I'm installing 2” x 5/16” Red Oak face nailed strips in my living room. Actually, I'm replacing the existing 2” x 5/16” Red Oak face nailed strips floor with the same size and species wood. I'll be using the good wood that I remove from the living room to patch bad boards in the rest of the house.

I was planning to finish with Bona Mega semi gloss. Is there anything better?

I'm not comfortable with the short working time of catalyst finishes like Bona Traffic.

So I'd like recommendations as to what is the the best brand and specific product water based finish for a DIY job? Best is defined as the most durable, and reasonable for DIY use. Cost is not a major concern.

I would go with the Traffic. It does set up and dry quick, but not that quick. Just use a sealer as the first coat, and then apply a few coats of traffic. Traffic is really pretty forgiving finish compared to others. I would recommend using an 18" T-Bar applicator. Buff in between coatings with a 220 grit sanding screen.

I'll go with Traffic. I appreciate the advice.

id be carefull with waterborne on a thin solid floor like the one you have. You really need to seal it off with oil or alcohol based sealer first. waterbornes on thin solids can lead to some pretty nice cupping if you not carefull, be sure to let easch coat dry a little longer than normal, dont want to do more than one coat a day.