A good lacquer is what protects a wood floor day to day, so it's worth choosing one more than looks alone — this range spans sheen levels from gloss to ultra matt, along with water-based and solvent-based options from Bona, Junckers and Morrells.
Water-Based and Solvent-Based Options
As with primers, lacquers split broadly into water-based and solvent-based systems. Water-based lacquers, like Morrells' Induro range, tend to dry faster and with less odour, making them a common choice for occupied homes. Solvent-based options remain popular for certain traditional finishes and specific job requirements — check each product page for which category it falls into.
Sheen Levels, From Gloss to Ultra Matt
Sheen is largely down to preference, and the range here covers most points on that scale. Junckers labels its finishes by system name (MT200, MT400, MT500) across satin, matt and ultra matt options, while Bona's Mega range runs from the Bona Mega Gloss Varnish through to the Bona Mega Extra Matt Varnish, giving a fairly direct choice between a higher shine and a flatter, more natural look.
Commercial-Grade and High-Traffic Lacquers
A few products are aimed specifically at busier floors. The Bona Traffic HD range (available in SilkMatt, Matt and ExtraMatt) is built for heavier commercial use, and Junckers' HP800 Sport Lacquer is intended for sprung or sports floors that see repeated impact. Morrells' Induro XL anti-bacterial water-based varnishes are another option worth a look for spaces like kitchens, clinics or communal areas.
Small-Pack and Aerosol Lacquers for Touch-Ups
Not every job needs a full 5L tin. Morrells' aerosol lacquers come in 400ml cans across satin, satin-matt and matt finishes, useful for small repairs or matching an existing Morrells finish without opening a larger tin.
FAQs
How do I choose between a matt and a gloss lacquer?
It's largely down to preference and how much wear the floor sees — matt finishes tend to show scuffs and dust less than gloss, but the choice is mostly aesthetic.
What's the difference between one-component and two-component lacquers?
A one-component lacquer is ready to use straight from the tin. A two-component lacquer is mixed with a hardener before application, generally giving a tougher, more durable finish suited to heavier use.
Do commercial-grade lacquers need a different application method?
Not necessarily, but they're formulated to hold up to more traffic, so they're a sensible choice for busier spaces like halls, offices or communal areas rather than a technical requirement of the product itself.
Can I use an aerosol lacquer for a full floor?
Aerosols are really intended for small touch-ups and repairs rather than covering a whole room — for a full floor, one of the 5L tins will go much further.
Do I need a primer before applying lacquer?
In most cases yes, particularly on bare or newly sanded wood — see our primers and treatments range for options that pair with these lacquers.
