BEHR Premium Plus Ultra Paint And Primer In One
By Kevin Pace
BEHR has defied the convention of laying a coat of primer before a coat of paint by combining both these products in one can. BEHR’s new Premium Plus Ultra paint supposedly cuts your painting time in half by eliminating the priming and drying stage.
You can choose a flat, satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finish, for interior or exterior, and you can tint it to all colors just like their standard paint. BEHR claims that by combining the paint and primer into one product, the color lasts longer without fading, and it provides a better foundation for touch-ups.
Home Depot sells BEHR Premium Plus Ultra Paints for $23 to $40, depending on the finish and whether it’s interior or exterior.
BEHR Paint Products [Home Depot]
BEHR Process Corporation [Corporate Site]
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Behr is one brand I avoid, I made the mistake a few times, never again. Spend a few bucks more for the good stuff, do it right, do it once.
June 2nd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I’ve actually had very good success with Behr, and it is the other brands I avoid. Worst latex paint I ever used was from MAB!
Good coverage with Behr, good color stay over years, good adhesion and overall durability as well.
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Yeah, but if the taper screwed up, you’ll need another coat of paint to fix the problem after you remud.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Personally, I don’t think this would work all that well, I just found it interesting enough to write about. I am a traditional believer in a solid base coat of Kilz primer followed by Sears EasyLiving/Weatherbeater Ultra paints. They’ve been on this house since the previous owners bought it in the 60’s and they’ll still be on this house when I die or move out, whichever comes first.
June 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Just finished painting two rooms for a friend using this paint. I thought it went on quite well with excellent coverage. Really did cover in one coat. Did I do it in half the time than if I have primed then painted? Took me about 4 hours to cut in and roll 4 walls of a 10×12 room. Yes I would use it again
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I use Behr on a lot of my projects. Never had a problem. For comparison, the other brand I use regularly is Benjamin Moore.
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I’m curious, for those of you who say you have used BEHR paints in the past, how many of you have used this particular kind with the paint and primer in 1? I’m very curious as to the success rate of the combined paint and primer setup.
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 pm
I have seen all in one systems advertised as contractor grade. My impression was that they traded-off long-term durability and appearance for ease and speed of application.
If I had a tract of homes to paint and could get the job done in a single application per home with no drying time between primer and color coats, that would be very attractive. Truly blow and go.
Since I won’t be living there years later, I’d be blissfully unaware of any problems.
Even the cheapest new paint looks good for a while. If this is as good as their other formulations and saves time, why do they still sell the other stuff?
I am a wee bit skeptical.
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 am
re: Scott’s comment. Contractor grade and other marketing crap like that just throws up an immediate red flag for me. In this particular case, two coats of paint is two coats of paint, I’ve yet to see a product that covers in one coat. You can use primer, then topcoat, or you can use two coats of top.
I’m not saying that this revolution will never happen, but something tells me it won’t come from a discount house brand initially.
June 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 am
I’m in the middle of painting my house with Lowes’s Valspar Duramax, which also claims to be self priming and have one coat coverage. I’m painting over asbestos cement shingles (which take paint extremely well) and am only doing one coat with no priming and its working great. It might not last as long as doing one primer and then two top coats, but if I do one coat now, and then another coat in ten years. I’m still ahead of doing three total coats now, and I can change the color in ten years if I want.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 am
I would be very interested to hear what a paint chemist has to say about such a system. I never use water based paints, but then again, I’m painting on steel for outdoor use. I use an alkyd resin base coat since steel flexes slightly and an alkyd resin dries with a slight rubbery flex. Only then do I use sign painters’ enamels on top. Don’t prime with enamels–they are too brittle and will flack off anything that flexes slightly (look at lady’s fingernail polish as an example–nails flex slightly, fingernail paint does not.)
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:43 am
I tried the Behr out on a shed I built last spring. The trim was pine and the sides cement plank siding. So far I have been very pleased with it. It doesn’t get a lot of moisture here (Arizona) however the color has lasted well under the sun so far ……. Long term. we’ll see.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
It’s just a gimmick. Priming is required based on what sufaces you are painting period. Just about all latex paints or the premium ones are self priming depending on the situation. This was even stated on the Sherwin Williams cans years ago. Until I can see test of the paint on various surfaces/applications, it just a marketing trick to make you think you don’t need to primer.
Also you should always use two coats of paint even if the paint is 1 coat coverage. This will build a better foundation for the paint and will last for years
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
This paint is great I dont really buy any other paint but this one
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I always use primer, tinted to match my top coat.
June 4th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I just finished painting my basement (literally, 2 hours ago… i still have paint on my hands).
I bought the Behr Premium paint. They were starting to offer the Primer and Paint in 1 product when I bought this paint. As this was new drywall I just didn’t believe it could do a good job.
I bought Behr drywall Primer / Sealer. And I bought Standard Behr Premium base paint.
I painted the rest of my house about 2 years ago with Glidden, and to me, i liked the way the Glidden rolled out.
I don’t think you can mix primer and paint together. Especially if it’s the first coat of paint on drywall. You will get lifting in the corners and mud joins if it’s not actually a decent sealer.
Now, lets get a post about Paint rollers… after applying 35 gallons of paint to my house now, i have finally found good ones that don’t leave little sheds laying in the paint.
June 4th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
@Jason
Sure! What kind of rollers did you use? I would be happy to research and write an article on them.
June 4th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Last time I painted we did the up stairs of the house, with was about 15 gallons of paint (7.5 , 2 coats) We used what we had laying around and what family had for hardware. It sucked.
I bought the cheapest rollers that home depot had in 3/8″ nap. I think they’re ‘work force’ brand? anyway, they left a lot of lint. I started rolling the roller up with tape a few times, and pull it off vigorously to remove would be lint. still ended up with more than i cared for in the paint.
First, i painted my office in my basement, i used the Purdy Rollers. They claim to be reusable, but we’ll see… I keep mine loaded with paint over night in a plastic bag sealed around the roller frame, and reload the next day. I found the Purdy rolllers a little better than the el-cheap-o’s.
I bought Sherwin-Williams Poly/Wool covers this time for the biggest portion. Wow. They were amazing. No loading on the ends of the roller, no crazy dog hairs left behind. And after 2 coats the roller marks look much more even.
That’s what I’ve found. I am no expert.
Also i picked up a nicer roller frame from Wooster. It has a well balanced handle directly in the middle, i found that nicer than the again el-cheap-o ones we had laying around.. being my wife’s 7 months pregnant I’m painting 1800 sq/ft alone at night, so making it easier on me was the goal.
June 5th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Now when they make an improvement to the paint it can be rebranded to be Premium Plus Ultra Extreme paint.
I heard the radio commercial for this last night and it struck me. How many more meaningless marketing speak adjectives can we add to products.
June 6th, 2009 at 5:34 am
hopefully they don’t start flavoring it.
People are just looking to do less work. I don’t think a good painting job can be ever done without two coats. It’s just not going to happen.
but, if you buy the 1 coat paint, 1 coat roller, and 1 coat brush, 1 time (and pay a premium for it) and realize you need two coats, they just make a crap load more money…
in 10 years when it’s time to paint again, there’ll be a new gimmick to get you to spend more.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Removing popcorn ceiling texture and wallpaper. Now down to the drywall. This is a very small powder bath. I want to paint the cabinets (dark color) and the walls/ceiling in lighter. I am very interested in this type paint for the whole project. Anybody have an opinion?
June 29th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Just FYI.. BEHR has been rated number #1 in CR for several years in a row.
They dont just give that rating out for fun. If you have ever painted a wall in a dark red you will understand. Dry time is crucial with translucent colors but BEHR’s new Premuim Plus Ultra will cover in 2 coats with most colors. Other brands can take at least 4-5 coats. Try it! You will be impressed. I agree with the other comments that you should always apply a second coat regardless if the first coat looks fine. You get a true and more durable finish. Always use quality rollers and brushes!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:06 am
I just finished painting two rooms with Behr Premium Plus and loved it. It covers really well with just one coat. I have two other rooms to paint and I will definately buy this product again.
July 5th, 2009 at 11:33 am
[...] any 1-gallon and receive $5 off, purchase any 5-gallon and receive $20 off. Discount given. Toolmonger » Blog Archive » BEHR Premium Plus Ultra Paint And. 25 Jun 2009. These Behr interior paint colors are perfect for accenting a vintage style kitchen and [...]
July 16th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Good paint, but bad rebates. We’re having our home interior remodeled combining an old formal LR into the FR to make an open-barn like space. Old paint mixed with new drywall, etc. I’ve been looking at color combos and interior design, and finally got the look I wanted to try. Now I’m reading about paint. I appreciate you bringing this up because I just spent an enjoyable hour at the Behr site desinging colors and reading about this new paint. Very fun! And I’ve used Behr in the past (with Kilz! as the top coat) with great success, especially over old wood paneling. I think their paint is o.k. if you buy the mid-range price, and I like their eggshell satins.
What I do NOT like are the rebate sells, I’ve got suckered on those twice, followed every rule to get my rebate, and have still not been paid. I’ve never had so much trouble with any company honoring a rebate system. So beware if you deal with Behr. And Home Depot even prints out a 2nd receipt to make applying for the Behr rebates easier. Yeah right. Forget the rebates and just give me a plain old sale any day.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Lorrie and anyone else using a rebate for paint/stain: I work for a major rebate fulfillment company. We do rebates for many paint/stain companies and retailers. While I agree that I would prefer to just see a sale price, I can tell you with all confidence and honesty that a miniscule portion of submissions are rejected. The rebates are there either as a promotion to get the consumer to try a product or to reward them for brand loyalty, not to grab price shoppers.
The most common reason for rejection would be failure to comply with the terms. That would include:
1)not purchasing within the promotion dates
2)not sending required documentation (if it says original receipt or UPC, send it!)
3)missing the final postmark date
4)submitting for more than the allowed number of items
5)ALWAYS keep a copy of your entire submission.
So, if you are purchasing with the intent of submitting a rebate, read all of the instructions BEFORE YOU BUY. If the rebate requires the UPC from the can, CUT IT OFF BEFORE YOU PAINT. A lot of the UPC’s are obliterated by the paint running down the can. This will negate your submission. If you aren’t willing to do what is asked, then don’t even bother submitting. Can’t begin to tell you how many people throw away a can or won’t send an original receipt, etc. The rules are there to prevent fraud, and are set by the manufacturer or retailer. We just follow their rules.
July 19th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Re:
JoJo Says:
Can’t begin to tell you how many people throw away a can or won’t send an original receipt, etc
———
Don’t you just love when the manufacturers have a rebate that requires an original receipt and then they also state that they will not honor their warranty without an original receipt also. Sounds like some pretty shifty dealing to me, get a small rebate for them to get out of honoring their warranty.
July 29th, 2009 at 1:25 am
I just called Home Depot to find out if I could get my money back for the paint plus primer I bought that is not worth the time or money. I was painting one wall candy apple red over white and usually use a pink tinted primer for such a job. Beware. The paint professional at Home Depot talked me into buying the all in one paint with primer, saying that the coverage would be better, needing only two coats total and it would do everything that a primer would do–stain coverage and even saturation. I have painted three coats already and I am hoping that two more will do the job right. It does not cover pen marks or go on evenly. I still have splotches and marks. I could have painted the entire room instead of just this one wall and I do not like what I see. I was skeptical, but wanted to save time. Ha! Do not buy this junk. It costs $32.00 a gallon and I am so upset over the loss of time on this job. If I don’t get it right, my client will think it is the painter and not the paint. Hate it. I will buy Benjamine Moore from now on.
July 29th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
If you are painting any hue of dark red or a bright red, there is a pink tinted primer/sealer to go with it regardless of brand. All bright/dark reds are mixed into a deep base enamel topcoat paint and the red pigments used are translucent. That is why a pink tinted primer/sealer goes on first as a base coat, and then 2 or 3 coats of the deep base enamel finish. As for Behr Ultra paint, I talked to the Home Depot paint pros here in Bakersfield, CA. They say for red colors there is a pink tinted primer coat needed first and it is mixed into a medium base of Behr Ultra. This info comes up automatically when the paint pro keys in the color name on their paint computer system.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Just to toss in a few clarifications about many of the statements made in previous posts. This blog was ment to be for the new Behr Paint and Primer in one. I myself do work at a paint store. I undergo various tests in staying updated on current qualities of products, as well as additional levels of on hands testing with products. Lately the big question is “Do you carry a paint, like the Behr Paint and primer in one?”. After having done a bit of researching myself, and becoming somewhat aquainted with this, my findings and test are this. There is a difference in a “paint and primer in one” and a “self-priming” paint. A self priming paint typically goes on 3-4mil thick while wet. These paints have actual primer technology which assures added adhesion for the paint. We all know that latex paints are water based. The soul function of the water is to get the paint ingredients to the surface. Thus when the paints dry, they leave about a 1.5mil film. Now the “paint and primer in one” is a clever marketing technique. There is nothing new and or different about this paint than the top of the line paints you find at home improvement stores. What they state at Behr is, “Use BEHR PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA™ as a primer for repaired or uncoated surfaces. Lock in stains with the first primer coat; if necessary, apply a second primer coat of BEHR PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA.
For best performance with heavy stains and watermarks use a product such as BEHR ENAMEL UNDERCOATER PRIMER & SEALER NO. 75.”
So what does that say? Use the paint “as” a primer coat, and if needed, apply a second coat. There is no priming properties about this paint. It’s simply a clever way of selling the product. I am in no way stating the paint is no good, or won’t give you a nice look in 1 coat. My post is to show there is NO substitution for a good coat of actual primer, and then top coat with paint. Applying a primer first, then your paint is the best way to get superior adhesion, and lasting performance from your paints.
In response to what jack said above about your red paints… Red colors are transluscent pigments, as well as many of the bright yetllow, blues, and greens. These colors, regardless of paint quality, will need more than one coat. The better the quality of paint, the fewer the coats. However, i disagree with jack about using a pink tinted primer for an undercoater. Using a pink primer under a red, will only reflect a different shade in your top coat. If you want to get the best, most true look from any reds, bright yellows, lime greens, and bright blues, have your primer tinted a shade of gray. Gray Is a neutral color and will reflect the top coats true color back. Try this. take a piece of sheetrock, prime part of it with white, part with a medium gray primer, and use 2 coats of a red paint over unprimed sheetrock. The portion primed gray will be the truest color, and will use less coats than any other procedure.
In conclusion, it’s always best to use a primer under your paint. Two coats of paint are not the same thing as priming, and if you think of it on a cost look. You will use twice as much of this undoubtedly pricy paint, than if you buy a primer and paint.
August 1st, 2009 at 6:56 am
My contractor just finished painting two rooms with this paint. I bought it because I thought it would save him time. He painted one room almond color and the living room red. He complained about the red paint, that it did not roll on nicely. He had to do two coats, and that room had been pained a couple of times before, so no primer was really needed. The satin finish is very shiny and almost looks like semigloss. It has an “orange peel” look. It shows all the drywall problems and now we have to do something to fix that. I would not recommend this paint to anyone. The almond color went on nicely with one coat over new drywall. The contractor liked it and it looks smooth. I would like another coat of the almond color over new drywall anyway. I will probably have to do that myself as the contractor is done today. I usually buy Sears paint and I am going back to that brand.
August 4th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I have always used Behr paint. For this project, I too, was talked into the paint plus primer as I was working with a shade of red paint. I hate this paint! I agree with Barbara in that it shows ALL the drywall problems! The paint did not roll on smoothly and took about 48 hours for the paint to feel dry despite having the house closed up and the air conditioning cranked up. Removing the tape, the paint is pulling away from the walls and feels like rubber. We are coat four and the walls are finally starting to appear even. DO NOT BUY THIS Paint plus Primer.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:15 am
The ONLY reason this product covers better is 2 new tints used for this product only. If youve noticed, all HD stores got new tint machines. This is becuz they needed room for the new high hiding tints(exterior red and magenta)…. So this isnt some “magical” new thing, it is simply a high quality paint with better tints(when doing a red). Other than that, its a marketing gimmick….suckers.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
You people are idiots. #1 - it’s not the BRAND of paint showing your drywall problems -it’s the level of gloss. You can go whining to Behr or SW or Ben.Moore or whoever - it won’t matter.
Anything other than FLAT paint is going to show every defect in your drywall UNLESS you have your walls finished to what sheetrockers consider a “level 5″ finish… meaning the entire surface has to be putty-coated (skim-coated) - like plaster.
If you hired a quality painter instead of “Joe Handyman” - he’d tell you the truth. But you won’t because you’re cheap homeowner- DIYers who think you’re saving a buck to hire a scab.
Go here
http://www.drywallconstruction.com/levels_of_finish.htm
You might learn something. I am not affiliated with the site in any way.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I have been using Behr paints for years with mixed results, depending on the color/conditions of the walls. Usually I prime over with Kilz to ensure I get the color of the topcoat stays true. This time I thought I’d try Behr’s new all-in-one primer paint. I was very disappointed. The coverage for a first coat was worse than with their regular paint, which is signficantly cheaper! Out of the four walls, the only one that covered half-way decently was the wall that had been primed with Kilz. It’s definitely going to need two coats all the way around. Not worth the extra money or “time savings.”
August 11th, 2009 at 9:26 am
I have been using Behr paints for years with mixed results, depending on the color/conditions of the walls. Usually I prime over with Kilz to ensure I get the color of the topcoat stays true. This time I thought I’d try Behr’s new all-in-one primer paint. I was very disappointed. The coverage for a first coat was worse than with their regular paint, which is signficantly cheaper! Out of the four walls, the only one that covered half-way decently was the wall that had been primed with Kilz. It’s definitely going to need two coats all the way around. Not worth the extra money or “time savings.”
August 13th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I have used Behr paint in the past, and found it acceptable. I hate to paint, so when I had new drywall installed, I thought of using Behr Premium Ultra. I bought 14 gallons in various colors to do walls and ceilings. This stuff is no good. Instead of “cutting painting time in half” as the advertisement states, I had to paint my ceilings and walls up to four coats — and still the roller marks showed through. I tried different naps of rollers, and even went to Lambs Wool rollers, but the results were the same. I complained to Behr, and got a refund. Don’t buy into the “easy” approach of primer and paint in one. Each one has a specific function. Do the two steps, and you should be much happier with the results.
August 15th, 2009 at 8:08 am
I have used this paint a lot and it works great. I have come to the conclusion that the only time that I should use a seperate primer is if oil base primer is the best call. As far as one coat coverage - the can recommends 2 coats and if anyone who is worth their weight knows 2 coats is always a much better paint job. As far as red coverage goes make sure that the color you have is using their new tints. To say that Behr is inferior to paint store brands because it is sold in a big box is purely false. Painters tend to be loyal to their paint store because of the huge discounts that they get off the retail price. So of course they want to sell you on those brands.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I wanted to paint our walls in our basement. They are wood paneling. I was told that I should only need one quote with the Behr Premium Plus Ultra. My husband is planning on starting the project this weekend. I was wondering if anone had any info on weather this will work as Home Depot stated. I am expecting a baby in two weeks and we would like to save time but I don’t want to end up with more than a hassle with several coats.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Kristen - It will depend on your color. 2 coats always will give you a better paint job, that being said you will be skipping the primer step. “Normal” paint job requires 1 coat primer 2 coats of paint.
August 21st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I just spent almost 2 days painting a small bedroom and closet using the Behr Ultra paint. The room was hot. The ac didnt work well I used 2 fans to cool it down and a couple of 250 watt halogen lights to see better.
Ive never used a more sticky hard to roll paint in my life. I usually use mid grade Duron paint and never have a flow problem. To get this Ultra paint to flow I overloaded the roller and it worked ok but afterward it had runs all over the place. Even with this overloading the paint did not cover in 1 coat.
I cut in the corners before I rolled and the edges never did lay flat. I had to press hard to get the roller to roll smooth. The paint left roll marks that seldom leveled out.
Painting the base trim was pure hell. The paint was a semi gloss. I used a new Purdy angled brush. I loaded the brush as usual. Laid the brush on the edge and started what I thought would be a nice long strke as usual. I got about 2 or 3 inches and the paint stopped flowing. I retraced my stroke and still no paint. Ive never had this problem and Ive painted thousands of square feet of wall surface.
I checked with 3 different Home Depot paint salesman and they said they never heard of this problem. Never offered solutions. I mentioned maybe thinning with water. They just told be how many people have been buying the paint and they never heard of this problem.
I called Sherwin Williams, after brief explanation of my problem he told me that the primer/paints display the problems. I experienced. He told me that 2 products FLOETRON and LATEX XTENDER should help with my problems. He said the heat and fans were probably making my problems worse. What a difference in sales persons.
Are you guys lying about how great this paint is or do you just not know better.
Ive never used a worse speading paint or a messier paint in my life.
I would like to see if anyone has anything to add to this.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I can honestly say that I work for HD, and have had the Ultra in our store for about a month. I have not had one complaint yet! Yes if you use cheap rollers you will have problems, thats a given. So many people try to take the cheap way out but yet want the look of a professional job, thats not going to happen. No where does it state that the ULTRA is a one coat coverage, your just hearing what you want from the commercial! Its meant to be less coats. Most people I recoment primer to dont use it, and end up sometimes doing 3 to 5 coats depending on the color. If they were to do the same color in the Ultra those coats would go down to 2-4. But like I said it depends on the color. Use the paint you want, whether it be SW, BM, Valspar ect. Everyone is going to have their own opinion on what they like. I have people that will only use Ralph Lauren and by my opinion its no good. There are 8oz samples available, test out, see what you think!!!
August 25th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Due to past bad experience, I swore I would never use Behr paint again. However, not wanting to take the time to prime my door before painting, I decided (against my better judgement) to try the new Behr paint/primer combination. After a few months, the paint is cracked and falling off. OK… that seals it… I will never buy Behr paint (or stain) ever again!
August 30th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Just put my second coat of Behr with primer. Looks like I just finished the first coat. The paint didn’t cover well at all. I was told from a few people that reds and yellows are the hardest paints to get good coverage. My daughter’s room is red. I am going on to my 3rd coat, had to stay with the same primer base as changing base may not match color. Maybe need four or more coats before this is all over. A one day project is now going on to 3 days. Don’t know that this is a time saver. Would not use this primer paint again (gun shy).
September 5th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I am sworn off Behr paints. The stuff is just downright no good. I did 2 bedrooms in Behr and anywhere fabric would touch the wall (bed linens, curtains, etc) the color was ‘rubbing’ off. Could it be any less colorfast? Regular stuff covers like you’re painting milk on the walls. Have not used the new ultra.
I later used SWP Duration, which works pretty good. Grandaddy of them all is Benjamin Moore Aura. 55$ a gallon might seem expensive but I swear I get probably 3x the coverage of Behr and probably 1.5x the coverage of SWP Duration so when you factor in your time its probably cheaper.
September 6th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I just completed my first interior paint project using Behr Premium Plus Ultra. I painted my daughters 12×12 room, using 1 gallon of “Moss Print”. Unfortunately, since this is my first project, I don’t have other paints to compare this to. However, I am very pleased with the outcome. I put on 2 coats, and cut-in in about 4 hours total. The satin finish is very nice, and the color dried evenly. I am anticipating my next project, and I will never buy anything other than Behr Ultra.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:03 am
DO NOT BUY/USE BEHR PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA (paint and primer in one)!!!! My daughter works at Home Depot and was told this paint would work great on latex painted walls. I am a 51 yr old disabled single woman who has owned this home 20 years. I have never seen a paint perform so poorly! My duagher and I are painting a bedroom for her. After painting and dry time, pulled off the tape at the ceiling and a big chunk peeled off the wall…and not just the Behr paint, it removed the previous 4 coats, the knockdown treatment and I have a bare spot that is down to the drywall!!! I don’t need this grief, I am in pain 24/7, have a load of medical issues and now have to deal with this mess??!! For now on, its Valspar at Lowes for me. Dad has used Valspar for years without issues, but since my daughter works at Home Depot, she was told this paint was the greatest. Oh, and one coat coverage? That is a joke! We are going to have to apply a second coat because of bleed through (painting medium pink over light green) and it WILL NOT be Behr that I use!! Now as far as the area where al the coats of paint peeled off including the knock down treatment, leaving drywall exposed - even that paper wants to come off…I am so upset beyond words!!! I will seek getting my money back on the product to use toward repairing the damage Behr paint caused.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I would like to paint my kitchen cabinets - they are mdf and were originally sprayed with I think an oil-based semi gloss paint. Not sure they were ever primed - edges of cabinet doors would indicate they were not. Is this Behr paint/primer product a good choice for previously painted kitchen cabinets? I’d like to repaint with an enamel based latex paint, and then glaze them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
September 7th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I painted a 900 square foot condo with 2 different colors of Behr Premium Plus Ultra.
The coverage was great and the paint went on smoothly. I was very pleased with the results.
I don’t see what everyone is whining about. Sounds like a lot of people don’t have their walls prepped correctly and lack proper technique.
September 13th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
I am spraying my interior trim in place with Behr primium plus ultra interior semigloss and am finding it a nightmare. I was having good luck using regular Primium Plus and adding Floetrol. I needed another gallon of paint and was talked into buying the paint by a HD sales person who had had good luck brushing it on with minimal brush strokes in the dried finish. If I put enough paint down to get a smooth finish. The frustrating thing, is that it will run after it sets on the trim for a half hour. I think they added something to retard drying so that the paint levels better when brushing. Makes it useless for spaying.
September 13th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I am spraying my interior trim in place with Behr primium plus ultra interior semigloss and am finding it a nightmare. I was having good luck using regular Primium Plus and adding Floetrol. I needed another gallon of paint and was talked into buying the paint by a HD sales person who had had good luck brushing it on with minimal brush strokes in the dried finish. If I put enough paint down to get a smooth finish, it will run. Less paint it comes out bumpy. The frustrating thing, is that it will run after it sets on the trim for a half hour. I think they added something to retard drying so that the paint levels better when brushing. Makes it useless for spaying.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Primer is totally different from paint. Skipping this step causes problems eventually. As someone who has sold paint for over 30 years, I recommend that it is worth doing this right- prep, prime, two topcoats, ONE TIME. Use the best tools (brush , rollers) you can afford. Otherwise, you risk failure and more work to correct the problem. This is a marketing gimmick- the Behr product is thick and heavy-bodied, but there is no primer in it. These days, people want to take shortcuts and do projects easier. There is no sense in doing something wrong over and over again.
September 25th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Don’t use this crap, and tint your primer. Follow Mark’s advice.
September 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Home depot I despise, so I am leery of any claims they might make to have discovered some new “breakthru.” Whether you can cover in one coat depdends upon 1) the difference in colors, and 2) the quality of the paint. Some models cover very well with one coat. Now why would anyone want to prime a wall that’s already painted, which is true in 99.9% of Harry Homeowner cases? I generally paint two coats , regardless of whether the first coat covered completely or not. Two coats will last a lot longer than one coat, so it just makes sense that if you went to all the work of prepping and getting ready to paint, you paint another coar. Primer , especially water based primer, is crappy stuff. I wouldn’t put it into paint for any reason.
I never have problems hiding, even with less than ultra grade paints, mainly because color changes are almost always slight - no one goes from arctic white to blood red. Doesn’t happen.
September 27th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
There is no claims of a “break through”. They are simply using a marketing gimmick to help increase their dollar amount. Alot of you should read what I posted previously about half way up. I’ve work with paint daily, and do my research, as well as personal testing. I don’t always live by what the can says, until i’ve tested variations for myself. As i’ve stated, and mark as well… There is NO substitution for a good coat of Primer, then pant. Always use premium quality brushes and roller covers for best results. When you mask off an area with tape, make sure to always use a new sharpe razor edge, preferably a precision knife, to gently slice the paint from the tape before removing. Otherwise you may end up removing a portion of your paint from the wall before it’s had time to cure.. Always note that regardless of how dry your paint feels, it takes at least 7 days for it to fully cure to the wall. Allow even longer in high humidity..
September 28th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I painted bathroom cabinets with the primer/paint and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. The cabinets were cheap, old and ugly. I painted them a dark brown and it looks so good. I guess it would probably look good just painting them but I was hoping to get a better look. The wood grain on the door shows through which is fine, but I think I would use regular primer first-then Sherwinn -Williams paint over it if I wanted to get rid of the grainy look.
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:40 am
As for what kent beuchert says “…color changes are almost always slight - no one goes from arctic white to blood red. Doesn’t happen.” Well, yes it does happen. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m doing now. My kitchen it painted a bright white and has white cabinets. Too much white. So I’m painting the walls a bright “blood red”. So, will this new Behr paint be a good choice for me? Or just use a gray primer first and then any other brand of red paint?
October 5th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Gray primer would be preferable
October 12th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
JoJo wrote about paint rebates: “A lot of the UPC’s are obliterated by the paint running down the can. This will negate your submission.”
You don’t have to worry about this with Behr Ultra. The paint doesn’t even stick to the paper on the can. In fact, it doesnt stick to paint liners also - so you can peel it all off and use it again. Be careful, it doesn’t adhere to many surfaces. Be very careful using this paint. My experience with both light and dark colors - color and uniformity are good. Adhesion is terrible. Nothing like good prep - clean, prime, and paint. using Behr Ultra to skip a step was the worst painting mistake of my life - 21 cabinets to be redone after i peeled the Ultra off - in sheets. Some of you have commented as such and many have obviously not tested their adhesion yet.
And the paint can says good for Metal, plastic, etc, etc. I find it difficult to believe that Behr does not understand Ultra’s deficiencies.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Again- skipping proper surface preparation and priming is a recipe for failure, no matter what time you are trying to save. As the old saying goes, “anything worth doing is worth doing well”. Successful painting is no different.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:56 am
i love behr preium plus ultra im a painting contractor and have used every brand of paint.this paint covers the best and gives the best finish.i wont use anything else even though its a bit more expensive
October 19th, 2009 at 9:59 am
We are in the midst of using Behr all in one paint and primer for the first time. We have always been a fan of Behr paint till now.I even bought the rollers they recommended for the job ! If you are using a brush fot getting in close places, plan on at least two and sometimes 3 coats to cover. They claim this paint will save work for the painter, but so far, we have had to repaint many places that did not cover. Very disapointing.We have painted our homes for more than 40 years so we do have the know how about painting. Our walls were off white and we are painting a light gold. I will NOT buy this paint again. All this extra work for paint that claims to cover all. Don’t beleive it. I would be interested to hear more responses from people about this.
October 21st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I purchased the Behr paint with primer mixed in when it was on sale over Labor Day weekend. I purchased 15 gallons so that I could do the entire house. I loved the color and thought it went on well, but after painting only three walls over a period of a few weeks and allowing overnight drying time between the two coats, the paint started peeling off the walls like fruit rollups off the wax paper. I was painting over a sage green paint with an eggshell finish. Behr kindly agreed to refund the cost of the paint, but now I have the trouble and expense of peeling it off all the walls and starting again - I haven’t yet decided on an brand.
October 31st, 2009 at 9:20 am
The paint and primer all in one is the worst stuff we have ever used.Husband has painted our house, daughters house and never had trouble with regular behr paint. Doing other daughters house,previous owner had a rose color on kitchen wall repainting it yellow.Bought paint an primer all in one started putting one coat on bled through hubby stopped and primered the whole wall, then painted with all in one paint and still bled through, so he had to put another coat on. Not worth the money when you have to primer first also.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Elizabeth-While I am not a fan of Behr- The peeling paint was definitely not their fault…you have surface preparation issues that need to be fixed…you will have the same problem with any other Paint. There is no paint on the market today that would fail as you have indicated…even that low end Behr paint
November 5th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I have mixed reviews- we did one room with this paint in a dark green and it turned out terrific and went on very smoothly. A larger room we did in the “baked scone” off-white color- it leaves very clear roller marks and it doesn’t seem to matter how much paint is on the roller. We have done two coates and it is still clearly striped. We got a different version and are planning a third coat. One HD salesman said to use longer roller strokes. The other said to use shorter roller strokes for this paint. Pretty frustrating. Overall no complaints against Behr paints otherwise.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I usually use Sherwin William paint but seen the commercials for the “Behr Premium Plus ultra.” I decided to give it a try because it was going to cut the time in half and i didnt have to prime first. This was the WORST paint EVER!! It did not cover good, i had to put 4 coats of paint on each wall, and 2 on the ceiling that was off white already. I do not reccomend this paint at all. I was very disappointed.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Thanks to everyone that posted. I am getting ready to paint my condo, & got a ton of helpful informa`tion
November 16th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
I have put 2 coats of Behr Plus semi-gloss on a wooden bed and have to put a third. I hate it. I sanded the previously-painted surface thoroughly. I tried putting it on thick, putting it on thin. I tried painting across the grain then going over it with the grain. It dries too quickly. Impossible to go back over brush marks. It loads up on edges and then pulls off when I try to smooth it out. I am not a pro but i have done a lot of painting. My husband likes regular Behr, I guess I should have stuck with that.