Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth Masonry paint has garnered a fair amount of praise and criticism in equal measure among professional decorators. From its ability to hold up under unpredictable weather to its coverage and opacity, decorators have shared both positive and negative experiences, creating a nuanced picture of what users can expect.
Coverage and Application
Many decorators commend Stormshield for its excellent coverage and smooth application. Ralph D., a decorator with significant experience, noted that the paint’s good opacity and ease of application allowed him to achieve satisfying results efficiently. He further stated that it had “pretty similar coverage” to the more expensive Dulux Weathershield, providing a cost-effective alternative without compromising on the finish.
However, opinions are split on this front. Hamish E. described his experience with Stormshield as a “mistake,” specifically criticising the top coat, which he found too transparent and likened to a bad water-based formula. The lack of density, according to Hamish, impacted the finished look, making it less than ideal for those seeking a solid, single-coat solution.
Weather Resistance and Durability
Stormshield’s resilience under adverse weather conditions is a recurring highlight in many decorators’ feedback. Russ W. praised it for its quick-drying capability, which allows it to withstand sudden rain showers—a significant advantage when working outdoors in unpredictable climates. Similarly, Derek H. mentioned that Stormshield is “weather-resistant in 20 minutes,” a feature that can save time and reduce the risk of paint being compromised by sudden weather changes.
Comparing it with Dulux Weathershield, Jake C.’s feedback highlighted a preference shift among decorators from Dulux to Johnstone’s products, primarily driven by Dulux’s increased prices post-Brexit and the COVID pandemic. Although Dulux Weathershield is generally well-regarded for weather resistance, Stormshield seems to offer a competitive edge for cost-sensitive projects requiring durable, weather-resistant finishes.
Price Competitiveness
Pricing is one of the critical factors where Stormshield stands out. Many decorators appreciate that it’s less costly than other premium masonry paints, especially Dulux Weathershield. Paul M. found that Johnstone’s paint was priced inconsistently across suppliers, with significant differences from one store to another. This unpredictability led some decorators to consider switching brands, given the impact on project costs. Nigel D. expressed frustration over Johnstone’s customer service and their lack of responsiveness to loyal customers regarding price adjustments.
Despite these challenges, the general consensus among decorators is that Stormshield offers a good balance between performance and price, particularly for large projects or clients on a budget. For example, Len M. mentioned how he preferred to use whichever brand was on special offer but did note Stormshield’s affordability as a significant plus.
Quality Concerns and Reliability
Feedback from long-term users reveals some concerns regarding consistency in Stormshield’s formulation. Decorators such as Mark K. noticed a decline in quality over time, attributing it to changes in the product’s formula. This aligns with other feedback suggesting that Stormshield doesn’t cover as well as it did in previous years, often requiring additional coats for a complete finish. Andrew J. C. pointed out that, unlike Weathershield, Stormshield typically needs two coats to achieve solid coverage, making it potentially less efficient for those used to one-coat masonry paints.
Some users even questioned Johnstone’s commitment to product quality, especially compared to Crown’s Clean Extreme and FastFlow products, which several decorators, including Michael B., described as offering excellent coverage and a washable finish. While the price may draw decorators to Stormshield, those seeking the best possible opacity and consistency might find better reliability with other brands, particularly for intricate jobs demanding flawless coverage.
Popular Comparisons with Dulux Weathershield and Other Brands
The debate between Dulux Weathershield and Johnstone’s Stormshield is ongoing, with decorators offering mixed opinions based on their priorities. Jim R. questioned whether Stormshield was “as good as Dulux Weathershield,” to which the feedback was somewhat divided. Many decorators, like Steve W., feel Dulux’s formula has deteriorated, describing it as “thin” and lacking the robust body it once had. Clifford W. echoed this, noting that recent changes to Dulux Weathershield made it less effective, causing him to consider alternatives like Stormshield.
For decorators comparing masonry paints, brands like Sandtex and Tikkurila Finngard Silicone Protect often come up as alternatives. Mick T. preferred Sandtex, describing it as equally durable. Likewise, Ralph D. felt Stormshield was in line with other leading brands but could not match the single-coat coverage that Dulux Weathershield occasionally achieves. Some decorators feel these alternative brands offer greater consistency or higher-quality results, especially for high-end projects where cost isn’t the primary concern.
Overall Impression and Final Thoughts
Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth Masonry paint is positioned as a reliable, budget-friendly masonry paint with solid weather resistance and durability. While it may not rival the single-coat opacity of Dulux Weathershield or the sheen of higher-end options like Tikkurila, its affordability makes it an attractive choice for large-scale jobs or clients prioritising cost over premium quality.
Ultimately, the mixed feedback from decorators suggests that Stormshield is best suited for jobs where weather resistance and cost savings are crucial but where minor compromises on opacity and consistency are acceptable. For decorators who value predictability and flawless opacity, considering other brands or using multiple coats with Stormshield might yield better results.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing and good value for money.
- Strong weather resistance and fast-drying, suitable for unpredictable climates.
- Cost-effective for large or budget-conscious projects.
Cons:
- Inconsistent opacity, often requiring more than one coat.
- Varied feedback on the quality of customer support from Johnstone’s.
- Occasional issues with product consistency due to formulation changes.
Johnstone’s Stormshield remains a solid choice within the masonry paint category, but decorators should weigh its affordability against potential limitations in coverage and formulation stability.
