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.  

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.