For those who know me, they know that my go-to satinwood paint has always been Johnstone’s Aqua Guard. Its coverage is top-notch, durability is second to none, and it’s user-friendly for all, from professionals to DIYers.
But every once in a while, a client provides paint for a project (despite any protests I make) and so, now that I’ve used client-supplied Leyland Quick Dry Satin on numerous occasions, I thought it would be a good time to review it and stick that review up on the ol’ blog. Here’s my account of my experience with this particular paint.

Initial Thoughts of Leyland Quick Dry Satin
The first thing that struck me about the Leyland Quick Dry Satin is that it’s very white. And by that I mean, really white (hopefully this makes sense). Of course, this can be a bonus if that’s the colour you’re going for.
With that being said, the opaqueness left something to be desired. It took me three thin coats to reach a good opacity, which was a surprise coming from a world where two coats are usually sufficient.
Consistency, Durability and How Fast it Dries
The consistency of Leyland Quick Dry Satin paint takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you’re used to working with oil-based paints. To achieve a respectable finish, you need to use a decent soft brush.
The ‘quick dry’ moniker lives up to its name – it dries rapidly, potentially leading to brush cleg if you’re not careful.
On a warm day with a light breeze, this paint can dry within a quick 10 minutes. It’s worth noting that this paint also sprays quite well. If you apply it too thickly, though, be warned – it runs quite a bit.
In terms of durability, the paint’s robustness post-curing was commendable, making it a decent option for exterior fascias, especially when used in conjunction with a fast-drying undercoat like Caparol.
How Does it Compare to Johnstone’s Aqua Guard?
After using Leyland Quick Dry Satin on a few occasions, I decided to compare it with my trusty Johnstone’s Aqua Guard Satin.
The Aqua Guard covers well without an undercoat, while Leyland’s coverage was significantly less impressive. Even a third coat struggled to get the job done. The paint was difficult to work in by brush, and even splaying the bristles didn’t help. The Leyland paint has a recoat time of four hours – typical for a water-based product.
Success Story
If you’ve got to this point, you might be thinking that Leyland Quick Dry Satin isn’t any good. But it’s not all bad, though.
One particular success story is when I used this Leyland Satin paint on an indoor pool area. It took a few coats, but it was perfect for the job. The finish was a soft satin that was pleasant to the eye and, as far as I’m aware, is still looking good a year on.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with Leyland Quick Dry Satin paint was mixed. Its strength lies in its quick drying time and durable finish. But its coverage, ease of application, and tendency to run left a lot to be desired. While I still prefer my trusty Johnstone’s Agua Guard, Leyland Quick Dry Satin would fit the bill if you’re looking for something that is cheap, durable, and extremely white.