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zeebee_gw

Poor quality with BM Eco Spec paint line (x-post Home Dec)

zeebee
14 years ago

Am cross-posting this on the Home Decorating forum. This is an update to an earlier thread on this forum asking if anyone else was having problems with Eco Spec paint.

As part of our home renovation, our eco-friendly architect specified Benjamin Moore's Eco Spec line (low VOC, low odors) for all paints. After using both the eggshell and semi-gloss formulas, we noticed extensive streaking on the painted walls and ceilings that looked like the finish was dull in some places and shinier in others. We also had bubbling, some of which showed up immediately as the paint dried, but other bubbles appeared days later.

All the areas painted were skimmed and primed properly, with adequate drying time between coats of paint. Even when the painter tried touch-up coats of paint months later, the problems remained. The paints used were from multiple lots over a six-month time period, so the problem was not one bad lot.

Our architect arranged an on-site inspection with a local BM rep, who admitted that the Eco Spec has gone through several reformulations since its introduction. He said he would not use it in his own house, would not have recommended that we use it in ours, and told us the line is being discontinued shortly.

The strong implication from the rep was that Eco Spec is not a quality product for home use; it's more like a builder's grade paint, something you'd use to paint the inside of your garage or your basement, but nothing more than that.

To BM's credit, they are working with us and giving us free paint to re-finish the areas which were affected, and we are in negotiations to have the painter's costs covered as well.

Just wanted to put this out as a warning for anyone considering Eco Spec. If/when it is discontinued, it might show up in various odd-lot paint places but it is NOT a bargain.

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