Helmi vs Everal Aqua
This morning I received a really useful email from Tikkurilla UK explaining the difference between Helmi and Everal Aqua. To coincide with that information, I thought a quick comparative review of both products, from a trade professional would be helpful to other professionals. So here it is.
I’ll start by saying I think both products are brilliant at what they do and believe there is a place on the market for each. In the UK we tend to favour more intricate profiles on woodwork, from Chatswoth to Kensington designs they usually have multiple edges and Helmi doesn’t like edges. In fact unless you’re spraying helmi, I’d suggest that it is pretty difficult to use on intricate surfaces. This is due to the fact that helmi has to be applied quite heavily and not spread out too far.
This means that if youre trying to use Helmi in period properties, it is likely you’re going to have to waste time applying extra coats or you’ll be creating runs and folds in the work by applying the coating too thick trying to get it to cover. That being said, for more modern looking, larger, flatter surfaces I don’t think you can go wrong with Helmi. When applied as Tikkurilla recommend, the coating is excellent and will usually cover in two coats, even when there is a colour change.
I prefer the sheen level of semi-Matt available in Helmi rather than the satin finish that its counterpart has to offer, but that is just my personal preference. The Everal Aqua is my preferred of the two products largely due to the fact it acts more like a normal paint and it cures slightly faster than the Helmi does.
Helmi vs Everal Aqua
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Possibly our most asked question, and we understand why! On the surface, these two wood paints are hard to differentiate given they have the same end us, but there are some distinct variances between the two ranges. In this email, we'll delve into their unique features and benefits to assist you in making the right choice for your needs.
Composition & Properties
Both products are water-based and will not turn yellow unless exposed to temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius. Helmi is a water-based acrylic, whereas Everal Aqua is a water-based acrylic enamel.
Each product applies slightly differently and has different properties e.g. Helmi has excellent self-levelling properties and must be applied more generously to achieve the best finish, making it ideal for flat doors, whereas Everal Aqua can be applied in the same way as most water-based products on the market.
Sheen levels
· Helmi is available in matt (10%), Semi-matt (30%) and Gloss (80%).
· Everal Aqua is available in Matt (10%), Satin (40%) and Gloss (80%).
Unsure on sheen level? We’ve broken this down in more detail for the Tikkurila range here.
(Top tip: the numbers noted at the end of our product names (e.g. Optiva 5) are a reference to this numerical scale. The higher the number, the higher the sheen.)
Certifications
· Helmi is IMO/MED, M1, Nordic Swan Eco Label, Finnish Quality (marine equipment directive) & Toy Safety approved – hence, we specify regularly for interior use on cruise liners.
· Everal Aqua has been approved by the Polish Asthma & Allergy Association.
Curing and durability
Both products are equally durable, though Everal Aqua will cure slightly faster than Helmi.
Usage
Both are excellent choices for painting interior wood and primed metal, such as skirting, door frames, radiators, and kitchen cabinets. Everal Aqua can be used on small areas outside (however, the surface must be completely dry, sound, and stable before application), Helmi cannot be used outside.
Please note that Everal Aqua is not classed as a high performance exterior wood coating, therefore will last less than 5 years depending on exposure. Please use Valtti Opaque for a longer lasting finish.
