The Best Floor Lacquers Available in 2026
The floor lacquer market has consolidated significantly over the past decade, with a small number of European manufacturers dominating both the professional and retail sectors. Bona, Loba and Junckers are the three names you will encounter most often in the UK market, and for good reason: their products consistently deliver what they claim in terms of durability, appearance and compatibility with a wide range of wood species.
This review covers the standout products from each manufacturer, explains what distinguishes them, and gives guidance on which products are most appropriate for different applications.
Bona Traffic HD
Bona Traffic HD is arguably the best-known floor lacquer in the UK professional market. It is a water-based, two-component acrylic polyurethane lacquer that requires the addition of Bona Traffic HD Hardener before use. The result is a chemical and mechanical bond that significantly exceeds the performance of single-component lacquers.
The key characteristics of Traffic HD are exceptional abrasion resistance, good resistance to household chemicals, and a genuinely attractive appearance in both matt and satin sheens. The extra-matt formulation is particularly popular because it produces a floor that looks close to bare wood while being very well protected. It is available in Matt, Satin and Semi-Gloss sheens.
Traffic HD is approved for use over underfloor heating when correctly applied and is compatible with Bona's full system of primers and sealers. The pot life after mixing is approximately four to six hours, which requires working methodically in a large area. For residential use, two to three coats over Bona Prime Classic or Bona Prime Intense produces a professional result.
Loba 2K Invisible and Loba Supra AT
Loba is a German manufacturer with a strong reputation in the professional floor finishing market. Their 2K Invisible lacquer is a two-component water-based product with an unusual optical property: it produces a very neutral, clear finish that does not significantly alter the natural colour of the wood beneath it. This makes it particularly useful on very pale species like ash or maple where a slightly warm or amber tint from a conventional lacquer would be noticeable.
Loba Supra AT is their single-component, eco-certified lacquer for residential use. It is lower maintenance than a two-component product (no mixing required), performs well in standard residential conditions, and is available in matt, silk and glossy sheens. The AT (Antimicrobial Treatment) designation refers to an additive that inhibits bacterial growth on the surface, which is marketed towards allergy-conscious households.
Both Loba products are compatible with underfloor heating and work within Loba's full system including Loba Sealer and Loba Impact primers.
Junckers Strong and Junckers HP Commercial
Junckers is best known as a manufacturer of solid hardwood floors, but their lacquer system has a strong following among professional floor fitters, particularly for sports floors and commercial applications. Junckers Strong is a one-component, water-based polyurethane lacquer specifically developed for Junckers solid wood floors, though it performs well on engineered wood and other species too.
Junckers HP Commercial is their high-performance two-component lacquer for areas with demanding requirements. It provides the highest abrasion resistance in the Junckers range and is specified for sports halls, dance studios, commercial kitchens and high-traffic retail spaces. The finish is available in an extended range of sheens and can be applied with a T-bar applicator or roller on large areas.
Bona Craft Oil vs Traffic HD: When to Switch to Oil
Bona also produces hardwax oil products, most notably Bona Craft Oil 2K. This two-component oil creates a durable, natural-looking finish that occupies a middle ground between a traditional oil and a lacquer in terms of performance. For those who want the natural look of an oil finish with better protection than a single-component oil, Bona Craft Oil 2K is worth considering alongside the lacquer options.
Choosing Between Products
- Bona Traffic HD: best overall for residential and light commercial use, excellent matt option
- Loba 2K Invisible: best where colour neutrality is critical, particularly on pale species
- Loba Supra AT: good single-component option for straightforward residential projects
- Junckers Strong: reliable one-component product within the Junckers system
- Junckers HP Commercial: best for sports floors and demanding commercial spaces
For most residential projects in the UK, Bona Traffic HD remains the benchmark product and is available through flooring trade suppliers and specialist retailers. Loba products are available through similar trade channels and some independent floor finishing suppliers. Junckers products are typically sold through Junckers-approved distributors. All three manufacturers provide technical data sheets and application guidance on their UK websites, which are worth consulting before starting any project.