Bona's abrasive range covers pads and cloths for buffing, oiling and cleaning between coats — sized for both 407mm buffers and the smaller 280mm Bona Mini Buffer.
Choosing a Pad by Colour and Aggressiveness
Bona's Superpad range (280mm, for machines like the Bona Mini Buffer) comes in several colours, and as a general rule, the lighter the pad, the less aggressive it is on the buffed surface — worth keeping in mind when working with more delicate finishes, where a lighter pad reduces the risk of over-abrading the coating. The 407mm Buffing Cleaning Pads follow a similar colour-coded logic for larger machines, letting you match pad aggressiveness to the stage of the job.
Oiling Pads and Wool Pads for Oil Application
For applying oil rather than buffing a lacquer, Bona Oiling Pads (407mm, brown) and the Wool Buffing & Oiling Pads (407mm, cream, 100% wool) are built specifically for that job. Wool is naturally absorbent and dimensionally stable — it won't shrink or deform with repeated use — and holds the oil below the pad's surface rather than letting it splash onto the floor during application, giving more controlled coverage than a standard buffing pad would.
Oiling Cloth for First-Coat Application
The Bona Oiling Cloth is a 100% cotton cloth, wrapped around a 16- or 17-inch buffing pad, used to improve penetration of the first coat of oil or hardwax oil. It's highly absorbent once rinsed in warm water and wrung out before first use, and it's also suited to applying Bona Refresher or Freshen Up on lacquered floors — a different use case from the oil-specific pads above.
Common Questions About Bona Abrasive Pads
How do I choose between light and dark Superpads?
Lighter pads are less aggressive, making them better suited to delicate or sensitive finishes. Darker pads suit more demanding buffing work where a stronger abrasive action is needed.
What's the difference between an oiling pad and a buffing pad?
Oiling pads, including the wool range, are built to hold oil below the pad's surface for controlled application without splashing. Standard buffing pads are aimed at cleaning, polishing or light abrasion between coats rather than oil application.
Do I need to prepare the Oiling Cloth before use?
Yes — it should be rinsed thoroughly in warm water and wrung out before first use to activate its absorbency.
Can the Oiling Cloth be used for anything other than oil application?
Yes — it's also suited to applying Bona Refresher or Freshen Up on lacquered floors, not just hardwax oil.
