Water-based woodwork paints used to have a reputation for looking flat and plasticky. Johnstone's Trade Aqua range was developed to change that. It looks, feels and applies more like a traditional oil-based paint, but dries far faster, has a low odour and cleans up with water.
The Johnstone's Aqua system
| Product | Finish | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua Water Based Undercoat | Matt | Builds opacity and gives a smooth base under Aqua Gloss or Satin |
| Aqua Water Based Gloss | Gloss | Traditional high-shine finish for doors, skirting, windows and metalwork |
| Aqua Water Based Satin | Satin | Softer mid-sheen finish – a modern alternative to gloss |
All three are suitable for interior and exterior wood and metal.
Technical specifications
| Undercoat | Gloss | Satin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 10–12 m²/L | 10–12 m²/L | 10–12 m²/L |
| Touch dry | 1–2 hours | 1–2 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Recoatable | 4–6 hours | 4–6 hours | 4–6 hours |
| VOC | 12.1 g/L | 49.4 g/L | 53.3 g/L |
| Clean-up | Warm soapy water | Warm soapy water | Warm soapy water |
| Sizes | 2.5 L, 5 L | 2.5 L, 5 L | 2.5 L, 5 L |
Why switch to water-based gloss?
- Whites stay whiter. Water-based finishes are far less prone to the yellowing you get with oil-based gloss indoors.
- Fast. Undercoat and topcoat in the same day, with recoating after 4–6 hours.
- Low odour. Much more pleasant to live with during and after painting.
- Easy clean-up. Brushes wash out in soapy water – no white spirit.
- Tough and durable on interior and exterior wood and metal.
Gloss or satin?
Gloss gives the classic, traditional look and is the most hard-wearing and wipeable. Satin has a softer, more contemporary mid-sheen that hides small imperfections better. Many people now use satin on skirting and doors and keep gloss for front doors and metal railings.
How to get a smooth finish with Aqua
1. Prepare
Clean, sand and dust the surface. Remove any flaking paint. Sand existing oil-based gloss to a dull key.
2. Prime bare surfaces
Prime bare wood with Johnstone's Joncryl Primer Undercoat. Treat bare metal with a suitable metal primer.
3. Undercoat
Apply Aqua Water Based Undercoat, ideally tinted towards your topcoat colour.
4. Topcoat
Apply one or two coats of Aqua Gloss or Satin with a good synthetic brush. Work quickly, load the brush well and lay off in long, light strokes. Do not keep brushing once it starts to set.
Prefer a mid-sheen on walls too? See our comparison of Johnstone's Eggshell vs Acrylic Eggshell.
Frequently asked questions
Can Johnstone's Aqua Gloss be used outside?
Yes. Aqua Gloss, Satin and Undercoat are suitable for interior and exterior wood and metal.
Can I paint Aqua Gloss over oil-based gloss?
Yes – sand the old gloss to a key, clean it, then apply Aqua Undercoat before your topcoat.
Is Aqua the same as Aqua Guard?
No. Aqua Guard is a separate Johnstone's range. This guide covers Aqua Water Based Gloss, Satin and Undercoat.
Can Aqua be tinted?
Yes, it can be mixed to order in thousands of Johnstone's colours, as well as Brilliant White.
Buy Johnstone's Aqua from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Johnstone's Aqua to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Johnstone's Trade range.