Over the New Year, I carried out an opacity test between Benjamin Moore Scuff X and Aqua Guard Satin, as I keep reading comments on DFUK such as “Scuff X is on another planet compared to other water-based woodwork paints.”
But before we start, I think it is important to point out something to all the oil-based paint lovers, or anyone else who thinks that water-based paint is poor and doesn’t compare to oil in terms of opacity, application or durability. You need to stop being a Fred Flintstone and recognise that water-based paint technology has come a long way. I could do an opacity test on white oil-based paint, but I don’t want to be waiting 24–36 hours between each coat!🤦♂️
The Test
I painted a bathroom door at home with Tikkurila Otex in black as a base coat for the test. Otex is a high-adhesion primer rather than a finishing system, so it was ideal for this comparison. I then applied two coats of Scuff X Super White on one section, two coats of Aqua Guard Super White on a different section, and two coats of Aqua Guard Brilliant White on another section. I wanted to see how much difference an off-white shade makes to opacity.
I then invited my wife, daughter and her fiancé, separately, to look at the door. I asked them to feel the samples and tell me which ones they thought had covered better. I also asked them which finish felt richer and looked better.
They all picked Aqua Guard as having the best finish and, ironically, Sally and Amanda both preferred the Brilliant White sample, even though the Aqua Guard mixed to Super White had the best opacity. They both described the Super White as a ‘dirty white’, which is important to a lot of people, but there are also quite a few who prefer a ‘softer’ white, which is why Farrow & Ball colours have been so popular.
In my professional opinion, the best opacity by far was Aqua Guard Super White, and both Aqua Guard Brilliant White and Scuff X clearly needed a third coat, especially on the mouldings.
Another interesting point was that I found three small runs on the Scuff X panels, but none on the Aqua Guard panels. It was cold when I carried out this test, as I have seen decorators saying, “Aqua Guard runs easily.” When paint is cold, it takes longer to dry, but when you’re doing an opacity test, you can’t lightly go back over the edges because the black will flash through. So, I just painted them as normal and then waited until they were dry to see the result.
The only explanation I can think of is that some people say they add a drop of water to Aqua Guard, which stops it running. I don’t think it’s anything to do with adding water. You just need to stir it thoroughly, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. I always stir Aqua Guard and have no problem with runs.
So, now we have completed the durability and opacity tests, and Aqua Guard wins hands down on both counts. I have no problem with anyone using Scuff X, as it is a good product. I just don’t think it’s better than Johnstone’s Aqua Guard.
If anyone disagrees with what I have said, then please join me in carrying out some of these tests. Incidentally, I also carried out a durability test comparing Aqua Satin and Scuff X, and it was virtually a draw. That’s the level of durability I would expect from Scuff X, but that doesn’t make it a bad product. I would happily choose either over an oil-based paint.
Click here for more information on Johnstone’s Aqua Guard.
Click here for more information on Benjamin Moore Scuff X.
AQUA Guard all the way. I agree with the opacity, just superb. Due to the (slight) oil and water mix, it definitely needs stirring — I re-stir if the tin has been open a while. Great product.
There’s no oil in Aqua Guard as it’s a totally different product from the Aqua paint that’s shown in the picture and is only available in satin.
Fair dues good review, the Johnstones Aqua guard lot easier to obtain also it’s probably £20/30 odd 5l tin a 5 l cheaper too if you on price then obviously can score with this.
Let’s face it price is a major point for most people nowadays.
I had issues with it running but possibly a touch too cold for it as you say.
I painted our kitchen with BM Advance about 4 years and was very pleased with the results despite being an amateur. Used Two Fussy Blokes mini rollers (smooth). It’s really, really held up well.
I have offered to paint my son’s kitchen and would use the Advance again, but I think choosing colours from their massive range is difficult. Our kitchen was a light grey, but looks more white than grey.
I was thinking of using Teknos Futura Aqua (as it’s a hybrid like the Advance) and getting mixed to a F&B or Little Greene colour.
I’m looking for something durable. Is the Johnstone’s as durable as the Advance? Would I buy Aqua Guard or the Aqua?
Is the Teknos as good as Advance?
thanks
Interesting I wasn’t aware johnstones can mix bm super white.. I’ve been using both for a couple of years now.. And whilst I do like the durability of AQ the runs can certainly be an issue on mouldings/spindles in the winter months and it definitely takes alot more labour to apply via brush than scuff-x.. Not a big fan of the sheen level on Aq guard aswell looks around the 40% mark.. Just wish they did an eggshell or a 20% finish..
Have had good results recently in mixing matt and satin.
I’ve been using Bedec Advanced Satin in numerous situations where white is required. Now having read this I’d like to see how Aqua Guard compares especially in durability terms as interiors take a pounding . Scuff X seems exceptionally expensive and I would expect it to be bullet proof . Opacity not so much an issue for me, Bedec primer is fabulous in terms of undercoat provision. I am now using Zinsser Bin Aqua as the catch all base primer as it deals with knots as well as being highly tenacious.