Hi James,
Whitewash effect on floors is achieved by both lacquer and oil-based products. However, both sealants and the colours, which work with them are applied in a different way and therefore the results in appearance may vary.
- Oil Based White Wash Finish
The oil-based product will "emboss" the grain. As the grain is the softer part of the timber, it absorbs the oils in a better way and therefore will appear in brighter white, creating white streaks through the timber. The white strong grain is typical for the oiled floors.
- White Wash with Lacquer
Whitewash with lacquer is achieved in 2 ways - by mixing white colourant in the lacquer; and by application of white stain directly to the bare wood, sealed by coats of lacquer. The first way provides uniform finish of the colour effect through the surface of the timber, where the grain of the wood will come out in the same intensity as the rest. The second will come out similar to the oil-based whitewash finish.
The Answer:
If you'd like to keep the same whitewashed appearance, which you had with the oil-based product, after the floor sanding, apply "Bona Create Ice" stain, sealed with Bona Mega or Bona Mega Natural finish.
Don't forget with lacquers you have the option extra-matt, matt, satin and gloss finishes.