The only negative thing there could possibly be about Aura is the price. If you can afford it, go for it. It is well worth the extra cost.

Does the Aura paint require any special skill to have it look fantastic? I am considering this paint as well but want to make the job as easy on my husband (novice painter) as possible. Does this paint perform just as well using the standard BM colors as it does with the Affinity colors?

The only difference about applying Aura is that is dries so fast you cannot cut-in (brush) and roll right away or you may pull some of the cut-in paint off. The best thing to do is to cut-in the entire room and then roll. Give the cut-in areas an hour to dry before rolling. It should perform the same with any color.

I just did my MBR and Bathroom in Aura and loved it. It looks so wonderful on the walls. I could paint my whole house in the Affinity colors.

I love this paint! Used it in two bedrooms in Powdered Sand. Covers easily in one coat. I felt like I used less paint than with other brands. Scrubs well too. The dog sleeps near one wall and the dirty oil in her coat can rub on the wall.

I have used it in 2 rooms so far and it looks and covers great. We are about to build a new house and I will insist on the painter using it.

Aura Paint is hard to brush with but rolls in 1 to 2 coats with no primer. Now you can do dark reds in 2 coats without primer. Also many people think you can only get Aura in limited colors. keep in mind you can get any color you want. There is a small collection only available to Aura and not other lines, but Aura can be made in any color. Also are you aware that Aura is not available in all states and all stores. It requires a large investment for the delaer and has limited distribution. You can buy it online also from a few different webiste. My favorite site is Myperfectcolor.com this site allows you to get a unique test size in any color.

These are some of the brands of colors you can get the Aura made in
Benjamin Moore
Ralph Lauren
Sherwin Williams
Pottery barn
Martha Stewart
Behr
Valspar
http://www.myperfectcolor.com/

The Aura info
http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Benjamin-Moore-Aura-Paint-Myperfectcolor-com-s/3342.htm

Benjamin Moore
Www.aurapaint.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Benjamin Moore paint samples

We used Aura to paint the walls in our kitchen remodel (and cabinet coat on the trim) and really liked it. Very easy to work with - we painted over several weekends between the contractors work - cutting in certain areas, coming back a week later to do certain walls and it all blended fabulously. The finsih looks really great

Here is a link that might be useful: Here are some pics you can check out

Lovely, berryberry! What paint color did you choose for the walls? Don't believe I saw that in your other post...

funcolors - its Harmony (Af-90) that we used. Very nice shade

Anyone else finding it a challenge to cut in using Aura paint? It's much thinner the Regal paint and it feels insubstantial going on. I used to love painting with the Regal and didn't enjoy the act of painting with Aura nearly as much.

That said, it rolls on fine, self-levels and covers well and the finished room looks terrific. Plus I had a house guest sleep in the room while the painting was still in process and he claims not to have smelled the paint at all.

But I miss the texture of Regal on my paint brush.

Well you can't mess around with the Aura as much...you lay your paint down and move on. Maybe you are struggling with it because you are going back into areas that have already started to set? I find that the Aura goes on much smoother than any of the Regal paints.

Aura is overpriced. Pratt and Lambert Accolade(my favorite)or Duration will do a better job for less money. Even using the Regal line of Benjamin saves you a lot of money, although not as good quality as the other paints.

I agree that Aura goes on smoothly. I think what's hardest for me is that my brush can't hold as much Aura paint as it did the Regal. I'm used to cutting in with a loaded brush but Aura drips unless I scrape or knock most of the paint off of the brush. I'm not sure if I'm describing this very well. I imagine that it'll just take some practice.

I've used P&L Accolade and really liked it. Do you know if P&L makes a low VOC paint?

P/L- accolade is a super great paint to work with and paint. Doesn't have a lot of smell to it.

With Aura, you can actually (if not careful) have to much paint on your brush and roller, which will cause some sagging if not careful.

If you are having some trouble try adding a little of the new extender for Aura.

A little of aura goes a long way. Even without adding the extender, one really shouldn't have any problem cutting and rolling because as with any paint, one should put the paint on , distribute and lay it off and move on. Continuous brushing and rolling will only remove paint, drag and set up on you.

Middletown
Yes, Pratt and Lambert makes the Red Seal Porcelain in Flat, Eggshell, and Satin finish. It is green approved and is a guaranteed washable and scrubbale product. Incidentally, Pratt and Lambert still makes a flat oil, eggshell oil and satin oil that covers in one coat. I tried the Red Seal Satin oil and found it superior to the Ben Moore Oil Satin Impervo.

funcolors - you really nailed it! I do indeed like the feel and motion of painting. My school teacher dad painted houses during the summer and and I think I've been in denial about being a DIYer - as opposed to a 2nd generation painter with an office job who mistakenly chose another path.

Decorativewalls - yes, I experienced sagging for the first time and am learning not to overload the roller. I've been wary of the extender - not sure it it would work with Aura's formulation, but maybe I'll give it a try with my remaining paint.

Richard, I think I may try P&L again. I was really happy with the results the last time I used it and I now remember that they have some really nice gray-greens, which is what I'm after.

Anyway, thank you all for the feedback and advice! One room down and four to go (just as soon as my back recovers from the strain of my first attempt at painting a ceiling).

OMG that's one of the funniest posts I've read in a long time, funcolors :) I mean it, not being sarcastic...about how DIYers love to swish back and forth like Tom Sawyer...LOLOL!

I'm proud to say I tested some Aura exterior semi-gloss Friday and didn't swish a bit. It is an intense painting experience, I'll tell you that much. I described it as applying very thin fondant icing. It looked fabulous the day after.

I may try some P&L at some point before the exterior paint is chosen, just to compare, even though I won't be doing the painting (well, I'm painting our door--Aura Caliente is the top contender so far).

:D

Scroll about half way down the screen to The 'whitewashing' scene. There's a link you can click on to view the Simpsons version. It's powerful funny.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tom (Bart Simpson), Huck Finn (Nelson)

Fun-C,
I too thought your description of the "styles/FEEL" of painting was very intelligent!!
* May I use your phrasing(s) when describing paints to clients?!
* You've just GOTTA get yourself a C2 deck...;-)
* Are you any closer to a dealer now??

...sorry for going OT guys!!!

Faron

Why, of course, you may use that description. I spend a lot of time watching other people paint! lol! I talk, they paint. :D

Some pro painters don't like to talk much. They like to get in a zone and paint. I respect that and force myself to keep check-ins short and sweet. Other painters who work alone most of the time looooove having company. It all depends.

I still don't have a C2 deck! I haven't moved yet. Probably won't until late summer. I dunno if I'll be close to a C2 dealer where I'm moving. Should check that out because having seen the result of C2, I know it delivers when it comes to quality, rich, yummy color.

jpitura
If you are in Canada, how about trying some Sico and Crown paint products and let us know if the products are any good?
I would be interested in hearing your comments. These are both popular brands in Canada.

Faron79
I have heard of C2 but have never seen any information on the products or heard of any painter using the products. I know they are totally different than other paint companies in the way they do business.

We have decided to paint the entire house with Aura. Therefore, we will not be trying the other paint products.

Our observations so far, our professional painter says the Aura goes on well, but you have to focus and get the job done. Generally, two coats are required, the finish is wonderful....beautiful colors, nice texture and hard finish.

The only concern we have noticed is that where we have lots of light hitting a wall, roller streaks show. We have had to apply several coats to some walls where the sunlight hits them.....we did three, four and even five coats on three separate walls. Even with the added coats, walls still show some streaking in various light.

In summary, we are very pleased with the paint and colors we selected. We would give the paint an 8 out of 10 in satisfaction, and would recommend its' use.

--- Liz

liz, would you be willing to post photos with the color names? we're thinking of doing our entire home as well and it's so helpful to see images of how the colors look in an entire painted room....

Have good news and bad news. We can tell you the colors, however we are camera/photos challenged, still use 35mm, not digital, so not able to post pictures. Furthermore, our house is not completed as yet.

Relative to colors, we did our family room, living room, kitchen, entrance and hallways in Aura "Subtle", a creamy, soft yellow.....looks fabulous with our decor and does a terrific job in contrasting our white trim and baseboards.

We did our formal dining room in Aura "Wildflower", a mild pinkish/red, a nice darker contrast to the "Subtle" and complements our dining room furniture and accessories.

Did our powder room in Aura "Gossamer Blue" a silvery blue and our laundry room in Aura "Serenata Blue".

Our master bedroom and bathroom will be done in Aura "Lichy", a slightly peachy toned off-white.

Our guest bedroom and bath is in Aura "Barely Beige".

So that's it, think we will really enjoy our new interior, looks great so far.
-- Liz

Hi Everyone,

I've enjoyed reading your discussions about the Aura paint.

I'm planning to paint my small living room Thursday by myself while my husband is away. I haven't painted in at least a few years..

Are there any special type rollers or brushes that should be used with this paint? I don't want to mess up, especially with the cost.

Our professional painter used the following brushes and rollers:
1. A Purdy or Wooster brand 2.5" angle brush, made of nylon and polyester.

2. A 13 and/or 15 mm General Paint Premium Plus roller, lint free, and for semi-rough surfaces.

Both did a great job of cutting and rolling walls.

Remember the Aura paint will dry very quickly..good luck.
-- Liz

We are painting the ceiling in our hallway and will do our walls in Aura (Behr color). Can't wait!

I've had the same streaking problem on walls in my living room that get a lot of light, but then I only did one coat. I was getting ready to do another one and I'm a little deflated to hear that a few coats may not cut it. That said, it does look really good on most of my walls. Gives the room a very smooth, rich, professional, designer look. It also blends really well when you go back and touch up or if you do a painting job in stages, which is great for me because my two little kids are constantly interrupting me, and you wouldn't know it to see the walls. Also, we've had some ink pen on the walls since we painted, and I had to touch up. No problem -- still looks great and blends well.

Well, we've painted our hallway and I agree with funcolors. Aura may not be as easy for DIYers. No matter how much I begged my DH to not go back into the paint, and reminded him that it dries fast, we ended up with a bunch of blotchy areas which if you look closely are roller marks. He previously painted 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with regular paint and that didn't happen. The color is beautiful. We have the same color in Behr paint and it is deeper in Aura. I am also glad it will wear well, as I hear. However, I can't see us using it again because we are unable to apply it correctly. It does have a certain odor to it and it definitely took 2 coats to cover. Hope this helps someone who's planning to DIY with Aura.

Newtoremodeling, you have to choose what fits your painting style best because painting is a lot of work. Don't need a product that adds on more stress and effort.

The blotchy areas and roller marks are most typical for DIYers who struggle with Aura so you aren't alone as far as I'm concerned.

Thing is there isn't much understanding out there for a DIY painter. Pro painters can't remember or can't relate very well to what it's like for someone not to be good with a brush because it comes so easily for most of them -- and really the worse off a DIYer is the better hiring a pro looks. lol! :D

Paint stores are usually very unsympathetic and don't quite understand either. If they acknowledge anything deficient about the product, then they might have to do something about it. So they tend to gloss things over or go the opposite direction and over-caution so they can say I told ya so.

Practice with Aura on a board first is what I've been telling my DIYers lately. Just jumping in and hitting a wall with Aura is a mistake. A little practice is needed. Also start on an inconspicuous wall that doesn't get hit with direct light. Usually, the more you paint with Aura the easier it gets.

Definitely have to have some refined and/or efficient painting skills to be successful with Aura.

Aura is not DIY user friendly.

Thanks, funcolors! Well, I have 2 more gallons of Aura which I bought before ever trying it ... So I definitely will be using it again, whether I like it or not ... Can someone recommend what to do to fix those blotchy spots?

Painted with Aura for the first time this weekend. Have to say, other than the "odd" smell, I loved it. Took me a little to get used to the way it cut with a brush (and I had to tell myself over and over- "LAY IT AND LEAVE IT!") and the room had lots of cutting. Let is dry for an hour then got ready to roll.

Rolling was much easier than I anticipated but my husband wanted to know why I was talking to myself. ("LAY IT AND LEAVE IT! LAY IT AND LEAVE IT!") I broke each wall into mental sections of 3X3, dipped, rolled, moved down the column. Dipped, rolled , and again. Once I finished the column did soft rolls from bottom to top to even out any marks.

Kitchen looks great. Used Beacon Hill Damask in an eggshell finish with a 3/8" Masterweave roller cover and a 2" Purdy angled brush

The walls even feel good to the touch. will definitely use again!