I would like to refinish my hardwood floors. I am looking at doing several large rooms (250 Sgt-300 sq-ft, 1200 sq-ft total). Based on what I have read here, people seem to recommend Bona Traffic. However, several web sites seem to recommend Traffic for professionals only. Is Traffic that difficult to use? The Bona web site has video showing Bona Naturale applied with a roller. I have refinished my other floors with Minwax oil base super fast drying polyurethane using a lambs wool applicator and was satisfied with the results. This time, I need to use a low VOC product which is why I am looking the water based Traffic.

Traffic requires the use of a catalyst, therefore, it is recommended to be used by professionals only. Most all "two-component" water-based finishes are "for professional use only". Some places will not sell to non-contractors, others will. There is no law against it I am aware of. It is not harder to use than single component waterbased floor finishes. But it is more expensive and "trickier" than that OMU you used before.

Dont get scared by that "for professional use only" thing. We just say that to stop all the DIY people, lol.

Thanks for the reply. In what ways is it trickier? I understand that once it is mixed, it has to be used in 4 hours. From my limited experience, that shouldn't be an issue for large rooms. I can see that mixing smaller amounts could be a pain.

As a waterbased finish, it dries MUCH faster than OMU and there is not much time to fix missed spots or puddles or things like that. So, one needs to be FAST and accurate in the application of most waterbased finishes. That's what makes it "trickier", IMO.

Gary,

Thanks. My daughter is extremely chemical sensitive which is why I want to use a water based product. Thanks for the warning.

Yes, you have to be an artist on the fly to keep that wet edge and avoid drag marks.

Is there another water based product that you would recommend instead of Traffic? The floors I want to do include hallways and I also have a dog. I also want/need a loc VOC product.

"Street-Shoe" by BASIC has 275 voc
You can add up to about 12 oz of water per gallon to keep a wet edge longer, without degrading the finish to any degree.
For visual protection from the dog, go with the lowest shine you are comfortable with aesthetically.