Water-Based Gloss Paints: Are They Really THAT Bad?

Exploring Water-Based Gloss Paints: Are They Up to the Job?

In this video, I take a deep dive into some popular water-based gloss paints to see how they measure up. I’ve tested Caparol PU Gloss, Valspar Quick Dry Gloss, Fortress Water-Based Gloss, Johnstone’s Aqua Guard Durable Gloss, and Benjamin Moore Advanced Water-Based Gloss.

I’ve heard on the grapevine that a staggering 87% of pro painters avoid using water-based gloss—but is that true? And more importantly, are they missing out? From examining the gloss levels to performing the ultimate durability check – the nail scratch test – I’ll uncover whether these paints can hold their own in the field.

If you’re a DIYer or a professional decorator, this comparison will give you the insights you need. Stay tuned to see which of these products shines brightest! 💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more paint reviews and tips.

Time stamp
00:00 Welcome
00:13 What type of paint?
00:23 Which paints?
02:09 Taking a closer look
04:53 Nails out!
07:43 What do I think?
09:26 End Videos

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[Geordie_J]

I recently just used Leyland Trade fast drying PLUS satinwood in my new place and for water based paint I'm actually surprised at how little brush marks were left compared to the Dulux stuff i was using previous. Also the Dulux was VERY flat and dull looking. The Leyland has ticked all my DIY boxes so I'm happy!

[krisholden]

For my few customers who like a tough glossy finish (including where I am at present), I've been using the Dulux Trade quick dry system and they seem really happy with the sheen, durability and the fact it stays whiter for longer. I do find that it's a bit harder to work with than satin and eggshell scuff x, due to the ninja runs every 10 minutes, having to work quickly with it, not over-brushing, but if I use a fussy blokes red smooth 4" sleeve on the sills and doors, sanding between coats, it looks very nice. Just a lot of work, and on new mdf 'factory primed' doors I find 4-5 coats are needed, 1 or 2 of a primer, 1 or 2 of the qd undercoat, then 1 or 2 of the gloss, compared to 1 primer, then 2 coats of a satin or eggshell!
Might give the Benjamin Moore a go after this, I did have a chat with the Brewers rep as I was going to change systems for gloss to the Johnstones but he said its very similar and you'll still get the ninja runs due to the fact they all have a bit of oil in them. Judging by the smell of the Dulux Trade system, I reckon it must be some kind of vegetable oil, as it smells a bit like a greasy spoon. See, "always smell the paint" 😅

[elfmageify]

I used dulux trade quick dry undercoat and topcoat and it sticks amazing over my previous oil coated doors. I keyed the surface properly and I genuinely couldn't scratch it off no matter what I did, I even got a blunt knife and tried rubbing it off and I couldn't. Also the finish looked really smooth for a non professional like me . I don't see the point in using oil based if its just going to go yellow after a few months, waste of time and effort.

[Colwray]

My Goto general one is the Dulux Trade quick dry .. never had an issue with this 2 coats the gloss is excellent and stats white. The BM also very good … I used the fortress only on things like rentals or if people just want a cheap quick job however the satin for the money I have no complaints 👍

[claesstaffan]

In Sweden, we stopped using oil-based gloss 40 years ago in professional painting.

[howardparkin]

I also prefer oil based myself but as always there is an exception to the rule and I do like two pack because of life length and shine but you have to know how to put it on right.

[davesheffield]

I used scuff x on all of my doors and woodwork in my house 4 years ago and it still looks amazing .

[jackwardley]

I think the main reason a lot of people in general decorators DIY use water based whether gloss satin eggshell is cause its easier and quicker to apply some oil based paints and primers are very difficult to get a good finish not forgiving at all some run easy and sag even worse you have to know what your doing when using them can't get away with a smash.

[jimspc]

The best paint I have used in many years is Nippon paint. Unfortunately it is no longer available in Australia as they had a falling out with their major distributor who wanted a bigger share of the profits as they reckoned they were so good at selling it. So Nippon said no P off and left the Australian market entirly.
Pity is was a great paint.

[hunglikeanhamster]

Have you tried bedec aqua advance gloss? ….i use the satinwood one as most of my clients don’t like the gloss sheen.

[Lloyd]

Interesting, the fortress seems to be a bit of a bargain to be fair, but the aquaguard looks like a winner there when you factor in the price compared to the BM, which may be harder, but where would you need to use a 'bombproof' 🙄 paint??

[xxnonstopdancingxx]

You need to know your products and that’s about experience and being consistent in my humble view. Following prep I use Caparol haftprimer and a wb gloss on top. Bedec Aqua Gloss. Let it cure for 4-6 weeks and it’s hard and looks great. This system works well for me.

[Guyparkinson]

Interesting video Phil.
In the past ive used the Dulux water based gloss and been happy with the results.

[davewright]

Used water based satin on a commercial setting at the request of the customer.. On a flat surface in the bathroom it failed within weeks when exposed to soap products.. Repainted with oil based still going strong 2 years down the line.. Water based has its place but it's not as good or long lasting as oil based

[charlesfalconer]

I painted my woodwork with zinsser allcoat white satin and was disappointed in how yellow it went after only a few months !!

[kennydeary]

Dulux do a quick dry gloss ..great finish

[shokdj]

When I used the valspa gloss it smelt like a hybrid ain’t

[peterwest]

oil based always looks better but will yellow - your sample paints have runs / bubbles/ brush hairs / i realize they are sample patches but your painting is bad water based gloss is more a high sheen satin unless you use a hybrid version but this too will yellow over time .

[wbev_thai]

Its the curing time with them all, you could scratch them so bad if you wanted to say with a coi., i think BM is over two weeks cure time

[allansmith]

Used water based Johnson paint. Says on the tin for wood and metal only used a small amount to paint a gate 4 mounth ago went to use it again last week hard as concrete. Absolute garbage. I've had oil based paints in the past that keeps for years.