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.  

Color plays a pivotal role in your projects, whether you’re a professional painter, property manager, or designer. It’s often the final touch to attracting residents, enticing building occupants, or enhancing curb appeal. Behr Paint offers a variety of color services to help you and your clients see the potential of every color and combination for their project. Our services are designed to empower you, providing the support necessary to bring any job from vision to reality, no matter how big or small. From custom color matching to color renderings to full-size drawdowns, discover the many color services Behr has to offer.     Custom Color Matching Whether you need to match a corporate color scheme or a shade of carpet, we’ve got you covered. Our cutting-edge color matching technology will convert any sample into a digital color representation. We can also confidently match any competitive color for your job, including popular Kelly-Moore colors like Swiss Coffee 23, Bone 27, and San Francisco Fog 5822*. Simply bring a sample to your local The Home Depot store and we’ll match it.     BEHR® Pro Visualizer & Digital Color Renderings Visualize BEHR® Paint color schemes for your exterior projects in real-time with the BEHR® Pro Visualizer, an online color rendering tool to help speed up the color selection process. Your BEHR® Pro Rep will upload an image of your project, allowing you to select colors and schemes and see a “before and after” preview. Once ready, you can download a shareable document for you and your client to determine final details. Ask your local Rep about the tool here.     We also offer digital color renderings. Make your client’s color vision come to life with a digital mapping of their project. They’ll see digital renderings of different paint color combinations to help them make an informed color decision with confidence.     Full-Size Drawdown Samples If you need to show color to your clients in a larger size than a paint chip, we offer full-size drawdowns to help visualize colors on any given project. Whether your client is debating between shades or finalizing their color scheme, full-size drawdowns offer a more accurate representation of how the color will appear on a larger scale so you can better envision color on a larger surface area.     Color Books & Boards Our color books offer a complete archive of every color and every product used on every surface on your project, including coatings, specifications, and warranties to help streamline future maintenance. We also offer color boards, perfect for showcasing color schemes and palettes. These 20″ x 30″ boards are an impactful way to share the color story of a project so every stakeholder can understand the vision and align on the project direction.     Color Services for Your Every Need At Behr, we believe that color has the power to transform spaces and elevate experiences. With our comprehensive color services, we’re dedicated to helping you and your client’s vision come to life for any project. Contact your local BEHR Pro Rep to learn more.     *Kelly-Moore Swiss Coffee 23, Bone 27, and San Francisco Fog 5822 are names of Kelly-Moore, which is being used for identification purposes only. Behr has created a comparable color using industry standard technology.  

Wood stains have the power to transform ordinary surfaces into timeless expressions of personal style. To elevate the aesthetic of your clients’ outdoor spaces this spring, BEHR® has announced its 2024 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Tugboat – a brownish grey wood stain reminiscent of weathered materials from boats at sea.   Deck: Tugboat SC-141   The sophisticated blend of muted tones brings subtle color to exterior surfaces while enhancing the natural wood grain for a timeless finish. The versatility of Tugboat adds organic beauty and effortless character with a nautical twist to enrich your clients’ residential or commercial outdoor environments. Tugboat Featured in Solid Color (SC-141) & Semi-Transparent (ST-141) Stain   Both solid and semi-transparent finishes offer a polished look on decks, fences, porches, patio ceilings, railings and more.   Deck: Tugboat ST-141   Apply Tugboat in a solid finish to a wooden fence for a striking visual boundary that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.   Fence: Tugboat SC-141   Or choose Tugboat in a semi-transparent finish for a front door and port ceiling to add charm and depth to an entry space.   Front Door & Port Ceiling: Tugboat ST-141   The versatility of Tugboat allows for the ease of application on various architectural styles and building materials to create a cohesive and inviting façade.   Exterior Accent: Tugboat SC-141   Give your clients a visually appealing outdoor living space with a wood-stained ceiling featuring Tugboat for a warm and comforting atmosphere.   Ceiling: Tugboat ST-141   Embrace the nautical allure of Tugboat for a refined and captivating outdoor ambiance.   To learn more about Tugboat, exterior wood stain project inspiration, and application tips, visit behrpro.com/2024staincoty.   Note: The 2024 Exterior Stain Color of the Year Tugboat is available exclusively at The Home Depot® in a variety of BEHR® Products, including the #1 rated exterior solid stain, BEHR PREMIUM® Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, as well as BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, BEHR PREMIUM® Advanced DeckOver®, BEHR® Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain, and BEHR DECKplus® Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain.  

The U.S. property management industry stands at a pivotal moment with both challenges and opportunities ahead in 2024. From shifting financial conditions, to expanding prospects, to community maintenance and eco-leadership, property managers face an array of issues that can be resolved with ingenuity, resilience and adaptability.     Financial Trends & Forecasts The rental housing sector has long been intertwined with broader economic trends, and 2024 is no exception. Recent years witnessed a surge in demand for apartment living, driven by factors including a lack of inventory (NerdWallet) and post-COVID resurgence of multigenerational households (Generations United). As pandemic-era safety nets disappear and credit availability tightens, property managers continue to deal with moderate inflation and rates.     Acquisition Activity These moderate rates have made value-add acquisition deals less lucrative to potential investors. As a result, planned interior renovations have been scaled back significantly. Exterior paint is a cost-efficient way to freshen up the appearance of your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers without the expense and time needed for a full interior upgrade. In short, consider a new paint job as it has the ability to improve the image and value of your property, enhancing curb appeal and enticing residents.     Supply & Demand One of the biggest challenges facing property managers in recent years is the imbalance between housing supply and demand. The industry faces an uphill battle in tackling the long-standing inventory crisis, which, according to We Are Apartments, requires building 4.3 million new apartments by 2035 in order to meet rental needs.   In the last few years, the effort to expand apartment inventory has been front and center. From 2020 to 2022, a total of 1.2 million apartments were built (RentCafe), and 2023 added about 573,000 additional units — a 40-year record. While building is beginning to slow down, approximately 443,000 new units are expected to be in place by the end of 2024. (Matthews Real Estate Investment Services).   Chart: RentCafe; Source: Yardi Matrix   That’s good news, right? But here’s where it gets complicated. The influx of new housing has dampened rental prices, as we’ve seen in the last few months. Case in point: the vacancy rate in February 2024 was 6.6% (the highest since September 2020). This means that it’s possible — if not probable — that vacancies will continue through the end of the year (Apartment List), providing renters a wider array of housing options.   In response, properties are beginning to extend accommodations. For example, in January 2024, Zillow reported that nearly 32% of its listings offer concessions – or financial incentives for the renter – a trend that is expected to continue through 2024.   On the other hand, a recent slowdown in new construction permits is expected to reduce 2024 apartment build starts by 20% to 50% (Multi Pro+), which points to a return to lower inventory, renewed demand, and higher rents in 2025.     Drawing & Keeping Quality Residents Understanding target demographics and each of their evolving preferences is key to thriving in the property management landscape. From Gen Z poised to become the largest percentage of renters, to millennials starting families, to the growing number of older renters, these groups are the core of the rental market. This creates opportunities for property managers to draw high-quality prospective residents and retain current ones by meeting their wants and needs, such as:   Personalization — Every resident wants to feel a sense of home. Helping them to personalize their space will not only make them feel more comfortable, but they will also be more likely to rent your property long-term. Try offering new renters the option to choose a new paint color from a range of pre-approved hues for a room or an accent wall. For current residents, provide the same offer when they renew or after one year of tenancy.     Sustainability —With growing environmental consciousness, opting for low VOC (volatile organic compound) and eco-friendly paint options for your property is becoming increasingly important. More than 100 BEHR® and KILZ® products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low VOC, which contributes to cleaner indoor air. Behr Paint continues to invest in the innovation of sustainable products and resources for paint formulations of the future in order to bring products to market that address consumer needs while keeping the environment in mind.   Home Office —The advent of the remote/hybrid work model has profound implications for property managers, reshaping resident expectations and demand patterns. With many homes doubling as workplaces, renters seek flexible living spaces equipped with spare bedrooms and shared workspaces. The hybrid work model is not going away but rather a permanent reality driving demand for multifamily communities that seamlessly blend work and home life. Perhaps offer to paint a room or area that creates a space that fosters focus and productivity. Consider a calming ambiance with BEHR® Paint Colors Watery HDC-CT-26 and White 52, a modern motif using Morning Zen S380-2 and Cracked Pepper PPU18-01, or a more professional look with Lunar Surface N460-3 and Iron Mountain N520-5.   Featuring Watery HDC-CT-26 & White 52   Featuring Morning Zen S380-2 & Cracked Pepper PPU18-01   Featuring Iron Mountain N520-5 & Lunar Surface N460-3     Behr Paint offers a comprehensive Property Owners & Managers Program, providing on-site job walks, specification services, project submittal packages, job-site delivery, and color services such as digital color rendering, color boards, and full-size drawdown samples to help you and your residents better visualize paint colors.       The Road Ahead As we navigate through 2024, the property management industry must embrace change, from leveraging financial forecasts to catering to evolving resident needs. While uncertainties abound, the rental housing sector remains a strong pillar for continued growth in the commercial real estate landscape.  

Give your clients outstanding durability and aesthetics on their projects with BEHR PREMIUM® Direct-To-Metal Paint. This product is an interior and exterior water-based coating designed to keep metal surfaces looking newer longer. It’s an optimal choice for a variety of projects, providing excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance for your residential, commercial, and light industrial jobs. This coating can be applied directly to properly prepared ferrous metal surfaces and is ideally suited for metal fences, railings, doors, and garage doors. Whether you’re looking to enhance curb appeal with newly painted railings for a house or apartment complex or refresh a commercial site with updated doors, BEHR PREMIUM Direct-To-Metal Paint is versatile for a variety of uses. It can also be used on properly prepared and primed new or previously painted drywall, wood, plaster, concrete, and masonry surfaces. The product is available in eggshell and semi-gloss sheens.     Key Features & Benefits BEHR PREMIUM Direct-To-Metal Paint offers several features and benefits to enhance your interior and exterior paint jobs, including:   Corrosion & Rust Resistant: Provides effective protection against corrosion and rust Durable Hard Finish: Withstands tough elements on interior and exterior surfaces Excellent Adhesion: Sticks to properly prepared or primed metal surfaces Chemical Resistant: Prolongs life of the finish Mildew-Resistant Paint Finish: Provides effective protection from mildew growth on the dried paint film Low VOC (< 50 g/L excluding colorants): Meets the most stringent VOC regulations nationwide Easy Soap and Water Clean-Up: No solvent disposal issues Tintable to a Full Range of Colors: Expanded color options       For professional painters or property managers seeking outstanding durability and aesthetics, choose BEHR PREMIUM Direct-To-Metal Paint to elevate your jobs with a product that not only preserves, but also enhances metal surfaces for a lasting finish.     Learn more about BEHR PREMIUM Direct-To-Metal Paint and shop the product here.  

Born from the aftermath of the 2008 real estate crash, BAMM Renovation Group has been providing hotel renovation services for over 15 years. Joe Hernandez, founder and owner, started his career in hotel renovation in 2005 at Westgate Resorts, where he developed a passion for rejuvenating old properties. Soon after, he started his own venture and has since developed a comprehensive in-house renovation program with complete turn-key services.   Joe Hernandez, Founder & Owner of BAMM Renovation Group   In the hotel industry, the exterior appearance of a hotel stands as a crucial element that requires periodic updates. Trends in aesthetics and design shift every 5-7 years, influencing guest expectations and shaping competitive landscapes. One of the company’s most notable renovations was a 150,000 square foot exterior paint transformation of Avanti International Resort in Orlando, Florida in 2023. This resort faced a significant challenge with an outdated and unattractive color scheme that did not align with current hospitality design trends. BAMM Renovation Group, driven by their passion for hotel transformations, recommended a complete color change at the resort to refresh the exterior appearance and create a contemporary and appealing destination for guests. By updating the exterior, it not only enhanced curb appeal but also reinforced brand identity for the hotel.   Exterior Painting   For the paint, the team chose KILZ 2® ALL-PURPOSE Primer and BEHR PRO® e600 Exterior Paint for superior hide and a uniform finish that lasts.   BEHR PRO® e600 Exterior Paint   Working closely with designers, brand specialists, and compliance officers, the selected BEHR® Paint colors were as follows: Sand Drift N310-1 (Body Color): Sand Drift provided a fresh and clean canvas for the resort’s exterior, creating a modern and elegant look. Woodland Sage HDC-NT-01 (Doors): Woodland Sage was used for the doors, adding a touch of sophistication and contrast to the overall design. Arrowhead N320-6 (Roof Line and Accent): Arrowhead was added to the roof line and accent areas, introducing a warm and welcoming element to the resort’s exterior. Portuguese Dawn S160-4 (Numbers): Portuguese Dawn was used for the numbers, adding a pop of color and a sense of vibrancy to the resort’s façade.   Before   After   The transformation of Avanti International Resort was a resounding success. The collaboration between BAMM Renovation Group and Behr Paint Company took a challenging hospitality renovation and successfully revitalized it into a modern and visually appealing destination. The selected BEHR Paint colors breathed new life into the property, aligning well with current hospitality design trends and making it more inviting to guests for years to come.     Images courtesy of BAMM Renovation Group.

When paint starts to fade, it’s easy to attribute it to the usual suspects — UV exposure, harsh environments, low-quality paint, etc. — but there’s another culprit. It’s the quiet one. And it’s often right in front of you.   Color selection.     It’s true! While it may not be widely known, color has a considerable impact on the life expectancy of paint. Let’s investigate further:   How Color Affects Longevity   Color is a powerful tool in enhancing curb appeal. However, it is critical to look beyond aesthetics and make durability a high priority when choosing exterior colors. This is why your first meeting with a client or owner provides the perfect opportunity to discuss the following:   Light or Dark? The reality is that lighter colors last longer and fade less than darker colors, as the latter absorbs more sunlight, which accelerates fading. Therefore, if longevity is the goal for a paint job, choosing a lighter shade is the best bet.   Pigments (aka colorants) can make a world of difference when it comes to color retention. When advising clients or property owners, consider discussing the role of inorganic versus organic pigments. Explain colors made from inorganic pigments — such as beiges, tans, browns, and other earthtones — are far more resistant to fading than those with organic pigments, such as blue, green, yellow, red, and other brighter/richer colors.     Additional Considerations In addition to color, other factors that contribute to the wear and tear of exterior paint include:   Low-quality paints have fewer of the all-important ingredients — such as binders and prime pigments — that allow paint to hide better and last longer. As a result, they are more susceptible to the elements, which requires maintenance much sooner.   Applying paint at a lower-than-recommended film thickness can accelerate the aging process of the coating system, allowing more UV to penetrate through the film, causing it to degrade rapidly and change color.   The coastal environment can wreak havoc on exterior paint. Salt-laden mist blown in off the ocean creates a layer of salt on all nearby surfaces, which is known as “ocean breeze corrosion.” These salt deposits have a damaging effect not only on paint film, but also substrates such as metal, concrete, and wood.   Extreme application temperatures can be detrimental to paint. If it’s too cold outside, paints cannot properly form a film, which makes them vulnerable to premature failures such as peeling and fading. The same is true in hot weather — except that the inability to form a film is due to the dry conditions, which cause water to evaporate much faster, resulting in rapid dry times. This is especially true when paint is applied by spray.     Extending the Paint Lifecycle Thankfully, there are ways to prolong your exterior paint job’s aesthetics and longevity.   Color Choice: Have a discussion with your client/owner and suggest they consider color schemes that offer optimal fade protection. Tips on color selection can be referenced above.     Proper Preparation: Thorough surface preparation is the cornerstone of a successful paint job. This includes using a quality primer. Excellent options for both residential and multi-family exterior projects include:   BEHR® Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer — A versatile acrylic that provides excellent stain-blocking, adhesion, and sealing. It’s also tintable, which makes it ideal for color changes. BEHR® Metal Primer — An innovative, water-based primer for clean and sound rusty metal surfaces that effectively prevents corrosion. BEHR® Bonding Primer — Designed to bond to a variety of “tough-to-paint” surfaces, providing a powerful base for topcoats, while reducing the need for sanding dense and glossy surfaces.   Paint Quality: Recommend high-quality paints for better overall long-term durability. High-quality paints are made from high-quality ingredients, so they stand up to the elements more effectively, providing a longer lasting finish. In addition, ensure the paint repels UV and is formulated for exteriors.   For multi-family and HOA communities, consider choosing quality exterior paints such as:   BEHR PRO® e600 Exterior Paint — Providing superior hide and uniformity, this professional-quality, 100%-acrylic exterior paint offers high-level dirt pick-up resistance and can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F. BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Exterior Paint — Durable and long-lasting, this low-VOC paint and primer resists fading and staining, as well as mold and mildew. It is also tintable to a wide array of colors. BEHR ULTRA® Exterior Paint — A stain-blocking paint and primer that delivers excellent durability and hide in fewer coats. It also provides rain resistance as quickly as 60 minutes after application. BEHR MARQUEE® Exterior Paint — With expanded durability and adhesion, this 100%-acrylic paint and primer includes antimicrobial properties that protect against mold and mildew. Tintable to a full range of colors, it can be applied in temperatures down to 35°F.   For residential projects:   Consider BEHR premium paints such as BEHR PREMIUM PLUS, BEHR ULTRA, BEHR MARQUEE (described above). Be sure to take a look at BEHR DYNASTY® Exterior Paint — A game-changing, fade-resistant, and long-lasting paint that boasts UV and early rain-resistance. BEHR DYNASTY takes color longevity to a new level with its 10-year color fade protection*.   Scheduled Maintenance: Establish a consistent inspection and service plan. It should include exterior surface cleaning, as well as spotting and tackling common paint problems, such as peeling and mildew growth, before they become big issues. In addition, routine upkeep is time- and cost-effective, as it eliminates the need to start from scratch every time.     In the world of paint, knowledge is power. By guiding your clients or property owners in making good color choices, you can not only extend the longevity of their exterior paint job, but also expand your reputation as a dedicated and valued painting professional.      *Valid only when tinted to colors from the BEHR DYNASTY® specially curated Exterior Color Fade Protection Palette. Based on predictive lab testing with a color shift less than Delta E of 5 as measured by CieLAB. A primer coat may be needed. Two coats of BEHR DYNASTY Exterior Paint are recommended for optimal durability. Individual results may vary. See back label instructions for details. Behr Paint Company can provide project-specific warranties. Ask your BEHR Pro Rep for details. The Lifetime Limited Warranty does not apply to or cover BEHR DYNASTY 10-Year Color Fade Protection or professional projects.  

White paint brings a classic elegance to any space, providing a blank canvas that allows decor and furnishings to shine. But with the vast selection of white paint colors available, how do you choose the perfect one for your client’s space?   Behr Paint Company has partnered with Maverick Design to share the design firm’s top five tried-and-true BEHR® white paint colors that they frequently specify in interior spaces. These colors leave a lasting, timeless impression that will give your client a fresh environment with limitless possibilities.   1. Polar Bear 75 Polar Bear is a milky-white neutral that’s bright and airy. It’s perfect for walls and trim and pairs well with a bold accent color or statement item like artwork for a complementary moment.   Wall & Base: Polar Bear 75, Ceiling: Sculptor Clay PPU5-08, Flooring: Maverick Design Collection by Build Direct in Coast   2. White Moderne PPU24-14 White Moderne is cool and streamlined with a subtle gray undertone. The hue brings a modern vibe with a hint of gray to give your clients a sophisticated and polished look. Pair it with our whitest hue, ULTRA PURE WHITE® paint, in light-filled spaces for a vibrant appearance.   Ceiling & Base: ULTRA PURE WHITE® paint, Walls: White Moderne PPU24-14, Flooring: Maverick Design Collection by Build Direct in Beach   3. Painter’s White PPU18-08 Painter’s White is a creamy white allusive to an artist’s canvas. The neutral hue provides a classic aesthetic with endless versatility to showcase colorful textures, finishes, and furnishings.   Ceiling & Base: ULTRA PURE WHITE® paint, Walls: Painter’s White PPU18-08, Flooring: Maverick Design Collection by Build Direct in Desert   4. Swiss Coffee 12 Swiss Coffee is the perfect soft and subtle white that adds warmth and dimension to interior spaces. It has a greige undertone that adds a touch of sophistication for an elevated but cozy aesthetic.   Ceiling: Arid Landscape N310-2, Walls: Swiss Coffee 12, Flooring: Maverick Design Collection by Build Direct in Desert   5. Cotton Knit PPU7-11 Cotton Knit is a cool beige that is soothing and cozy. This off-white hue can be used in a variety of spaces under all types of lighting that will complement any room.   Ceiling & Base: ULTRA PURE WHITE® paint, Walls: Cotton Knit PPU7-11, Flooring: Maverick Design Collection by Build Direct in Beach     Maverick Design is a residential and commercial design group with a unique signature elegance that resonates across a wide range of styles. Maverick was created as a specialized design division by its larger parent company, Wedgewood, after seeing the need for designer homes at every price point. Wedgewood is a real estate company that purchases, renovates, and resales properties in multiple states.   This article was created together with Maverick Design. Photos courtesy of Maverick Design.