How To Paint With Benjamin Moore Advance

Are you looking to bring fixtures in your home to modern times without breaking the bank? Painting walls, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture is a great solution. When it comes to picking out the most efficient paint, we've taken a look into Benjamin Moores newest interior paint brand, Advance.

To paint with Benjamin Moore Advance, you'll need a few days in between coats to allow everything to dry. You'll begin by sanding the surface and applying primer with a nylon brush. Once the primer is dry, lightly sand it and add the first coat of paint. When the first coat is dry, sand it again and add your final coat to finish off the project.

The paint requires the usage of a nylon or polyester paintbrush, along with a non-shed paint roller. Taking your time with big projects like this will reduce the chance of having to start all over again. In this article, we're going to take a deep look into what the Advance version is, as well as costs and projects.

Painting Steps with Benjamin Moore Paint

First, remove the desired painting project and place it into a well-ventilated area. Prepare the surface by lightly sanding it and then clean the surfaces with soapy water to remove the dust. Allow the surface to fully dry before putting the primer on. Primer will not adhere to its full potential on a damp surface.

Then, apply the primer coat and allow it to dry. Depending on the primer you choose, this step could take anywhere between 2-7 hours before you can apply the next layer. Using a nylon brush and non-shed roller, apply your chosen color to the surface. Advance can take 4-6 to be dry to touch and 16 hours to harden fully. Give yourself enough time with this project for the best results.

Next, once it is dry to the touch, lightly sand the surface and clean it off with a damp cloth. Add on the second layer of your Benjamin Moore paint and repeat. While it is in the dry-to-touch stage, lightly sand off any paint drips and look for missed spots to touch up.

Finally, you can take your newly hardened and cured furniture pieces and attach them back to their base. For example, sliding drawers should easily slip into place, and if not, a little more sanding could be required. You and your guest will be amazed at the difference paint can make.

What kind of paint is Benjamin Moore Advance?

The Advance paint formula is a waterborne alkyd, meaning it's transmitted through a water-based enamel instead of an oil base. As stated by the Benjamin Moore website, one of the most significant benefits of this feature is that it substantially reduces the amount of VOCs given off. Compared to traditional oil-based paints, the Advance will still have the same flow and leveling while being able to be cleaned with just soap and water.

While it isn't a thick paint, it still requires a handful of hours to dry in between coats. The upside of that is that it gives you more wiggle room to paint over missed spots. It's a smart idea to buy a sample size of the color you want and apply a large patch test. This will allow you to see how the color dries before investing in gallons of paint.

Do you need to sand between coats of Benjamin Moore Advance?

Sanding before painting and in between coats gives you a better grip for the paint to adhere to. It is heavily debated on painting forums, such as Paint Talk, whether or not you need to sand surfaces. Often the manufacturers' recommendations are going to be the best advice. You wouldn't want to find yourself two coats in and not happy with the results.

The benefits of sanding in between coats include a smooth finish, eliminating paint drips and brush marks, and giving the paint the best surface to stick to. No matter how good of a painter you are, drips and marks are bound to happen. By lightly sanding between coats, you'll lessen the noticeability of these blemishes and ultimately remove them.

Click here to view this sandpaper on Amazon.

Recommended materials:

• Sandpaper
• Nylon brush
• Non-shed roller
• Plastic sheets
• Portable fan for ventilation

Click here to view this nylon brush on Amazon.

What is the best primer to use with Benjamin Moore?

Since the Benjamin Moore Advance is a new formula in the Moore paint family, it is recommended to use the Advance primer with the Advance paint. As for the other formulas, there's a bit of wiggle room. Of course, it is always said to match the same brands together. However, you might want your primer to have a specific characteristic.

For example, if you're painting a bathroom and want to keep mold down, you can use a mold sealing primer before painting. When it comes to using a very dark hue of paint, you'll want to confirm with a sales associate or guidebook that the primer you've chosen is a deep enough base level.

Before applying primer, make sure the surface is dust-free and clean. A majority of primers dry within 2-4 hours and are then ready for the next coat. The drying time will differ based on the primer type, the room temperature, its humidity, and the surface type you are painting.

How much does Benjamin Moore Advance paint cost?

Benjamin Moore has their own stores and a few partnered hardware stores. It is very limited on larger online buying sites and not available at Lowes or Home Depot. The best place to find it is at their stores or Ace Hardware.

Ace Hardware currently has a 1-gallon bucket listed at $65-$70 online and 1 quart for $27-$30. Keep in mind that these prices can vary by location and availability. It's a good idea to stop by your local Benjamin Moore store to see if they're running any sales or contact a local contractor to see if they partner with Moore paint.

You'll be able to find free sample cards and in-store paint chips of the available colors. It is common for stores to sell smaller sample sizes of the paint, running from $7-$10. This is a good way to shop around while giving yourself time to make a decision.

How long does Benjamin Moore Advance paint take to dry?

It will take 4-6 hours for Advance paint to be dry to the touch. You will be encouraged to wait a full 16 hours for it to fully cure before adding the next layer of paint. Based on the humidity of the drying area, it may vary by a couple of hours. Keep it in a well-ventilated area for best results.

Unlike the Advance waterborne base, oil and latex-based paint have different drying times. Latex paint will dry the quickest, dry to touch in an hour, and be ready for the next coat after 4 hours. Oil-based paint is dry to the touch from 6-8 hours and ready to be recoated after 24 hours.

Most common projects used with Benjamin Moore Advance

DIY projects have always been popular and give you a great sense of accomplishment for making something with your own hands. Benjamin Moore Advance has a high durability rating and is a top choice for high-traffic areas. The following projects are most commonly seen used with the Advance formula.

Cabinets, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, see a lot of action. Instead of doing a full reno, you'll be able to take out the drawers and unscrew the doors to do a makeover. It is a much more affordable option for new homeowners or those on a budget ready for a change.

Mudrooms can be found in the back or front of the house. It'll have all your coats, dirty boots, and maybe even the dog drying spot. Transform it into the place to be with the versatile qualities of the Benjamin Moore Advance paint.

Entryways see everyone come and go, which means plenty of opportunities for scuffs or marks. Advance can be cleaned over and over again with just soapy water and won't fade. That means you won't have to worry about matching paint again when shoes hit the wall a bit too hard.

Overall

Benjamin Moore Advance paint is making waves. With its low VOCs and durability, it can be used in just about any room. Advance is applied like many other paints; however, it requires a nylon brush. It has a longer drying time and will need to be bought in stores. With over 3,000 colors, you'll have plenty of options to bring your personality into your home!

Check out these other painting guides:

How To Paint A Room With A Sprayer

What Color Should I Paint A Room With A Lot Of Natural Light?