Stucco is a beautiful architectural element for both residential and commercial buildings. With a rich history dating back to 1,400 BCE in Greece, it’s a substrate that has stood the test of time. Today, it remains as popular as ever thanks to its natural look and timeless appeal.   Like most substrates, stucco is best protected and most beautiful when it is coated with high-quality paint. As a pro painter, it’s worth the time to understand the best techniques and products for coating this substrate in order to estimate properly and create a beautiful, long-lasting finish for your customers.   ​Stucco: Perfect Taupe PPU18-13​ | Trim: Spanish Sand OR-W07​ | Shutters: Rumors MQ1-15​ | Garage Door: Cordovan Brown ST   Challenges With Stucco A blend of sand, cement, and lime, stucco is a textured and porous surface, and while this earthy look adds to its appeal, it also requires an experienced painter’s hand for even, durable coverage.     Like all professional paint jobs, the first requirement for success is to properly and thoroughly prep the surface. While surface prep steps are always dependent on the unique situation, here are some things to look for and steps to consider:   When new stucco is applied, it holds a lot of moisture. To properly cure, allow a full 30 days before coating. When fully dry and cured, pressure wash to remove dirt and chalk (allow 24 hours to dry). Once clean and dry, thoroughly inspect the surface. Keep an eye out for stubborn stains, mildew, cracks, and areas where the previous coating is flaking, bubbling, peeling, or cracking. To remove any remaining dirt or grease, use a concrete and masonry degreaser and cleaner. To remove mildew stains, use mildew stain remover. Spot scrape where there is poor adhesion of the previous coating and prime. If there are any glossy surfaces, scuff sand and prime.   Reminder: Even if you are using a self-priming coating, a primer like BEHR® Multi-Surface Stain-Blocking Primer & Sealer should be used on uncoated, patched, or chalky surfaces.   Cracks! Because temperatures can cause stucco to expand and contract, it’s not uncommon to find small cracks. Be sure to inspect the surface and note the size and shape of each crack. Cracks less than a 1/16” are considered hairline cracks, which means an elastomeric coating will often bridge the gap.   If the crack is larger than 1/16”, route out the center of the crack, apply a high-quality stucco patch or caulk, and prime.   For cracks that are larger than ¼” or in a diagonal or stairstep pattern, note that it could be a sign of structural damage. If you suspect structural damage, get in touch with a structural professional to assess the situation.     Choosing a Product When choosing your topcoat, ensure that the coating is specially formulated for the substrate. It’s important that the coating is:   Breathable: Moisture trapped inside can cause the topcoat to bubble. Flexible: This allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the stucco. Durable: The coating should be able to endure the local weather.   For instance, in mild climates, BEHR® Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint in Flat or Satin sheen are two great choices depending on the sheen your customer desires. Both are mildew resistant, alkali resistant, and are self-priming under the appropriate conditions.However, if your customer is in an area that experiences frequent freezing, thawing, or wind-driven rain, BEHR PREMIUM® Elastomeric Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint is a better choice since this high-build coating is waterproof and can withstand 98 mph wind-driven rain. This 100% acrylic latex formula expands and contracts up to 600% with the substrate. Painting Stucco: Riviera Beach PPU7-07​ | Trim: Polar Bear 75 | Deck: Cedar ST-146   When painting stucco, a little extra effort can go a long way to get every nook and cranny. If you are spraying stucco, be sure to back roll by using a roller that has a minimum of a 1-inch nap.   Follow the manufacturer instructions for temperature and color uniformity. Apply as many coats as needed to build to the desired mil thickness.   Proper prep, product, and planning will ensure a beautiful result for your customers and can help position your company as a go-to painting company for stucco.   To learn more about Behr Paint Company’s products that are ideal for stucco, as well as warranty information, contact your BEHR Pro Rep.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

As a paint professional, you understand why proper preparation is key to a high-quality paint job. Whether an interior color update or a foundation-to-rooftop exterior revamp, every successful project starts with a thorough assessment of your surfaces and its condition. Starting with a clean, patched, sanded surface can help you save time and money. You have to make sure you have the right tools for a job – especially when it comes to tape!   Considering the volumes of tape professional painters use on the job, it makes sense to pause and ask yourself if the tape you typically use meets your projects’ needs. Why? Well, switching to a tape specifically designed for the project paves the way for crisper lines, higher-quality results, and less rework. These actions could lead to meaningful cost savings over time by avoiding costly rework.     According to 3M Company — a leader in painter’s tapes and the owner of the Scotch® Brand — tape plays an essential role in the painting process — but not all tapes are the same. Therefore, it’s important that painting professionals understand the array of taping options and their distinct applications.   Consider these three factors when searching for the perfect tape for your project: Surface/Materials — Do you regularly work with metal, plastic, cardboard, or glass? Are the surfaces smooth, porous, irregular, or rough? Once you determine the specific materials and surfaces you may paint, make sure the tape you choose adheres properly to the surface. The last thing you want to do is repair damage from using too strong of adhesive on a freshly painted surface (at least 24-hours old), or damage varnish from hardwood floors, so Scotch™ Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape would be the right choice. Tackle rough, tough to stick to surfaces such as brick with Scotch™ Rough Surface Painters Tape.   Environment — What kind of conditions does the tape need to withstand? Is the project interior or exterior? Are extreme high or low temperatures involved? What about humidity, moisture, direct UV or sunlight?   Time — How long does the tape need to remain on the surface? ScotchBlue™ Original Painter’s Tape will stay in place for up to 14 days.   Taking these factors into account will help you narrow the field and eventually lead you to the most suitable tape for your applications.   Types of Tape Once you identify your project’s needs, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision. Whether the job calls for a tape that is tried-and-true, cross-functional, or highly specialized, Scotch™ Brand offers the following solutions to help you succeed:   ScotchBlue TM Multi-Surface Painter’s Tapes ScotchBlueTM Original Painter’s Tape & ScotchBlueTM Sharp Lines Painter’s Tape 2093     Medium adhesion and excellent UV resistance Great for trim, painted walls, tile, and glass Can be used for outdoor applications Cleaner removal without any surface damage when left on for longer periods of time, compared to Scotch Masking Tapes   Scotch® Surface-Specific Painter’s Tapes Scotch® Rough Surface Painter’s Tape 2060, Scotch® Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape 2080 & Scotch® Exterior Surface Painter’s Tape 2097 Offer better results and require less rework for specific applications, including rough surfaces such as brick or concrete, delicate or freshly painted surfaces, or exterior projects.   Scotch® Masking Tapes Scotch® Contractor Grade Masking Tape 2020 & Scotch® Heavy Duty Masking Tape 2020+ Great for every-day use on non-damageable surfaces Strong adhesion and shorter removal times Best on durable surfaces like vinyl, carpet, metal, and plastic   Still not sure which tape is right for you? Check out Scotch’s Tape Comparison Chart or take the Product Selector Quiz and get your answer with just a few clicks.   Good Prep = Best Results Now that you’ve found the tape(s) you need, it’s time to put your plan into action, starting with high-quality preparation – which involves more than just taping. Be sure to assess the condition of the surfaces, fix any holes or wall damage, and sand uneven surfaces until they are smooth, clean, and ready to be painted.     Check out the following 3M products:   3M Pro Grade Precision Sanding Paper Great for construction, woodworking, carpentry, and home improvement projects such as paint and drywall sanding No-Slip Grip™ Durable Backing reduces hand fatigue Premium mineral grits   3M Pro Grade Precision Dust Channeling Sanding Sponge Multi-use sanding sponges Can be used wet or dry Premium mineral provides faster sanding Clog-resistant Channels dust away from sanding surface   For more information, please visit 3M.com.   This article was created in partnership with 3M.

  Introducing Behr Paint Company’s first-ever Exterior Stain Color of the Year: Cordovan Brown. This rich exterior stain color creates a sophisticated look on exterior wood surfaces and structures. The timeless hue offers an elegant finish and beautifully complements a wide range of residential architectural styles, from traditional to modern.   Deck: Cordovan Brown ST-104   From decks and porches to fences and siding, Cordovan Brown is a beautiful shade of exterior stain that gives a professional touch to any outdoor living space by enhancing curb appeal and home value. Plus, exterior wood stain is long-lasting and protects the wood from weather, moisture, and UV damage, ensuring your client’s exterior surfaces look polished for years to come.   Cordovan Brown’s dramatic and bold nature also pairs well with Behr’s 2023 Paint Color of the Year, Blank Canvas (DC-003), a welcoming and warm white with limitless possibilities to redefine and renew professional paint projects. Pairing darker wood tones like Cordovan Brown with soft natural paint colors creates contrast and compatibility for any style.   Wall: Blank Canvas DC-003, Trim: Ultra Pure White, Fireplace: Cracked Pepper PPU18-01, Deck: Cordovan Brown SC-104   Fence: Cordovan Brown ST-104   Ceiling: Cordovan Brown ST-104, Body: Blank Canvas DC-003     Cordovan Brown is available in a variety of finishes, including Solid Color, Semi-Transparent, and products such as BEHR PREMIUM® ADVANCED DECKOVER® Coating. Browse our product recommendations for your client’s next project.   BEHR PREMIUM® SOLID COLOR WATERPROOFING STAIN & SEALER Protect and beautify with BEHR PREMIUM Solid Color Weatherproofing All-In-One Wood Stain & Sealer. This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements and the sun’s harmful UV rays for up to 10 years on decks and up to 25 years on fences and siding.   BEHR PREMIUM® SEMI-TRANSPARENT WATERPROOFING STAIN & SEALER Enhance your wood’s natural patterns while providing increased protection from the elements with BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer. This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements and the sun’s harmful UV rays for up to 6 years on decks and up to 8 years on fences & siding.   BEHR PREMIUM® ADVANCED DECKOVER® SMOOTH COATING BEHR PREMIUM ADVANCED DECKOVER resurfaces properly prepared weathered wood and concrete by filling-in cracks and taming splinters, extending the life of your client’s deck and living space so you can enjoy the outdoors. This 100% acrylic formula creates a slip-resistant, waterproof coating that resists cracking and peeling.     For more information on the variety of exterior wood stains and finishes we offer, check out our blog post on Expert Tips for Exterior Deck Staining.   If your client is looking to enhance the natural beauty of their exterior wood surfaces and achieve a beautiful result, look no further than Cordovan Brown. For more information about Behr’s 2023 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and product information, visit behrpro.com/2023staincoty.