I've used F&B and highly recommend it. The advantage is the surface quality and durability. It gives a velvety texture to walls and the colors change subtly. Very little odor. It's pricey but I'm going with it for my house. I feel it's worth it where I've painted with it.

Aura, which I haven't used, is new and I'm told (at the paint store) it's made to go on in 2 coats total. Self-priming with the first and second with the finish. They say it's a whole different type of paint with virtually no odor. Color range is a bit different than some paints -- most were too dark for my purposes.

Can't comment on P&L.

Thanks. I know that F&B is a good product. Just need to know how the others stack up against it. (color, appearance,wear,cost etc.

I haven't used F&B, but my sister has and raves about it. I have used C2, BM (non Aura, they don't sell it here in the wilds of northern NY yet) and P&L. I think C2 has the richest colors but is more unforgiving in application then BM. However, it could be cuz I have used BM for years and only recently tried C2, it has a different texture and "feel" going on. I truly detest P&L, I find it covers poorly, is thin and prone to running. I do like some of their colors, esp the greens and oranges, but I don't like the paint.

sandyponder

Christobal,

I usually say...'There's lotsa good brands out there. Stay in the upper tier(s) of each line, & you'll do well'.

>>> Prep & priming are CRUCIAL though!!! People are kidding themselves if they think priming won't help.
>>> It's the single most important step (on sound walls anyway...!) to ensure topcoats develope/bond properly, and give the most uniform sheen.
>>> Some deep colors benefit greatly from tinted primers.

* Our store has C2, RL, & ACE-Royal.
* Sandy's kinda correct in C2 not being that 'forgiving'! You typically have ~ 30 SECONDS to brush it out b4 it starts setting!
* The solids content is about as high as a Latex can get...therefore there's not a lot of 'brushability-time'.
* It's nicely low in VOC'S...I could hardly smell the stuff...very nice to be around. This June, I painted DD's room in C2's 'Impeccable', C2-114, in Eggshell. A very rich Gold/Brown.
I had to do 2 coats of C2's ACS-primer tinted to 75%-formula strength. The room had very pronounced poofs of whites and dark blues!
* Are you near a dealer??
* Believe it or no, I've never used BM!
* Some C2 dealers out East that have had BM for a long time prefer C2 over BM.
* We go through a TON of ACE-Royal, and a fair amount of RL.

Whatever ya use, also choose good tools!! And don't push paint too thin...TWO FULL coats on primer.

Faron

Here is a link that might be useful: C2's website

I agree with Faron, whatever brand you choose, get the highest quality. Your outlay for paint is still relatively low considering the impact on your space. I also agree TWO FULL coats of ANY paint and use good tools. The two coats are needed because that one coat however well it may cover is just a beginning. While almost all paints these days boast "one coat coverage" remember the goal is not just to cover, it is to bring the walls tyo life. The second coat makes the finish of any paint richer and more durable.