Painting is an art, although when I do it that’s highly debatable. Since paint is such an important part of painting, I contacted the most famous name I could think of — Benjamin Moore — to see if they could help me better understand it…
Dear Painters Who Aren’t Starving Artists:
I’ve always been a big fan of the Moore family and that includes Mary Tyler, Demi, Dudley, Roger, Michael, Julianne, Mandy, Melba and Benjamin. But when it comes to paint, Benjamin is the Moore you want.
Upon finishing a paint job, I stick the cans in my garage. After a while, when the cans are reopened, the paint starts looking clumpy and crusty. Why does it do that? It’s in a paint can! How come the can can’t keep the paint in its natural state? Have you ever considered making paint cans out of Tupperware to keep leftover paint fresh?
Would stirring the paint or shaking the can every couple of weeks make a difference? Could you put me on a mailing list and send a “Time to Stir Your Paint” postcard similar to the ones dentists send for cleaning reminders, only with a paintbrush instead of a toothbrush on it?
Another thing I don’t understand is why two coats of paint are still required with so many paints. Is that something paint companies do intentionally to double paint sales? I realize that could cut your sales in half, but maybe it will help you sleep better at night knowing you did the right thing for consumers. What’s your explanation for the two coats requirement?
A Market Support Team Leader responded with:
Thank you for contacting Benjamin Moore & Co. It is not advisable for customers to buy our products and then store them for indefinite periods of time. Once a paint can has been stored for 2 year period of time, or could be subjected to freeze/thaw temperature changes that would adversely affect the paint inside the can. The best bet is to estimate a project and buy just enough to finish the job, leaving a small amount for touch-ups if necessary.
In the event that you end up storing any paint coating, my advice would be to open the can in question and remove any skin that has formed. Next, stir the paint to mix thoroughly. Brush out a small amount and allow to dry to ensure that you won’t have any problems once applied. When dealing with a latex paint, make sure that the paint smells clean and hasn’t spoiled. If a foul odor is detected, discontinue use as this smell will never dissipate once applied.
To address your concern of recommending a two-coat application, there are several reasons for this. The first is coverage, many colors, depending on the color change and how long it has been since the walls have been painted, can be done with simply one coat. For surfaces older than 5-7 years, many times the wall will be fairly absorbent at that point causing for first coat to sink in and not leaving a very durable finish behind. By applying a second coat and thus building the dried paint film, this will extend the life and durability of your paint coating. This recommendation is solely to proper the end-user with the best possible results, and not to increase paint sales.
I hope this information is helpful to you and has addressed your concerns.
Final Thoughts: It’s ironic how so many companies these days paint customers into a corner. Yet here’s a paint company that goes out of its way not to do that, even though their customers paint their products into a corner.
Just when I hit the wall trying to understand paint, Benjamin Moore provided a comprehensive, intelligent and informative response that painted things in a different light. Although, if you walk into any room I’ve painted, the less light the better is usually preferable. And even though I’m a moron when it comes to painting, this response will now make me feel smarter when applying this type of Moore on.
The Market Support Team leader provided some terrific advice. One thing he suggested was opening the stored paint can in question and removing any skin before stirring thoroughly. Thankfully, that’s one less thing for me to worry about because while I do lose a lot of skin trying to scrub paint off my hands after a job, I generally do it over a sink, not the can.
If you’re searching for a colorful brand committed to canned paint, but not canned responses, look over Benjamin Moore. However, if any product you buy makes you want to stir things up with a manufacturer, don’t hesitate to Write The Company.
Update: As always, companies have no idea I’m Write The Company or that I’m posting my letters and their responses online. When Benjamin Moore discovered my post about them, they sent out this Tweet:
