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Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

post #1 of 24
11/13/10 at 4:10pm
Thread Starter 
Thinking of being brave and painting the hall bath - and starting to set up a reserve for the rest of the condo to be painted. From what I've read, I'm interested in Benjamin Moore's Aura paint line - low VOC, quick drying, etc. I've always liked Benjamin Moore....but never used this line. Anyone used it? Hints for painting? Making sure the cats are asleep first? Thanks.
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post #2 of 24
11/13/10 at 4:21pm
I've seen paint pads with edge-guards in stores but never tried them myself. They (the guards) supposedly reduce the cost and hassle of blue-taping in some instances. And the less blue tape you need, the better, due to the expense. And the pad supposedly gives a better, more even look versus standard brushmarks.
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post #3 of 24
11/13/10 at 5:02pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the tip - I have my little sample to try tomorrow, and will ask about the pads when I go back to get the paint and other supplies.
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post #4 of 24
11/13/10 at 5:13pm
I haven't used that one either, but like you do like Benjamin Moore. Chances are it's a decent paint.
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post #5 of 24
11/13/10 at 5:17pm
Hope you get nice results! For me, sadly I am legally bound by law to keep the walls here white otherwise I'd go for colors. Anyway, those pads often have an reddish orange plastic handle therefore they're easy to spot in the aisles.
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post #6 of 24
11/13/10 at 6:00pm
Thread Starter 
Supposedly it's the top of the BM line - and I figure I want a paint that will wear very well and touches up nicely. The low VOC is appealing to me as well.

I rented for over 20 years - Navaho White does get boring eventually. I'm still going for neutrals though - maybe something with some oomph to it, like Bleeker Beige for the main living areas. I've got an open layout, so will be staring at a lot of it for a number of years. I've got to say, with the number of colors and combinations available, even in just the whites, sometimes Navaho White starts looking nice and safe to me again! Maybe I should just put some chips on the floor and see which ones the cats gravitate too.

Thanks again.
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post #7 of 24
11/13/10 at 6:27pm
spend the money and get the nice edging pads! Painters taping a bathroom is a pain in the you know what! Also one of the small rollers will be a lifesaver!
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post #8 of 24
11/13/10 at 6:34pm
Just be sure to remove all the switch plate and outlet covers! And while you are painting you can let them soak in a pail of warm water and Oxiclean. You will be amazed!
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post #9 of 24
11/13/10 at 7:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by c1atsite View Post
I've seen paint pads with edge-guards in stores but never tried them myself. They (the guards) supposedly reduce the cost and hassle of blue-taping in some instances. And the less blue tape you need, the better, due to the expense. And the pad supposedly gives a better, more even look versus standard brushmarks.
We've used them, but were not impressed.

I'm never used that brand of paint, but Behr (Home Depot) is the best, IMHO. I have problems with paint fumes, yet never had with Behr, plus it's great quality. The walls I painted 6 years ago still look fresh, and no paint has chipped, etc. Great stuff!
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post #10 of 24
11/13/10 at 7:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darlili View Post
I rented for over 20 years - Navaho White does get boring eventually. I'm still going for neutrals though - maybe something with some oomph to it, like Bleeker Beige for the main living areas. I've got an open layout, so will be staring at a lot of it for a number of years. I've got to say, with the number of colors and combinations available, even in just the whites, sometimes Navaho White starts looking nice and safe to me again! Maybe I should just put some chips on the floor and see which ones the cats gravitate too.
I usually go with safer colors, too, but spur of the moment before moving in decided to paint the bedroom this color. It actually looks very pretty, especially in the day time.

Take a chance and do something a little less neutral if you can.
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post #11 of 24
11/13/10 at 11:48pm
Another awesome tip for DIY painters is to keep damp and dry paper towels nearby. They're as useful as you'd imagine -- especially the damp ones.
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post #12 of 24
11/14/10 at 4:21am
Thread Starter 
Thank you so much for all the hints! For the hall bath, my sample is this http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Search...netian+portico, but I like that Fennel Seed color - if my sample doesn't work well, I'll run to the store later and get that.

I did not know about the Oxiclean - great suggestion. And someone did tell me about getting very slim rollers for behind the toilet - I was wondering about that!

I've heard good things about Behr, but I think I'm going to stick with Benjamin Moore, unless I'm disappointed with the sample. I've had such good luck with BM the few times I've actually painted.

Thank you again for all your help.
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post #13 of 24
11/14/10 at 8:26am
Before we painted the living room, I had a catnip party for all the cats. After they indulged, I gave them a nice snack. And then we carried them back to the bedroom with a litterbox and water and shut the bedroom door. And only then did we get the painting supplies and ladder out. Otherwise, we would have been trying to get paint out of fur and tails! Same with the kitchen....catnip party, followed by snacks, and then a nap. The cats spent the day in bed, none the worse for their nap.

As we painted each individual room, we just shut the door to that room and painted away. The cats had the rest of the house and they seemed fine.

Thanks for the tip with the Oxiclean for switch plates and covers, Dusty's Mom! I think I'm going to remove all the ones in the kitchen and soak them for a couple of hours, especially the ones around the stove and sink....they could really use a nice cleaning as just wiping them doesn't work all that well.

We've always used Behr paint, too.
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post #14 of 24
11/14/10 at 3:06pm
Thread Starter 
One reason I was looking for a fast dry paint is that the kitchen/dining/living rooms and hallway to the bedrooms are all open to each other- so when I get the guys in, I'm hoping they can finish that area pretty quickly so the kitties won't be quarantined to the back bedroom too long. They're so used to the run of the place.

When I was washing down the hall bath last night, I opened the door to two very curious cats wondering what the heck I was doing in there so long. They are not used to closed doors!

But, again, thanks for all the hints - I'm happy with my tester, so hopefully next week I'll lay in my supplies and will have my Thanksgiving weekend project all in line.
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post #15 of 24
11/14/10 at 3:07pm
I've used Benjamin Moore paint for many years haven't tried the Aura line though.

I'm not impressed with paint pads either unless you are using them to paint the top of the wall by the ceiling.

Make sure you wash the walls with a TSP product first-always start with clean walls.
I always use one of those handy paint pails and of course good quality brushes and rollers. If you can't finish in one day I pot the roller and any brushes in plastic grocery bags and stick in refrigerator. A damp cloth and dry ones are a must.

Instead of using painters tape you could try a sash (angled) brush. Just go slow when you paint using one!

I usually have to keep the door closed in the room I'm painting as Bakker loves to climb on the chair or ladder to inspect my progress.

If you are painting at night especially with the second coat of paint make sure you have the room well lite so you can be sure you are giving the walls a second coat.

For smaller rooms like a powder room I don't even use a roller but a brush.
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post #16 of 24
11/14/10 at 3:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GailC View Post
Instead of using painters tape you could try a sash (angled) brush. Just go slow when you paint using one!
Yes. A professional painter told me we can hold the ferrule of the brush when painting without tape. The ferrule is the metal part that holds the bristles and it's fine to use it instead of the handle if you feel it gives you better control. I also saw a time-saver on a TV show saying in some instances you can use a wide putty knife as a quick guard (instead of tape).
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post #17 of 24
11/14/10 at 8:56pm
I have used Aura once, have also used Behr Premium (not the newest one), the Lowes brand (forgot what it's called right now) and another brand you get from Menard and I forgot what it's called too.

Aura does try faster than the other brands I'd used. It is suggested you do all your cut in first, before rolling in (as opposed to cut and roll, cut and roll...)

Depends on what color you're going for, especially if it's a dark color, it may be worth using Aura as you prob won't need as many coats.

Search for Aura on http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/paint/ to see more painting tips from the pro.

As with any brand, you'll prob find people who love it or hate it.
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post #18 of 24
11/15/10 at 8:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by c1atsite View Post
I also saw a time-saver on a TV show saying in some instances you can use a wide putty knife as a quick guard (instead of tape).
That's generally how I paint. I've also used an old license plate when I couldn't find my putty knife. Even a piece of stiff cardboard will do in a pinch.
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post #19 of 24
11/15/10 at 9:36am
The last time I painted my kittys got into something cuz there was white paw prints across house! I actually left a few just cuz it was cute!
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post #20 of 24
11/15/10 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by darlili View Post
Thank you so much for all the hints! For the hall bath, my sample is this http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Search...netian+portico,
Looks like a nice choice to complement so many other colors, both warm or cool. I often think when a tone has purple in it, you pretty much can't go wrong.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Winchester View Post
Before we painted the living room, I had a catnip party for all the cats. After they indulged, I gave them a nice snack. And then we carried them back to the bedroom with a litterbox and water and shut the bedroom door. And only then did we get the painting supplies and ladder out. Otherwise, we would have been trying to get paint out of fur and tails!
A catnip party sounds like a very cute idea
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post #21 of 24
11/16/10 at 12:27pm
I've done a lot of painting over the years and usually stick with Benjamin Moore. They produce quality products, have a good reputation, and I have a good discount account with them.
Aura is a great new product. It's a totally different kind of paint, really in a class of its own. The first time I used it, I hated it, but now I like it. Cut in the whole room first then roll, and don't over-roll each area, but work fairly quickly. Aura is meant to be used in two coats, and the advantage of it drying so quickly is you can recoat in an hour.
Be brave and learn to use the brush! Those gimmicky pads are a waste of time - I only use them for hard to reach spots like behind the toilet. I always take off the top of the toilet tank to reach behind it so as much of the wall gets painted as possible.
Have fun! I like the colour you've chosen.
FYI, BM makes a kitchen & bath paint. I would only think that's necessary to use in a room that gets steamy or greasy though. I'm assuming this bathroom hasjust a toilet & sink and no shower?
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post #22 of 24
11/17/10 at 8:33am
Thread Starter 
Thank you again, everyone, for your great hints and encouragement....I haven't painted anything in over 20 years, and, I think, it's fear of messing up that's been keeping me from getting rid of the pepto bismal pink bathroom. I really do appreciate your help.
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post #23 of 24
11/26/10 at 4:23pm
Thread Starter 
Just an update - and a thank you - I'm almost done with the bathroom and have to say all your advice was put to good use. I do love the Aura paint - barely any smell (and not paint-y at all) and dries quickly. I did learn that painters tape actually has a life expectancy (about one year) and even the Ace guy says theirs isn't the best brand - of course, I had a couple old rolls and used those!

But I've been learning a lot and I love the paint color - so much nicer than the old pepto pink. I know I could do a better job next time - and again, want to thank you guys for getting me over that first fearful step, where I was sure I'd make a giant mess. It's not perfect, but I feel ok about it.
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post #24 of 24
11/26/10 at 5:05pm
Glad your paint job was a success.
Just a little bit of advice for anyone using paint that smells like, well, paint. When I open a can of paint for the first time, I add about 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract to it before I stir it. No paint smell.
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