Water-based satinwood paints are becoming more and more popular in peoples’ homes for a few reasons. Not least because water-based paints have improved vastly in recent years (I’ll get into that in the next section).
As a Professional Decorator of over 20 years, I thought I’d sit down and write a quick guide on some of the best water-based satinwood paints available in the UK. I hope it helps.
Why Choose Water-Based Satinwood
In 2010, the EU brought in restrictions on the amount of chemicals known as VOCs a manufacturer is allowed to use in oil-based paint. This meant that the quality of oil-based paint dropped, and the issue of ‘yellowing’ became very apparent.
At the time, water-based paints weren’t up to scratch really. You’d have issues with ‘levelling off’, and the finish would often look cheap. Paint conditioners did help, but it still wasn’t great.
It’s different now; you do need to be selective about which water-based satinwood you use, but providing you go for a good one, you’ll easily achieve a finish comparable (or better) than that of oil-based.
There are other benefits to using water-based satinwood. It’s quick and easy to apply, better for the environment, and easier to clean up. Satin is also the most popular paint finish for interior woodwork in the UK.
Now you have a bit of background on products, let’s get into the water-based satinwood comparison guide.
Johnstone’s Aqua Satin
Johnstone’s Aqua is probably the brand leader amongst decorators. However, you may be surprised to learn it isn’t fully water-based, rather a hybrid. This means although the product is advertised as “water-based”, it also contains a little bit of alkyd (oil). Johnstone’s Aqua satinwood will still yellow and discolour over time, however it will last a lot longer than most oil-based alternatives.
It is a bit of a brush wrecker too I’m afraid, however you can get around this by keeping a bucket of water close by and wetting your brush every now and again. Other than the two negatives I’ve just mentioned, Johnstone’s Aqua is a great product. Flows well, looks good, can be tinted and it is durable. Average 5/10 from me. Click here to see latest prices.
Johnstone’s Aqua Guard
Unlike the Aqua, Aqua Guard is a fully water-based system. It’s very good paint too!! I’d go as far as saying it’s the best “off the shelf” option there is. You need to use Aqua undercoat before using the Aqua Guard on previously painted surfaces. You’ll find this satinwood incredibly easy to use and leaves a fantastic finish. It’s mega durable too, so your painted surface will last for years.
9/10 from me. A very good product. Anyone can get a good finish with this paint. Click here to see latest prices.
Dulux Diamond Satinwood
Dulux Diamond is a fully water-based tintable satinwood, available online or from any DDC. It was an awesome product when they first launched it, but they’ve played about with the formula since then. You will need an adhesion primer before applying Diamond satinwood over a previously painted surface and ninja runs are a pain!! You will need to keep going back over your work to knock out any drips. The overall finish is good though and I have no issues with using this paint if asked. 6/10
WRX Trade Satinwood
WRX Trade Satinwood is genuinely one of the best acrylic satins I have ever used. Fully water-based and no separate adhesion primer needed over old oil-based paint. Opacity isn’t great, but ease of use is fantastic and the finish is spectacular. The only downside is it’s only available in brilliant white. This is a fantastic paint and one I use on a regular basis. It’s reasonably priced too. Available on Amazon by clicking here.
9/10 from me.
Tikkurila Helmi 30
Helmi 30 is a fully water-based satinwood. The big issue I find with this paint is it is very loose, meaning it can be difficult to control. Tikkurila have their own primers and you should use the full paint system. There are better water-based satins out there if you are applying your paint via brush and roller. However, Helmi 30 comes into its own when applied through an airless sprayer. 6/10
Teknos Futura 40
Teknos Futura Aqua 40 is another hybrid, so it will yellow over time. That said, I bet it lasts for 10 years or more before discolouring. You must use the designated primer before using the Futura 40 for adhesion and opacity reasons. This is a fantastic water-based satinwood product, and one I use regularly. The overall finish is brilliant.
Another 9/10. Click here to see current prices.
Best Tools to Apply Water-Based Satinwood
Water-based satinwood is generally a lot easier to apply that water-based gloss. That said, having the correct tools for the job will make life a lot easier. You’ll also be able to achieve a better finish. You will need a brush that holds its shape but is soft enough to ‘lay-off’ your paint. You will also need a mini roller for any larger surfaces such as doors.
My favourite brush for water-based satinwood is probably the Purdy Monarch Elite XL. It holds loads of paint and is easy to work with. Absolutely perfect for this type of work. Click here to see latest prices.
As for the roller, you won’t go far wrong with the Two Fussy Blokes 5mm nap. It’s a favourite amongst professional decorators, and you will be able to achieve a spray-like finish. Click here to see latest prices.
FAQs
What is the best water-based satinwood?
The best water-based satinwood on the market is probably Benjamin Moore Scuff X. However, I know that most Professional Decorators use Johnstone’s Trade Aqua Guard, which leaves a great finish and is very durable.
What are the disadvantages of water-based paint?
Modern water-based paint doesn’t really have any disadvantages (providing you choose a good one). Go back a few years, and adhesion, durability, and overall finish were all major issues. Luckily, paint technology has lead to improvements.
Does water-based satin go yellow?
Fully water-based satin paints never go yellow. However, a lot of hybrid satins (predominantly water-based, but still contains some alkyd oil), are labelled “water-based”, which can confuse things. These do turn yellow over time, although not as quickly as true oil-based satins.
How long does water-based paint last?
If you choose a good quality water-based satin or eggshell and apply it correctly, then it will last for years indoors. Outdoors, it probably won’t last as long as its oil-based counterpart would.
Does water-based satinwood need undercoat?
This depends on the product you’re using. Some water-based satinwood paints require an undercoat or adhesion primer when applied over previously painted surfaces. Others will adhere to a surface without the need for a separate primer.
Final Thoughts
I love a good water-based satinwood comparison blog. I think I’ve included all the good mainstream products on this list. The only other one worth checking out is probably Benjamin Moore Scuff X, which is very expensive, but is supposed to be the best on the market. I couldn’t include Scuff X because I haven’t used it enough to give an informed review.
got to be oil based for me waterborn alkyds and acrylics both mess your brushes up oil brushes last so much longer and yes i am talking about pure bristle
You would think one of the big 3 paint companies would buy or at least attempt to copy WRX satin. It would increase their sales tremendously if managed get it right on such a core product..
Johnstones trade also do an non yellowing fully Acyrlic satin separate from sightly yellowing Aqua system.