Choosing the Right Type for Your Project

In Part 2 of Ultimate Paint Guide for Any Project, I’ll walk you through the different types of Behr paint. Make sure you check out Part 1 Top Rated Behr Paint Colors: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Shade. When it comes to painting, choosing the right color is just one piece of the puzzle. Equally important is picking the right type of paint for your project. I’m going to be discussing Behr paint types, but this information applies apply to any brand. Behr offers a variety of paint types, each with its own finish, durability, and coverage options.

This guide will help you figure out which paint type is the best fit for your next project. Whether you’re after a smooth matte finish or, alternatively, something more durable for high-traffic areas, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in. Here’s a rundown of the different types and how many coats you typically need:

Behr’s Water-based Paint Guide:

1. Behr Dynasty

• Quick Drying: You’ll get tack-free surfaces in just 4 hours!
• One-Coat Coverage: Many colors can cover really well with just one coat. Excellent coverage, especially in lighter shades.
• Stain-Blocking Power: It’s an excellent paint and primer combo that blocks stains

2. Behr Marquee

• One-Coat Coverage: You can often get great coverage with just one coat of paint.
• Tough and Stain-Resistant: It’s super durable and can resist stains really well.
• Stain-Blocking Paint and Primer: This product works as both a paint and a primer, which helps block stains effectively.

Differences Between Behr Marquee and Behr Dynasty:

• Behr Marquee: This one is all about fast coverage. It’s designed to give you one-coat coverage in many colors, making it a great choice for quick projects. Plus, it has good stain resistance.
• Behr Dynasty: This paint is focused on long-lasting durability and top-notch stain resistance. It’s great for high-traffic areas and can handle wear and tear better than Marquee. It also has advanced stain-blocking features, so it works really well if you have a lot of stains to cover.

In short, if you want speedy results, go for Marquee, but if you’re looking for something that can take a beating, Dynasty is your best bet!

3. Behr Ultra

• Quick Drying: Dries to the touch in 1 hour, ready for a recoat in 2 hours.
• Durability: Scuff-resistant and tough enough to stand up to frequent cleaning.
• Stain-Blocking Power: Excellent stain-blocking ability, making it great for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use spaces.
• Coats Needed: Typically requires 2 coats for full coverage, although lighter shades may need just 1 coat.

4. Behr Premium Plus

• Quick Drying: Touch dry in 1 hour and ready for a second coat in 2 hours.
• Durability: Mildew-resistant finish, ideal for humid environments like bathrooms.
• Low Odor: It’s a low-VOC paint, meaning less smell during and after painting.
• Coats Needed: Usually requires 2 coats for most surfaces, but lighter shades may cover with just 1 coat.

5. Behr Premium:

• Quick Drying: Dries to the touch in 1 hour and is ready for a second coat in 2 hours.
• Weather Protection: Resists peeling, cracking, and fading, perfect for long-lasting outdoor results.
• Dirt and Stain Resistant: Designed to stay looking fresh, even in tough outdoor conditions.
• Coats Needed: Typically requires 2 coats for best protection and longevity on exterior surfaces.

In short, if you need a paint that can tackle tough jobs with ease, go for Ultra. For everyday painting, Premium Plus is great, and for exterior projects, Premium gets the job done.

Behr’s Oil-based Paint Guide:

Behr offers a few oil-based finish paints. They primarily design them for specific applications that require extra durability, adhesion, and smooth finishes.. Here are Behr’s main oil-based finish paints:

Behr Urethane Alkyd Enamel

• Type: Oil-based enamel that delivers the durability of oil with the easy clean-up of a water-based formula.
• Best For: Great for doors, windows, trim, and cabinets where you need a hard, furniture-like finish.
• Durability: Combines the durability of an oil-based paint with the convenience of water-based products for less yellowing and high resilience.
• Finish: Available in semi-gloss and satin finishes for a polished look.
• Dry Time: Dries to the touch in 2-4 hours; can recoat in 6-8 hours.

These oil-based finishes are ideal for achieving a durable result. They provide a smooth finish, especially on high-touch surfaces like doors and cabinets. They offer excellent adhesion and toughness, perfect for areas requiring more protection. I use a slow cooker/crock pot when using oil based paint with a brush, check out this video.

Behr Specialty Paint Guide:

• Behr Chalk Decorative Paint: A versatile paint that creates a chalky finish, ideal for furniture and home décor projects.
• Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel: Specifically formulated for cabinets, trim, and molding, providing a durable finish.
• Behr Porch & Patio Floor Paint: Designed for outdoor surfaces like porches and patios, offering excellent durability and slip resistance.
• Behr Concrete & Garage Floor Paint: Made for concrete surfaces, providing a tough, stain-resistant finish.
• Behr DeckOver: A solid color coating designed to rejuvenate and protect worn or weathered wood and composite decking.
• Behr Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint: Specially formulated for masonry surfaces, ensuring good adhesion and durability.
• Behr Elastomeric Sealant & Coating: Designed for use on vertical surfaces, this paint provides a waterproof barrier for masonry and stucco.
• Behr Metal Primer: A primer specifically for metal surfaces, helping to prevent rust and offer a smooth base for topcoats.

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Interior vs. Exterior 

Interior paints are designed for indoor spaces and usually focus on appearance and ease of cleaning.

Exterior paints are tougher and made to withstand the elements, like rain, sun, and temperature changes. Using exterior paint inside can be a smart choice for areas that need extra durability.

Here are some key spots where you consider using Exterior Paint, besides the obvious:

1. Mudrooms and Entryways: These areas see a lot of foot traffic and can get dirty quickly. Using exterior paint can help withstand scuffs, dirt, and moisture.
2. Basements: If your basement has a lot of moisture, use exterior paint. If you want a paint that can withstand potential spills, exterior paint can offer better protection.
3. Garage Interiors: If you’re finishing or updating your garage, use exterior paint. It can resist oil stains and other messes common in this area.
4. Porch Furniture: If you have furniture that gets a lot of use, you should consider using exterior paint. Exterior paint can add durability and make it easier to clean.

Using exterior paint inside can help preserve the look of your spaces while providing extra protection against wear and tear!

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Sheen Paint Guide:

When it comes to paint, sheen refers to how shiny or flat the finish is. Choosing the right sheen can really change the look of a room and how the paint performs. Here’s a quick rundown of the different sheen options:

1. Flat/Matte: This finish doesn’t have any shine and hides imperfections well. It’s great for ceilings and low-traffic areas, but it can be tricky to clean. Usually a magic eraser does the trick.
2. Eggshell: This has a slight sheen, similar to the surface of an eggshell (hence the name!). It’s the only sheen I use for walls. It’s easy to clean and still looks nice without being too shiny.
3. Satin: This finish has a smooth, velvety look and is more durable than eggshell. It’s ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. These areas require something that can handle moisture and wear. Make sure all imperfections are sanded smooth, or you are going to hate the outcome. This is my favorite sanding sponge for walls.
4. Semi-Gloss: With a noticeable shine, semi-gloss is great for trim, doors, and cabinets. It’s super durable and easy to wipe down, so it’s a good choice for high-traffic areas.
5. Gloss: This is the shiniest option, offering a reflective finish. It’s often used for furniture and accents, making colors pop, but it can show imperfections more easily. I use a gloss finish with a paint sprayer only on furniture that has been painstakingly prepped. I also use it on brand new trim that doesn’t have any dings or dents. And I usually only use an oil-based paint, so the finish dries rock-hard. 

Choosing the right sheen depends on where you’re painting and how much wear and tear you expect, so think about the look you want and how easy it’ll be to maintain!

Protection Type

When we talk about protection types in paint, we’re basically referring to how well the paint can stand up to different kinds of wear and tear. Here’s a breakdown of the main protection types you might come across:

1. Water-Resistant:
   • These paints can handle moisture better than regular paints, making them perfect for places like kitchens and bathrooms. They help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold.
2. Stain-Resistant:
   • If you’ve got kids or pets, stain-resistant paint is a lifesaver. It makes it easier to wipe away spills and messes without leaving marks behind.
3. Scratch-Resistant:
   • This type of paint is tougher and can take a beating without showing scratches or wear. It’s great for high-traffic areas or furniture that gets a lot of use.
4. UV Protection:
   • These paints are formulated to resist fading from sunlight, so your colors stay vibrant longer, especially for outdoor surfaces.

Paint & Primer Paint Guide: Quick Pros and Cons

Paint & Primer in One can be super convenient, but it has its ups and downs. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros:

1. Time-Saving: You get to skip the extra step of priming, which means you can get your project done faster.
2. Easier to Use: It’s one product instead of two, making it simpler to apply and manage.
3. Good Coverage: Many of these formulas provide decent coverage, especially if you’re painting over a similar color.
4. Less Mess: Using one product means less cleanup, which is always a plus!

Cons:

1. Not Always Ideal for Tough Surfaces: If you’re painting over stains, you might still need a separate primer. The same applies to dark colors or glossy finishes. This will help you get the best results.
2. Cost: These paints can be a bit pricier than regular paint and primer, which might not fit everyone’s budget.
3. Limited Choices: There may not be as many color options or finishes available compared to regular paint.
4. Variable Results: Depending on the surface and the conditions, it might not always adhere as well as paint and primer used separately.

Overall, it can be a great choice for many projects, but it’s good to consider what you’re working with to see if it’s the best fit!

Your Ultimate Paint Guide for Any Project Part 2

In the end, the best paint for your project really comes down to your specific needs—whether it’s durability, coverage, or stain-blocking power. Behr offers a wide range of paints tailored to different surfaces and conditions. From Behr Premium Plus for those looking for affordability and quality, to Behr Ultra for added stain resistance, and Behr Dynasty for professional-level results—there’s a Behr paint that’s just right for your project. Each option brings its own strengths, whether you’re tackling a high-traffic hallway, updating cabinetry, or refreshing your home’s exterior.

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