The Best Water-Based Gloss

By Mike Gregory

Water-based technology has come a long way in the past few years and products such as water-based gloss has improved dramatically. There are so many advantages of using water-based compared to oil. The main reason people are edging more and more towards water-based is modern oil-based gloss tends to discolour over time, whereas water-based will stay looking pristine for a lifetime.

Water-based products are better for the environment too!! Clean up is a lot quicker and application is a lot easier. But what is the best water-based gloss on the market? I thought I’d go through my favourites and explain the pros and cons of each. I hope this helps clear things up.

Johnstone’s Aqua

Johnstone’s Aqua is the most popular water-based gloss on the British market. That said, it isn’t a true water-based. It is in fact, a hybrid, meaning it still contains a small amount of oil. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A hybrid is what you would class as a compromise between water and oil. Johnstone’s Aqua is durable, easy to apply, has great opacity and feels like an oil-based. It will discolour which is a massive disadvantage, but it takes a lot longer than a true oil-based would.

There are a few things you need to remember if you’re going to use Johnstone’s Aqua. You should always use the aqua undercoat and gloss as a system and never go straight over previously painted surfaces with the gloss. It also helps if you keep a bucket of water handy so you can keep wetting your brush when needed. Running a damp cloth over a surface before painting will also help. Water is your friend.

You can buy Johnstone’s Aqua online, or any Johnstone’s Decorating Centre.

Benjamin Moore Scuff X Semi-Gloss

This is by far the most premium product on my list, and it is the most expensive. As the name suggests, Benjamin Moore semi-gloss has a sheen level which is slightly lower than most true gloss products. This is the only downside.

A lot of decorators, including myself, use this product directly over the top of old oil-based coatings. However, you are advised to use the Benjamin Moore Stix primer by the manufacturer for adhesion. You will find the semi-gloss extremely easy to work with, levels off nicely and leaves a gorgeous finish!! This really is a luxurious product and easily one of the best water-based gloss products on the market.

You can buy this product online

Tikkurila Helmi 80

Tikkurila Helmi 80 is another nice product. The sheen level is as high as most oil-based alternatives and the finish in white is proud and pure. It really does look good when applied correctly and it’s a lot cheaper than Benjamin Moore. You should use Helmi primer on bear timber, or Tikkurila Akva on previously painted surface, before applying Helmi 80.

You should roll flat surfaces with a mini roller when using Helmi, then lay it off with a nice, soft brush. The paint can be a little bit loose to work with, so good brushes are a must. You will find it a joy to work with if you get kitted out properly. Staalmeester paint brushes are perfect.

You can buy this product directly from Tikkurila.

Which Water-Based Gloss Products do Other Decorators Use?