Product Review: ben flat paint by Benjamin Moore

We are excited to share with you one of our newest favorite products from Benjamin Moore: ben. On a recent trip to the paint store to pick up supplies for a project, I was introduced to the ben paint line on a suggestion from Terry McGovern.

Per Terry's suggestion, we used ben (flat) to paint a living room. A little leary of trying a new product, the paint crew, after working with it for a little while, commented on how impressed they were with not only the coverage one coat provided but the user-friendliness of the paint: Truly excellent application properties!

Besides being friendly to work with, the flat finish is perfect for low-traffic areas and ceilings--it is easy to touch-up, has good hide, is spatter-resistant when used with a proper roller-nap, and, best of all, ben is low odor and low VOC (even after it has been tinted) and cleans up easily with soap and water.

An "acrylic blended latex flat coating," ben premium flat interior latex paint is designed for application to many interior surfaces, producing a uniform finish. Although we used ben (flat) on previously painted walls, ben (flat), according to the manufacturer, is suitable for application to: New or previously painted wallboard, masonry or wallpapered surfaces, primed or previously painted plaster, wood or metal, new or coated accoustical ceilings.

(Remember to properly prepare all surface before painting. For surfaces that require priming before painting, ben has a primer, too.)

In addition to flat, Ben is also available in eggshell and semi-gloss sheens. Both of these sheens are washable. Plus, all ben products are tintable with any of Benjamin Moore's colors--even the primer can be tinted.

Although an opportunity has not presented itself for us to work with the eggshell or semi-gloss, we are extremely impressed with the flat. We highly recommend ben (flat) for your next ceiling project or to add a soft finish in a low-traffic area, such as a bedroom.

Product Info: Aura Affinity Paint

The last couple of years, Red Canary has been working witht the learning curve of Aura Affinity Paint produced by Benjamin Moore. This is a self-priming product (on most surfaces) and it is also a low VOC product that has the ability for one-coat coverage.

For most projects, one-coat coverage can be achieved. As a painter, however, I prefer the richer visual appeal of two coats (any lap marks tend to be "removed" or become less noticeable [remember, lap marks are not always 100% avoidable with any product]), especially on new drywall or walls that are being painted for the first time since the buider painted the home (these surfaces can act like dry sponges, absorbing the paint unevenly).

The self-priming side is both a benefit and a downfall: If you get the paint on trim or any other surfaces while painting, you will want to clean it up immediately. Cleaning dried and cured "oopses" from this paint takes some elbow grease and it also settles in any knotting or graining in trim (as any paint would), making it nearly impossible to completely remove any pigment.
And the low VOC aspect, well, that just goes without saying. Aura is a high-quality, low VOC paint that is friendly for the homeowner, pets, painters and earth.

Additionally, the color selections in the Aura color deck are fabulous and Red Canary has used them to decorate many homes. They are colors that cannot be found in any other paint line, nor can they be matched in any other paint product. Undoubtedly, this is a one-of-a-kind paint that cannot be bought in just any hardware store. If you live in the Madison Metro, your local reputable dealer is McGovern & Sons on Odana Road.

Holiday Gift Ideas are Here

Well, we've made it through Thanksgiving, and if you're like me, you still have some shopping left to do. (Not many of us are such go-getters as my friend Jean--she had all of her shopping done two months ago! You go girl!) So, if you're still out there looking for that perfect gift, I have a couple of ideas:

#1: A Red Canary gift certificate! For the last 7 years, we have been offering our patrons gift certificates, available in any denomination, and good towards any painting services--basic or decorative, interior or exterior. Give your friends or family a gift that will last for years . . . . and be a thoughtful reminder as well, all year long . . . .

#2: A Dane Buy Local gift card. Available in many denominations and accepted at any Dane Buy Local member business accepting credit cards, including Red Canary LLC and paint suppliers such as McGovern and Sons. From books and art (go see the unique gift ideas at Absolutely Art) to printing supplies (check out Think Black Ink for local printing supplies) and more . . . the gift recipient can use the gift card at several local businesses.

With these unique gift-giving ideas in mind, it is important to note that the average person "enjoys" a paint job for 5 to 7 years . . . . when was the last time that special someone in your life updated their home? Can't remember, but the walls have looked the same for the last 10 Christmases? Then, consider a gift certificate from Red Canary or a gift card from Dane Buy Local. To purchase a gift certificate from Red Canary LLC, please call us at (608) 843-1580 or email us at redcanarypainting@gmail.com. To purchase a Dane Buy Local gift card, please go the the Dane BuyLocal website at www.danebuylocal.com.

Have a safe and joyous holiday season . . . . and good luck wrapping up (LOL. No pun intended) that holiday shopping! To you and yours, all the best wishes this season from Red Canary LLC.