No. Even with premium lines like Benjamin Moore Aura or Regal Select, one coat rarely provides the durability, washability, or true color depth of a professional finish. Two coats are strictly recommended to achieve optimal results, hide underlying stains, and prevent patchy or uneven sheens.
While the high quality of our products sometimes makes one-coat coverage achievable, Benjamin Moore® recommends two coats to achieve full color development and to optimize performance. On bare substrates, two coats are recommended; previously painted surfaces can be finished with 1 or 2 coats.
We recommend at least two coats of your topcoat product for optimal hide and color development. Check the paint can for the recommended drying times and wait until the paint is completely dry before you add the second coat. Be sure to allow proper cure time before returning fixtures, wall plates or frames to the walls.
Good Surface Condition: If the existing paint is in good condition, with no significant damage, peeling, or discoloration, a single coat may be sufficient to refresh the appearance and provide adequate protection.
We recommend using Aura® Exterior paint on stucco. Most people opt for a flat sheen when painting stucco to mask any imperfections. If you decide to spray the paint, be sure to back roll or back brush your stucco afterward for an even finish.
To make your home look expensive, lean into high-end neutrals, rich earth tones, or crisp high-contrast combinations. These colors add depth, complement natural surroundings, and enhance architectural details.
October has many warm dry sunny days and although it does record the highest( not by much) average monthly rainfall, the rain is usually followed by windy autumn weather to dry things out quickly. It is therefore alright to paint outside in October. Just beware the cold nights.
While one coat of paint may be enough in rare situations, two coats are almost always worth the extra effort. They ensure even coverage, durability, and a long-lasting, professional look.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Sometimes, if the surface is uniform, you're repainting the same color, and using a high-solids premium product. But even then, professionals prefer two coats for even sheen and long-term protection.
Yes, Sherwin-Williams is generally considered on par with Benjamin Moore, and both are top-tier, premium paint brands. While professional opinions vary, Sherwin-Williams is often favored for its application and frequent sales, whereas Benjamin Moore is praised for superior color depth and long-term durability.
Always stir your paint instead of shaking it. Shaking introduces air bubbles, which can cause bumps, pinholes, and a bumpy finish. While factory shaking is fine for unopened cans, stirring is essential for home use to ensure an even, bubble-free application.
Is it worth spending more on Benjamin Moore paint? For many people, yes, it can be worth the extra money. Benjamin Moore paint goes on beautifully, covers better with fewer coats, and tends to last longer. That means less time spent on touch-ups and more peace of mind in the long run.
BEHR MARQUEE is widely considered the best true one-coat paint for DIYers. It comes with a built-in primer and guarantees one-coat hide over previously painted surfaces, provided you select from their exclusive 1,000+ color collection.
Builders use flat (or matte) paint primarily because its lack of shine hides drywall imperfections, scuffs, and texture flaws. It is also highly forgiving for quick touch-ups without leaving visible overlap or roller marks. This makes it a highly cost-effective and efficient way to deliver a uniform finish.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
Cool gray is being replaced by "mushroom" neutrals (warm taupes and greys with subtle green or violet undertones), warm earthy khakis, and soft, natural sages.
The top one-coat paints for interior walls are Behr Marquee and Benjamin Moore Aura. Both are premium, durable paint-and-primer combinations that deliver exceptional hiding power and a long-lasting, washable finish, provided you choose from their specially formulated, guaranteed one-coat color collections.
Avoid painting bedrooms in high-energy or intensely saturated colors like bright red, vibrant orange, or deep purple, as they can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety. Designers recommend steering clear of dark, gloomy shades like black or charcoal (especially in low light), as well as neon tones or cold, flat greys that make a room feel clinical.
Painting a standard 12x12 room typically takes 6 to 12 hours of total labor for two coats, but it is usually stretched across 1 to 3 days to allow for drying times.
During any temperature extremes — hot or cold — it's best to avoid painting and wait for milder conditions. Ideally, exterior painting is done when daytime temperatures are consistently at least 50 degrees or higher.
While standard exterior paint lasts 7 to 15 years, true "25-year" lifespan is only achieved using heavy-duty, ceramic-infused elastomeric coatings. Instead of repainting every decade, these professional applications expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures to prevent cracking, peeling, and moisture buildup.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.