic XD
Synteko Classic XD is sometimes mentioned alongside Nova Best XC, but they are entirely different products. Classic XD is an acid-curing solvent-based finish with high odour and high VOC. It belongs in the same category as traditional Swedish finishes, not in a comparison with modern water-based 2K products. Contractors looking for a low-odour, low-VOC commercial topcoat should be comparing Nova Best XC (water-based 2K) or Traffic HD -- not Classic XD.
Where to buy each in the Newcastle market
- Bona Traffic HD: Sand-Aid, Toronto NSW -- NSW's only Bona Premier Dealer. Full Bona system in stock: primers, topcoats, stains, adhesives, and maintenance products. Delivery across Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, and Sydney.
- Synteko Nova Best XC: Emporium Floor Sanding Supplies has historically been the Synteko stockist in the Newcastle area. Note that the Emporium website is currently offline, so availability and pricing should be confirmed by phone.
When to pick Bona Traffic HD
- Published specs required. Traffic HD has a tested Taber abrasion rating, a published VOC figure, and documented cure times. For jobs where the specifier needs verifiable numbers, Traffic HD provides them.
- Extra Matt sheen needed. The 10% extra matt option gives a near-invisible finish. Synteko Nova Best XC does not offer an extra matt sheen.
- Full system compatibility. Traffic HD is tested with every Bona primer and stain. No guesswork on inter-coat adhesion when the entire stack is Bona.
- High-tannin Australian hardwoods. Bona Prime Intense is formulated specifically for blackbutt, spotted gum, tallowwood, and ironbark. Synteko Sealer is a general-purpose primer without a published tannin-blocking equivalent.
- Reliable supply chain. Sand-Aid keeps the full Bona range in stock locally. For jobs in Newcastle, Hunter Valley, and Central Coast, supply is available same-day or next-day without relying on a Sydney freight run.
When to pick Synteko Nova Best XC
- Ceramic reinforcement is a priority. If the specification or client specifically calls for ceramic-reinforced hardness, Nova Best XC delivers that feature. The ceramic particles are designed to improve scratch resistance at the surface level.
- Already running Synteko. If the existing floor is a Synteko finish, recoating with Synteko is the safest path. Cross-system recoats carry adhesion risk.
- Existing dealer relationship. Contractors with an established supply arrangement through Emporium or another Synteko stockist may prefer to stay within that channel.
A note on published data
Bona publishes a Taber abrasion wear rating, VOC figure, recoat time, walk-on time, and full cure time for Traffic HD. Synteko does not publish a wear rating or VOC figure for Nova Best XC on their Australian-facing materials. The ceramic-reinforcement claim is stated as a product feature but is not backed by a published standardised test result. This does not mean Nova Best XC is inferior -- it means the comparison must rely partly on on-site experience rather than standardised data alone.
Running Bona in the Newcastle area?
Ring with the job details -- species, area, sheen preference -- and get a coverage calculation, product list, and delivery quote.
Call 1300 950 551