I quit using Aura for wall painting about 2 years ago though I will still use the Matte finish when people want a washable flat. I'm leaning away from BM these days and more towards SW. BM is more durable for sure, but the application and getting it to look good on the wall is becoming more of a challenge. My theory is that a paint manufacturer will introduce a paint line, people will love it for a while, and then they mess with the formula or cheapen it to increase profits or whatever and the painter will start to notice about 4-5 years down the road. Case in point, I just did a job last year painting trim where I painted an addition in 2008 with BM Aura semi-gloss and there was still a half gallon left from 2008 so I was able to compare the 2008 version with the 2016 version and it was a night and day difference. The 2008 version covered better and levelled out better. The whole reason I used to love Aura was for it's levelling out properties. Ahh well, at least SW is cheaper!

A good 100% acrylic resin paint has always been good at adhesion. You can go over existing paints of satin of lower sheen with absolutely no problems. If going over that dry contractor's paint, two coats will be in order.They are good at sealing new patches too. Most of the water based primers are acrylic based also. As to changing color, it is often more efficient, and even cost effective to just go around twice with a good "paint and primer in one" paint. First, the "primer" is exactly the right color. Secondly, if a white base paint is used, the paint will have just as much white pigment as a dedicated primer. You also might not end up with a half gallon of odd ball colored primer, and then a left over half gallon of paint for a medium sized room. One problem with paint and primers in one is that people assume it means only one coat - it does not. It only means that often the paint can be used where a dedicated primer would have been used, but often a second coat is required. If you have specific problems , such as stains, super slick surfaces or odor control , then yes, a dedicated primer/sealer may well be in order.

Hi Honeybasil, I'm sorry the Wythe Blue didn't work out in your rooms... I think it was probably my LR/ DR photos you saw . I have to believe it all depends on the light you have in your particular room. It doesn't look at all baby blue in my rooms... much more of a green-blue. My living room gets sun all morning, and the dining room gets late afternoon light. The color does seem to change throughout the day, which I really like. Looking forward to seeing your Misted Green walls!

My husband and I painted our whole house with Home Depot Behr Ultra Scuff Defense Stain Blocking paint and primer; flat for walls and ceilings, and satin for doors and moldings. We used fine quality paint brushes and rollers. The paint handled beautifully and is quite durable and looks great. We took our time, lightly sanded all doors and moldings first, washed and rinsed all walls and ceilings prior to painting. We did all the correct prep work. I even got a 10% military discount ( I am a retired Air Force Captain). Our house looks great! I have used BM and SW in past homes I lived in. BEHR is just as good. I painted my front door about 10 years ago, also with BEHR and it looks as good as the day I painted it. We since replaced our front door with a high end fiberglass door, and plan to paint it with BEHR when the pollen dies down in the air. I can also assure you that there is no professional painter that would have ever taken the time to do all the prep work my husband and I did prior to painting. We are semi retired and have the luxury to take the time to do a great paint job! I have read countless Houzz threads on botched professional paint jobs in expensive homes. As my Dad always says: if you want the job done right, do it yourself.