Bona Prime Intense
Tannin-control primer for blackbutt, tallowwood and other high-tannin hardwoods. Richer colour, cleaner finish.
What it is
Prime Intense is Bona's water-based primer for tannin-heavy Australian hardwoods. On species like blackbutt and tallowwood, tannin bleed can wash through a water-based topcoat and leave that green-grey "mouldy" discoloration across the boards. Intense locks the tannins down before the topcoat goes on, and at the same time it pulls the grain forward -- deeper, richer, more golden than a plain sealer gives you.
Why installers use it
- Tannin control. Specifically recommended for blackbutt, tallowwood and other high-tannin species where tannin bleed is a known risk.
- Grain pop. Enhances the natural colour of the timber -- deeper, warmer, more golden than a clear sealer.
- Even seal. Locks the surface so the topcoat flows evenly and you don't get blotchy absorption.
- Reduces grain raising. Less sanding between coats.
- Minimises edge bonding. Less risk of side-bonding forcing cracks in the timber as it moves with the seasons.
- Non-yellowing. Keeps its colour over time -- the floor ages like the species should, not like an old varnish.
- Dries in 1-2 hours. Doesn't slow the job down.
Coverage & specs
- Coverage: around 8 m² per litre per coat.
- Drying: 1-2 hours between coats.
- TVOC: 84 g/L.
- Compatible with: Bona Traffic HD, Traffic GO, Mega, Wave 2K -- every Bona water-based topcoat.
Classic UX or Prime Intense?
Classic UX is the everyday primer -- natural tone, works on most species, sets up the topcoat cleanly. Prime Intense is what you reach for when you want to pop the grain on darker hardwoods, or when you're working a species with known tannin bleed (blackbutt, tallowwood, some ironbarks, spotted gum going dark). Same application, different look and different insurance against bleed-through. Ring with the species and we'll tell you which one.
How to apply
Sand to a fine grit and dust off. Apply Prime Intense with a Bona roller or T-bar at ~8 m²/L. Give it 1-2 hours to dry. Light abrade if grain has raised. Then two coats of your topcoat -- Traffic HD or Traffic GO for commercial, Mega or Wave 2K for residential.
Prime Intense in action
Sanding blackbutt this week?
Ring with the species, the square meters and the topcoat you're using. You'll get the primer coverage, the litres and the sequence in one call.
Call 1300 950 551Also in the range
Bona Classic UX primer, Traffic HD, Traffic GO, Mega, Wave 2K, Hard Wax Oil, SIA abrasives, Quantum T adhesive. See the full range.