I know some decorators still have doubts over the durability of water-based paints.

Well, 3 weeks ago I did a redecoration of a home, including a load of white woodwork. I was going over previously panted surfaces with the usual prep, one coat of Johnstone’s Aqua Undercoat and one coat of Johnstone’s Aqua Guard.

Yesterday I went back to the job as the customers have now decided to go for caridean flooring. So, I’ve had to take up all the Scotia around the skirting boards, which has been caulked  over and over again through the years. Scraping at the woodwork with a razor blade, metal scraper and 80 grit sandpaper.

Considering I only applied the water-based paint a few weeks ago, you could forgive the water-based paint for failing and coming off with scotia. Most oil-based paints wouldn’t have coped!!

This really wasn’t the case!! This water-based paint is so durable that it remained undamaged. I still need to paint it all because of the missing paint at the bottom of the skirting board, but I’m very impressed with how good this product actually is. It just goes to show how the durability of water-based paint has improved over the years. You really don’t have an excuse not to make the switch from oil.

Water-based paints in general have come a long way in recent years. It isn’t just Johnstone’s Aqua Guard that shows superior durability. Paint technology is changing all the time and we’re being driven away from anything containing oil, mostly for environmental reasons.

Manufacturers are putting a lot of effort into developing better water-based alternatives. Durability, ease of use and overall finish are crucial to these products.

If you want to try the Aqua Guard, you can either buy it from your local Johnstone’s Decorating Centre, but unless you’re eligible for a trade discount, it will probably be cheaper to buy this product online. Click here to see online prices.

. Remember you need to use the Aqua undercoat first to help with adhesion and opacity.

There may be other water-based paints which are just as durable, but Johnstone’s Aqua Guard has been my favourite for a while now, simply because I know it’ll look good and never let me down. Mike Gregory wrote a full Johnstone’s Aqua Guard review recently which you may also find useful.

Final Thoughts

As you can tell from the rest of this blog, the durability of water-based paints has improved somewhat over the years. Products such as Johnstone’s Aqua Guard or WRX Satinwood are just as, or even more durable than the oil-based alternatives.

Water-based paints are also better for the environment, easier to use, quicker, and leave a good finish.

The Durability of Water-Based Paints – by Daniel James Wilson