Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint: Primer Needed?

Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint is a super-premium quality, 100% acrylic finish that combines the company's proprietary resins and Color Lock Technology to deliver rich, full colour and unprecedented durability. It is mildew and stain-resistant and protects against cracking, peeling and fading. But does it need a primer?

Some people suggest that you should always prime new drywall before painting, and Benjamin Moore itself has recommended this in the past. However, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint is marketed as 'self-priming' in most situations. The paint is more expensive than standard paint because you are supposed to save money on not having to buy a primer.

However, some people still recommend using a primer with this paint, especially on new drywall. One source suggests that a drywall primer will seal the surface so that the paint doesn't absorb into it, whereas the Aura paint is designed to go directly onto drywall and similar surfaces without primer.

So, while Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint is self-priming, some people still recommend using a primer for the best results, especially on new drywall.

Benjamin Moore Aura paint is self-priming

Aura paint is a super-premium quality, 100% acrylic finish that combines Benjamin Moore's proprietary resins and Color Lock Technology. It delivers rich, full colour and is known for its unprecedented durability. It also protects exterior surfaces from cracking, peeling, and fading and is mildew and stain-resistant.

When it comes to using Benjamin Moore Aura paint, the surface preparation is key. Surfaces must be clean and free of grease, wax, and mildew. All chalk and loose or scaling paint should be removed. Glossy surfaces should be dulled, and contaminants that can interfere with proper adhesion should be removed.

For Aura Waterborne Exterior Flat and Low Lustre finishes, the paint is self-priming on most properly prepared substrates, including wood, fiber cement board, hardboard, nonferrous metals, and cured masonry surfaces. On bare substrates, two coats of paint are required, while previously painted surfaces can be finished with one or two coats.

However, it is important to note that some users have shared their experiences online, stating that they were advised by Benjamin Moore representatives to use a sealing latex primer before applying Aura paint, especially on new drywall. This extra step can help ensure a smooth and even finish.

In conclusion, while Benjamin Moore Aura paint is marketed as self-priming, it is always a good idea to carefully assess your surface and consider the specific circumstances of your project. In some cases, priming may still be beneficial or necessary to achieve the best results.

It's recommended to prime new drywall before using Aura paint

Benjamin Moore Aura is a self-priming paint that can be applied directly to new drywall. However, the paint is relatively expensive, and some people prefer to prime their walls first to save money and time.

Priming new drywall before painting is recommended for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the paint adheres better to the surface, resulting in a more uniform and long-lasting finish. The primer acts as a glue, allowing the paint to stick to the wall and preventing it from peeling or fading over time.

Secondly, a primer can help cover imperfections and blemishes on the wall. It acts as a seal, blocking out paint penetration and creating a smooth base for the paint to be applied evenly. This is especially important if you are trying to paint over a dark colour or if your drywall has joints or patches that need to be hidden.

Additionally, priming can help speed up the drying process. The primer will prevent the paint from being absorbed by the drywall, allowing it to dry faster and potentially reducing the number of coats required. This can save you time and money, especially if you are using an expensive paint like Benjamin Moore Aura.

While it is possible to paint directly on drywall without priming, it is generally recommended to prime new drywall before applying paint, especially if you want to achieve the best possible results.

Aura paint is suitable for a variety of exterior surfaces

Benjamin Moore's Aura Exterior Paint is suitable for a variety of exterior surfaces, including wood, fibre cement board, hardboard, vinyl and aluminium siding, shakes, unglazed brick, concrete, stucco, cinder block, and primed metal. It can be applied as low as 40°F, and its low-temperature application makes it ideal for exterior use.

Aura Exterior is a super-premium quality, 100% acrylic finish that combines Benjamin Moore's proprietary resins and Color Lock Technology. This delivers rich, full colour and durability, protecting against cracking, peeling, and fading, and is also mildew and stain-resistant.

Aura Exterior is available in thousands of colours and can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. It dries faster than other acrylic paints, and its self-priming capabilities mean that it can seal and cover most surfaces without the need for a separate primer.

However, some users have reported mixed results with Aura's self-priming capabilities, especially when applying new paint on bare drywall. In these cases, it may be beneficial to use a separate sealing latex primer before applying Aura paint to ensure better coverage and adhesion.

For metal surfaces, it is recommended to remove rust and wipe down with paint thinner to remove surface oils. Surfaces must be clean and free of grease, wax, and mildew before applying Aura Exterior Paint.

Aura paint is easy to apply and clean up

Benjamin Moore's Aura Exterior Paint is a super-premium quality, 100% acrylic finish paint that is easy to apply and clean up. It is suitable for a variety of exterior surfaces, including wood, fibre cement board, hardboard, vinyl and aluminium siding, shakes, unglazed brick, concrete, stucco, cinder block, and primed metal. The paint can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray, and cleanup is simple with just soap and water.

Aura Exterior Paint is known for its rich, full colour and unprecedented durability. It resists cracking, peeling, and fading and is mildew and stain-resistant. Additionally, it has excellent resistance to paint deterioration and provides a durable, long-lasting finish. The paint also has fast dry and recoat times, making it convenient for quick projects.

While Aura Exterior Paint is self-priming in most situations, there are instances where priming is recommended. For new surfaces, it is generally advisable to apply a full primer coat, especially if you are using Aura Exterior Semi-Gloss. Previously painted surfaces may be spot-primed as necessary. To ensure proper adhesion, it is important to prepare the surface by cleaning and removing any grease, wax, mildew, or loose paint. Glossy surfaces should be dulled, and metal surfaces should be free of rust and wiped down with paint thinner to remove surface oils.

The application process for Aura Exterior Paint is similar to that of other low-VOC compliant coatings. It is recommended to use a premium roller or premium extra firm nylon polyester brush for the best results. Unlike other acrylic paints, Aura dries faster, so it is important to avoid lap marks by not painting in direct sunlight and by working in sections. If you miss a spot or need to touch up an area, allow the paint to dry completely before re-coating.

Aura paint is mildew and stain-resistant

Benjamin Moore's Aura Exterior Paint is a super-premium-quality paint that offers rich, full colour and is highly durable. It is also mildew and stain-resistant.

The paint is suitable for a variety of exterior surfaces, including wood, fibre cement board, hardboard, vinyl and aluminium siding, shakes, unglazed brick, concrete, stucco, cinder block, and primed metal. It can be applied in temperatures as low as 40°F.

Aura Exterior Paint is formulated with 100% acrylic finish and proprietary resins, which help protect against cracking, peeling, and fading. It also features Colour Lock Technology, which ensures long-lasting fade resistance and delivers rich, full colour.

To ensure proper adhesion, surfaces must be clean and free of grease, wax, and mildew before painting. All chalk and loose or scaling paint should be removed, and glossy surfaces must be dulled. For metal surfaces, remove any rust and wipe down with paint thinner to remove surface oils.

Aura Exterior Paint is self-priming in most situations, but specific surface preparation and priming recommendations vary depending on the finish and the surface being painted. For example, for Aura Waterborne Exterior Flat and Low Lustre finishes, two coats are required on bare substrates, while previously painted surfaces can be finished with one or two coats.

With its mildew and stain resistance, Aura Exterior Paint provides a durable and long-lasting finish that will keep your exterior surfaces looking their best.

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