As our world becomes more digital, many painting contractors have focused their marketing attention on search, paid ads, and social media to keep the digital lead funnel full. However, it’s important to remember that a laser-sharp focus on client care, reputation, and strong relationships can keep another lead funnel full: referrals.     Recently, we sat down with two long-time contractors, both recipients of multiple industry awards recognizing them for excellent craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.      Alex Wendt is the Vice President and Junior Decorator of Ecclesiastical Studios and Sons, a Missouri-based painting company founded in 1956, focusing on historic church restorations, including plaster repair, decorative painting, altars, statues, gold gilding, and stenciling     Chad Lyons is the owner of Lyons Painting and Design, a Washington-based residential and commercial painting company serving the Puget Sound area outside of Seattle and the I-5 corridor. With the average employee tenure of 8-10 years, the crews have deep knowledge and exceptional skills.         They discussed how overcoming application challenges, adaptability when surprises pop up, and strong client communications ensure a smooth customer experience that leads to positive word of mouth and referrals.      Emily Howard: How is the painting market looking for 2026?           Alex Wendt: For us, it’s been pretty steady the last five years. Before that, we had some experiences with slower years where the jobs were smaller. I credit word of mouth and the work we’ve done on our website and social media for our steady work recently.     You know, everybody said word of mouth is dead, but in our experience, it’s still there. Priests talk to each other. A lot of them went to seminary together, and they regularly attend retreats together. If you bring value and do what you say you’re going to do, people will talk about you. Word of mouth has been extremely valuable to us.     Chad Lyons: We’re having a much better start to 2026 than 2025. The first quarter of last year was rough, but we’ve had a much better winter so far this year. However, I am hearing locally that there is a slowdown in new projects. The cost of building in the Northwest is high right now for both materials and labor. I don’t think the slowdown is long-term because there are too many people moving to the area for new construction not to come back. But in the short term, high costs combined with higher interest rates are pricing a lot of people out.     We feel fortunate that we have a strong workload because so many of our competitors don’t, but we’re cautious. We’re leaning into the grassroots of sales and marketing with a lot of client care and maintaining our reputation. We know our current client is our referral for our next job.      One of the best ways that a pro can build a strong reputation is by solving tough painting challenges. What are some of the challenges you face in application?            AW: For us, because we’re working over plaster in churches, we have trouble with wax. It’s tough because a lot of times you can’t see it on the substrate until you start painting.     We also deal with a lot of water leaks, plaster repair, and refinishing woodwork. To add to that, you never know what products were used in the last repaint. We use a lot of Shellac primer. It sticks to just about anything, and it sands it nicely.     Darker colors were also a struggle for years. We use a lot of deep base colors like red and blue. It would take three, four, or five coats to get it to cover. We switched to Behr Paint about 15 years ago, and we never went back. What I love about Behr is that after two coats of a dark color, it looks great.     CL: Me too. I’ve been really impressed with the BEHR MARQUEE® paint line for its ultra-deep base.     Because we do a lot of historic restorations as well, we often see signs that the last contractor had a lack of substrate, application, or product knowledge. A lot of times, we show up and find that they used poor processes or the wrong product for the project. It’s so important that pros understand products and how atmospheric conditions affect how they perform.     Another challenge we work hard to overcome is understanding the customers’ goals and budget so that we can set the project up for success. Not everyone can afford the Cadillac of painting jobs, so it’s our job to know where we can step back on product and prep when a budget is tight and still give them a good result.     What’s your strategy for meeting their budget while also guiding them towards the proper products and processes for a lasting finish?           CL: We have a multitude of approaches. From an estimating standpoint, we make sure we are really up to speed on product knowledge, substrate knowledge, and how different conditions affect application and longevity. We educate the client about these things from the start.    On the operations side, we are sure that they are well-versed in the same things. That way, when a pressure wash reveals something the estimator couldn’t see, the team can pivot. Sometimes you have to go to the client and make adjustments to the scope of work, but sometimes we can change how we approach the project to achieve a lasting finish.     We want our crew to speak up if the product specified no longer meets the needs of the situation, but we also want to think creatively about how we move forward.           AW: We charge a fee for site visits and estimates because they require travel and are an intensive process. We make it a priority to answer all their questions and learn as much as we can about their expectations. We also take time to alert them to problem areas and do a rendition with what it could all look like.     I also agree with Chad. When you run into problems you have to adjust. It’s so important to come up with creative solutions and think outside the box and find a way to move forward.     CL: Exactly. We always want the client to understand the challenge, how we’re pivoting, and why.     To learn more about how Behr Paint can help you, contact a BEHR Pro Rep.      

Wood stains shape both the look and longevity of outdoor surfaces while highlighting the natural character of the material. For the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Taupe introduces a balanced neutral that blends soft brown and gentle gray undertones for a refined, versatile finish perfect for your clients’ outdoor spaces.   House body: Spanish Sand, wood deck: Taupe (solid wood stain), roof trim: Baronial Brown, fence: Taupe (semi-transparent wood stain) ​    The balanced blend of muted tones brings subtle color to exterior surfaces, allowing the natural wood grain to show through for a timeless finish. The versatility of Taupe helps to create cohesive residential or commercial outdoor environments across a wide range of exterior applications, making it easy to carry a consistent look across different project types.     Taupe Featured in Solid Color (SC-153) & Semi-Transparent (SC-153) Stain   Both solid and semi-transparent finishes offer a polished look on decks, fences, porches, patio ceilings, railings and more.   House body: Taupe, wood deck: Taupe, ceiling: Chocolate (Semi-transparent Wood Stain), railing: BLACK (Spray Paint)   Apply Taupe in a semi-transparent finish to highlight the natural character of the wood while adding contrast and dimension across the surface.   Or choose Taupe in a solid finish for outdoor structures to create a strong architectural feature that anchors the surrounding space.   House body: Boreal, trim: ULTRA PURE WHITE®, deck: Cordovan Brown, railings & pergola: Taupe (Solid Wood Stain)     Outdoor Accent Color Collection   This year’s Exterior Stain Color of the Year launches alongside the Outdoor Accent Color Collection, a curated palette of 18 exterior paint colors designed to complement Taupe and personalize outdoor spaces whether it’s a residential or commercial location, making it easier to tailor each job to your client’s style.       Taupe acts as a grounding neutral for larger exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fencing, siding, and pergolas. While Outdoor Accent Color Collection introduces intentional pops of color for doors, shutters, trim, and outdoor décor, creating a cohesive, customized look across each project.   House body: Boreal, trim: ULTRA PURE WHITE®, deck: Cordovan Brown, railings & pergola: Taupe (Solid Wood Stain)   To support quick updates on the job, select colors from the collection are also available in spray paint, offering a convenient way to introduce coordinated accents and refresh patio furniture, planters, and outdoor accessories.   House body: Muted Sage, floor: Taupe SC-153, trim: ULTRA PURE WHITE®, swing: Park Picnic   The 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and Outdoor Accent Color Collection is available exclusively at The Home Depot. Consumers can find Taupe in a variety of BEHR® products, including the #1 rated exterior stain, according to a leading independent consumer publication, BEHR PREMIUM® Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer. The color is also available in BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, BEHR® DECKplus Waterproofing Wood Stain, BEHR® Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain, and BEHR PREMIUM® ADVANCED DECKOVER®.   To explore the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and the Outdoor Accent Color Collection, visit behr.com/2026staincoty.  

While big commercial jobs come with big revenue, more square footage means small problems can quickly become big problems. When challenges or questions arise, don’t overlook one key player who holds a treasure trove of knowledge: your paint rep.   Arek Anysz is a Regional Pro Sales Manager at Behr Paint Company, and he has worked with pros to solve just about every paint challenge in the book. I sat down with him to talk about three common challenges pro painters face on the commercial jobsite and how to fix them. Dry Hide vs. Wet Hide Hiding the surface or color underneath is one of the most important functions of paint. That’s why it’s important to know there are two different kinds of hide: dry hide and wet hide. Dry hide refers to the ability of a fully cured coating to hide the surface underneath, whereas wet hide measures how well a wet coating hides the surface underneath. Ultimately, a good dry hide is the true measure of success.   “We manufacture to have a better dry hide than a wet hide,” says Anysz, “meaning when the product is wet and still curing, it may not look uniform, but as it dries out, the moisture evaporates and all the solids tighten up and level out.”   If a painter is unfamiliar with the product, they may apply too many coats before the paint dries, thinking they need more coverage, which wastes both time and money. The important thing is to let it dry, then decide whether more coats are necessary.   Touch-Up Once paint has dried, cured, and aged, it is notoriously challenging to touch up. “Touch-up is an art form in the paint industry,” says Anysz. Still, the ability to seamlessly touch up paint is a huge selling point, especially in the commercial space. With the right product and some practice, any pro can master their touch-up technique.   Anysz says there are a host of reasons that touch-ups fail. “I’ve seen scenarios that vary from simply not enough paint being applied to using the wrong application method.”   Mastering the perfect touch-up requires matching color, sheen, application tool, and application method, to name a few.   Most pros can match the color and sheen well, but many overlook matching the process and application method.    Use the same tool that was used on the original finish. If you are touching up a wall that was originally rolled and you try to touch up by spraying, that will cause continuity problems. In this instance, back rolling will better achieve the right texture and sheen pattern. It’s also important to ensure you apply paint at the right mil thickness.   Because overworking the paint while it’s curing causes a host of finish problems, it’s important to get it right the first time. If you are new to touching up or you are using a new product, it’s worth a little extra time in the shop to dial in your plan and practice feathering and diluting the paint to get the perfect touch-up.   Temperature Changes Every can of paint tells you the temperature range in which it can be applied successfully. Generally speaking, the range is from 35°F to 90°F. Applying paint outside of the recommended range stresses the paint and can lead to cosmetic issues or coating failure.   It’s critical to remember that the temperature guidelines apply to both ambient and substrate temperature. If it’s 70°F outside and you haven’t checked the substrate temperature, you may believe that you are well within range.   “If you are painting on the sunny side of the house at 2 p.m., the substrate can be over 100°F,” says Anysz. That high temperature on the substrate causes the paint to dry faster than it can level out, leading to flashing, or uneven sheen and visible lap marks.       The same idea applies when it’s cold outside. If the outside ambient temperature is 38°F and you are painting in the shade, the substrate may only be 28°F. That colder substrate temperature can lead to slower film formation, reduced water evaporation, or increased surface tension. All of these lead to white streakiness known as “surfactant leaching”.   Execution Matters Painting in the commercial space can lead to much bigger jobs and higher revenue. Avoid costly mistakes by planning, testing, and utilizing your paint rep to ensure a successful finish.   To learn more about Behr’s commercial-grade products and jobsite solutions, contact your BEHR Pro Rep.    

Older homes possess a charm loved by many. While the history and unique details make them attractive to homebuyers, they also make repairs and repaints more challenging for pros. Each project requires astute problem-solving skills and knowledge of products and standards to ensure success.   Peter Schumerth, VP of Product Management, discusses four common problems and strategies to help you restore that old beauty.   Get RRP Certified   Lead-based paint might not be on the shelves anymore, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hiding on the walls of older homes.   “Painting contractors disturbing the coating on any home that was built pre-1978 require a Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Certification*,” says Schumerth.   The certification ensures that those working on older homes and potentially dealing with lead-based paint are up to date on the latest rules and best practices surrounding testing, hazards, safety, containment, documentation, and disposal.   Properly Handle Mold and Mildew   Mold and mildew are not uncommon, especially in older homes. When you find the telltale signs of mold or mildew (discoloration, smells, peeling paint, warped substrate, etc.), first things first: Ensure the source of the moisture is fixed.   Next, it’s time to remove the mold and mildew.   “There are many ‘mold-killing primers’ out there,” says Schumerth. “This can create the perception that you can slap the primer on over the mold and mildew, and you are good to go.”   While the mildewcide in these products will help fight both in the future, you need to remove any mold and mildew present before priming. Remove mildew stains with a mildew stain removing product. Commercially available mildew cleaners will do the trick.     Assess the Current Coatings   With older homes, you do not always get to start with a fresh new palette. You can try to talk your clients into taking it down to bare substrate, but time and budget rarely allow that option. This means that each layer of built-up coating has the potential to affect your finished project, requiring additional consideration when choosing prep steps and selecting a paint.**   Start with a thorough assessment of the surface to check for adhesion issues. “You can do this by making a simple ‘X’ mark with a razor (cut as deep as you can and in multiple locations), then do the tape test,” advises Schumerth. “This test allows you to evaluate the integrity of the layers underneath.”   Paint coming up with the tape indicates an adhesion issue. Depending on how large an area peels, you’ll need to either spot sand and prime or do a full sand and prime to ensure you have a smooth, sound surface for your topcoat.   Choose the Right Paint   Each new layer of paint creates tension on existing coatings. Even if your topcoat adheres beautifully to the coating immediately beneath, you need the bridge between each coating below it to hold as well.   “For older homes, I recommend BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® due to its lower binder content. Higher binder and resin content can create more tension, causing additional adhesion stress on the coatings beneath it,” says Schumerth.   While older homes require knowledge and diligence from a pro painter, painting older homes can be a very rewarding and lucrative market.   To learn more about Behr’s products, contact your BEHR Pro Rep.   *This blog is for informational purposes only and contractors are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.   ** If you encounter significant mold, water damage, or structural concerns, consult a licensed professional to assess current conditions before proceeding. The guidance provided here is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to all situations.  

Keeping jobs running on schedule, failure-free, and under budget is the goal of any paint professional, so it’s vital to use every available resource. One valuable ally you should never overlook is your Pro Rep, who can help you with anything from troubleshooting coating issues and product selection, to getting discounts and finding prospective customers.     Behr Pro Reps spend years mastering the BEHR® product portfolio, including application methods and proper selection. They also dedicate themselves to understanding end users, many of whom are (or could be) your customers too. Behr Pro Reps understand the needs and challenges of our customers across our audience segments, including pro painters, architects, designers, property managers, and facility managers. Hear from three Behr Pro Reps who share their top tips for pros on the job.   1. Proper Prep is Critical. Erik Miranda has been with Behr for five years, including three years in the field working directly with pro painters. Most of the problems I see stem from improper prep or product selection,” says Miranda.   It’s painting 101, but it always bears repeating (pun intended): Fully and properly prep the surface. If you find that you have a coating failure, reach out to your Behr Pro Rep. Together, you can review each step in the process to see how the problem originated and create  a plan to fix it.   2. Know When You Can/Can’t Use Paint-and-Primer-in-One. Another issue that Miranda noted is improper use of paint-and-primer-in-one products.   Always keep in mind that the paint-and-primer-in-one products are for specific circumstances,” said Miranda. “With a brand-new surface, a primer is still needed to seal that surface before applying a topcoat.”   Paint-and-primer-in-one is a great choice for a surface that is properly prepared, like an interior repaint. The increased solids mean better coverage without the use of a separate primer.     However, if you are dealing with a surface like new drywall, wood, metal, or areas you’ve patched, take the extra step of priming to ensure that the surface is ready for the topcoat.   It takes a little bit longer, but at the end of the day, it’s going to provide the customer with a more foolproof job,” says Miranda.   3. Working With Your Rep Could Mean More Business. Nicole Higgins is an Architectural and Design Rep for Behr in Atlanta, GA. She spends her days meeting with designers and architects to educate them on the perfect BEHR products for their projects.     You might wonder what that has to do with pro painters.   My biggest role with pro painters is to funnel them opportunities,” says Higgins.   This makes her an excellent and valuable resource for painting contractors with whom she works,   Once a project is specified with Behr, I help bridge the gap between the design side and the execution side by identifying professional painters and contractors who are qualified to bid on the work. This gives painters access to high-value commercial opportunities they might not otherwise be aware of.”       Because of this symbiotic relationship, Higgins generates new opportunities for pros while Miranda ensures those same pros are using the right products leading to on-time job completion.   We really work together as a team to present a complete portfolio of what Behr can offer. We don’t just help with paint orders, we generate and create projects,” says Higgins.   4. Take the Behr Pro Challenge. If you haven’t tried BEHR® Paint before, you might qualify to give it a test run.   If you have a painter who only wants to use one of our competitor’s products, we can provide an equivalent BEHR product to test in an adjacent room. This way they can paint one room with the competitor’s product and then one room with the equivalent BEHR product and then form a judgment,” says Higgins. “This challenge is very successful in persuading customers to choose BEHR Paint because they see our product quality firsthand.”       The Behr Pro Challenge not only allows painters to test out a new product, but it also allows you to better understand the true value of the products you select.   The Behr Pro Challenge was introduced to show the value of BEHR Paint, but you have to measure the true cost,” says Mario Garita, National Account Manager for Property Management. Contact your local Behr Pro Rep for more information.   5. A Higher-Grade Paint Can Save Time and Money. Garita has worked for Behr for 26 years, and today he works closely with multi-family property managers—both existing and new construction.   Garita points out the importance of measuring the true job cost and not just cost-per-gallon.   A lot of times we end up proving that a higher quality product is actually cheaper,” says Garita.   For instance, if you paint two rooms and the first is painted with an entry-level product that costs $10 per gallon, and it takes seven gallons to get a good finish, that would be $70. But if you painted the second room with a mid-level paint that costs $15 per gallon, but got full coverage using four gallons, the cost is only $60. In addition, you have a lower labor cost when applying four gallons compared to seven.   That’s where we have to educate our customers. You may pay more for the product, but you’ll use less product, representing an overall savings,” says Garita.       Working hand-in-hand with your Behr Pro Rep grants you access to a valuable resource that can save you time, money, and even help you get more business.   Learn more about what your Rep can do for you and your business here.  

Have you uncovered the BEHR® 2026 Color of the Year? Hidden Gem is a smoky jade that’s redefining design in both residential and commercial spaces.      With its elegant balance of blue and green, Hidden Gem delivers a rich and dynamic shade that resonates across interiors—from multifamily living rooms to boutique hotel lobbies and modern office suites. This subtle yet captivating hue offers professionals a sophisticated option that’s as timeless as it is trend-forward, making it the perfect choice to elevate any environment with ease and intention.      Crafted by BEHR® Color Experts to reflect growing demand for grounded, nature-inspired tones; Hidden Gem shows how subtle color choices can redefine commercial interiors.       In high-touch environments like this modern washroom, Hidden Gem transforms an everyday utility space into an intentional design statement.          Designed to bring a quiet confidence to open layouts, this shade offers visual interest without overwhelming the space. The result is an elegant, polished look that works across a wide range of modern workplaces.          Pair with muted neutrals and grounded accents to bring calm sophistication and create a welcoming first impression in healthcare spaces.         Now’s the time to show your clients how subtle color can make a stunning statement with BEHR® Hidden Gem.    To explore more of the 2026 Color of the Year, visit behr.com/2026coty.  

Understanding the difference between paint sheens and how each can create various moods and dimensions in a space is an excellent way to impress your customers. Imagine wowing your customers by describing each sheen, their functional and aesthetic qualities, and the many possibilities for mixing and matching to create a truly unique space.   Selecting the best paint sheen for your client’s space requires understanding how sheen level affects light, color, and texture and keeping up with the latest trends and technology. We caught up with Behr’s Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color & Creative, and Sid Maxey, Senior Director of Research & Development for the latest and greatest in paint sheens.     Sheen Technology Sheen determines how much light reflects off the coating. Lower sheens absorb light, giving a matte finish, and higher sheens reflect light, giving a glossier finish.     Traditionally, a lower sheen has been achieved by adding more extender pigmentation like calcium carbonate, talcs, micas, etc.   If you looked at it under magnification, it would kind of look like the surface of the moon or like a mountain range,” said Maxey. This surface texture absorbs the light, creating a matte finish.   To create a higher sheen, the ratio of binder to extender pigmentation increases, giving you that smooth, reflective look.   The benefit of a more matte sheen is that the texture not only absorbs light, but also hides imperfections in the wall; however, it’s not as scuff-resistant.   Because the rough material sticks out like mountain ranges, when your shoulder rubs against them on a wall, you break the peaks off of those mountains, creating scuffing, marring, and a sheen differential,” said Maxey.   That breakage is why lower-sheen paint has not historically been considered as durable or cleanable as higher-sheen paint.   Luckily, as the world of paint evolves to meet the needs of professional painters and end users, chemists like Maxey get the opportunity to be creative and build new technologies. In this instance, it’s creating a lower-sheen paint without using a high concentration of extender pigments, giving both high hide and durability.   If you can get rid of those pigments, then you don’t have anything to break, which means that your products are more resistant to scuffing and marring,” says Maxey.   Today, BEHR ULTRA® Interior Paint is a great example of a paint specifically designed to offer that high hide of an ultralow sheen and durability.   And that was achieved through advanced technology,” said Maxey. This durability can be especially important when dealing with darker colors. “If you have a very flat sheen in a navy blue, sometimes marring can happen just by touching it. With BEHR ULTRA Interior Paint, you can get really vivid colors without the risk of sheen change.”   Walls: Dark Secret PPU26-23A   2025 Sheen Design Trends Of course, if you only talk to your clients about the functionality of a sheen, you are missing half its appeal.   Sheen can have a big impact on the mood and atmosphere of a space if you know how to use it,” said Woelfel. “It can bounce light around in really interesting ways.”   One area where sheen can play a big role is in color drenching. Color drenching is when you use a single color for everything in the room (ceiling, walls, trim, baseboard, door, etc.).   There are a couple of approaches that I think have been really interesting from a design-and-paint-application perspective,” said Woelfel.   Single sheen: “You can create a very sophisticated and cohesive look if you’re just using all one sheen, like matte for example, in an entire room,” said Woelfel. Walls: Cracked Pepper PPU18-01; Ceiling: Weathered White HDC-NT-21 Different sheens on different substrates: This follows the more traditional use of sheens, but it creates dimensionality in a color-drenched room. “You can use sheen to highlight architectural features. For example, flat on the walls and semi-gloss on the ceiling can capture the light in an interesting way and create a dynamic atmosphere,” said Woelfel. Walls & Ceiling: Rumors MQ1-15 Sheens can help create architectural features: A chair rail is one way to create architectural interest in a room, but you can take it a step further by doing it with paint. “It is an effective look when the upper wall above the chair rail is painted a matte finish and the lower wall is a higher sheen,” said Woelfel. Upper Wall: Perfect Taupe PPU18-13; Lower Wall: Aubergine N100-7; Trim & Ceiling: Blank Canvas DC-003 Dual-sheen feature: In addition to texture and light reflection, sheen also affects the appearance of color. As the sheen goes up, the color appears darker. Because of this, layering different sheens on the wall in the same color can create shifts of color and dimensionality. One idea is to paint the wall in a matte sheen and then overlay a design in the same color with a glossier sheen. Walls & Graphic Overlay: Weathered White HDC-NT-21; Trim: Whipped Cream DC-001 Sheens are something that I think contractors should explore as they’re doing different projects. It just adds another layer of professionalism. Plus, you can create some really dynamic décors and appealing aesthetics when you get the sheen right,” said Woelfel.   Regardless of whether you are working to create a design that is traditional or modern, or you’re looking to deliver durability in a heavily trafficked space, sheens are an exciting talking point when communicating with a customer.   If you have paint sheen questions or want to learn more, contact your local BEHR® Pro Rep.  

Have you heard about the BEHR® 2025 Color of the Year? Rumor has it, it’s the perfect hue to make a statement in any commercial or residential space.     It’s true, our Color of the Year, Rumors, is a deep red that adds warmth and draws a rich allure to hospitality, retail and other dynamic spaces. Designers and paint professionals alike can offer Rumors with confidence on projects to make a powerful and fearless statement. This tone is the perfect shade that captivates and enhances the built environment.     Let this elevated color speak volumes, no matter the scale of your project. Rumors will create an energy that evokes beauty and vitality.         With its vibrant tone, Rumors is a great choice for creating a dramatic and charming environment. Whether the space is large or small, Rumors packs a punch with a touch of luxe.         Pair Rumors with light neutrals like greige, tan and gray to balance hospitality spaces and create depth.         Or create a sense of enclosure by drenching the color in a room for a rich and modern look. This can be particularly effective in larger rooms where your client wants a space that fuels productivity.         Now’s the time to give your clients a compelling look with BEHR Rumors.   Rumors is part of fifteen distinct hues in the BEHR 2025 Color Trends collection. Create an inviting atmosphere with these nostalgic and personal colors. Pair warm neutrals with jewel tones and nature-based hues for timeless charm in commercial and residential spaces.     WORKPLACE | Walls: Aerial View S530-3   MULTIFAMILY | Walls: Boreal N420-5   EDUCATION | Walls: Jackfruit PPU6-07   RESIDENTIAL | Walls: Even Better Beige DC-010     To explore the 2025 Color of the Year and Color Trends, visit behrpro.com/2025coty.  

Determining whether one coat or two coats of paint are needed for an exterior repaint depends on several factors, including budget, condition of the surface, paint types and quality, and desired longevity and appearance. Let’s explore when it’s appropriate to opt for one coat vs two coats of paint.     ONE COAT   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.     High-Quality Paint: Using a high-quality paint with excellent durability may allow for one-coat application, especially if the color change is minimal and the surface is properly prepared.     Maintenance Coating: In some cases, a single coat may serve as a maintenance coating to touch up areas with minor wear and tear, extending the life of the paint job without the need for extensive surface preparation.     TWO COATS   Weathered Surfaces: If the existing paint is weathered, faded, or peeling, applying two coats is generally recommended to ensure proper coverage, adhesion, and protection against moisture and UV damage.     Drastic Color Change: When changing the color significantly, especially from dark to light or vice versa, two coats are typically needed to achieve uniform coverage and prevent the previous color from showing through.     Porous Surfaces: Porous or uneven surfaces such as bare wood, stucco, or masonry may require two coats to seal and provide adequate coverage, promoting paint adhesion and preventing moisture intrusion.     Longevity: For long-lasting results and enhanced durability, especially in harsh climates (e.g., coastal areas) or high-traffic areas, two coats offer better protection against the elements, extending the lifespan of the paint job.     Ultimately, the decision between one coat and two coats of exterior paint application for an HOA depends on factors such as budget constraints, desired durability and appearance, surface condition, and manufacturer recommendations. By understanding the specific needs and preferences of the community, you can make a more informed decision that best suits the property. Contact your local BEHR® Pro Rep or consult with a painting professional for additional questions.