Fox & Fern Painting Co.
Paint That Performs.
Interior walls, exterior siding, trim, doors, and cabinetry — Fox & Fern delivers the kind of paint finish that holds up for years and looks better than you imagined. Every project uses Benjamin Moore premium products, applied with the prep work and technique that actually makes them perform the way they're supposed to.
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The Details Most Contractors Skip
Interior Painting Done Right
The difference between a paint job that lasts 3 years and one that lasts 10 isn't the paint — it's the preparation and application technique. Here's what we do that most painters don't.
Surface preparation first, always
Every hole is filled with lightweight spackle — not caulk, which shrinks and telegraphs under paint. Every filled spot is sanded flush. Cracks at trim joints are caulked with paintable caulk, not left to show. Glossy surfaces are sanded to give the new coat something to bite into. None of this is glamorous, but it is the entire reason a paint job looks great or doesn't.
Primer is not optional
Fresh patches, bare drywall paper, repaired plaster, and stain-prone surfaces all require primer before topcoat — or they flash (appear dull) right through the finish coat. We prime everything that needs it. On new drywall, we prime the entire surface. On patches, we spot prime with shellac or high-hide primer before the finish coats go on. This is the step most painters skip to save time — and why their finish coats look uneven.
Two coats means two coats
A single thick coat is not the same as two proper coats. Two thin, even coats — properly dried between — build a harder, more durable film that resists scuffing and cleans better than a single heavy application. We don't dilute paint to make it go further. We apply it at the coverage rate Benjamin Moore recommends for the product.
Cut lines that are actually straight
The line where wall color meets ceiling, where paint meets trim, where one color meets another — these are where precision lives. We cut in by hand with a quality brush and a steady hand, not by relying on tape that pulls existing paint when it comes off. Sharp, clean edges are the mark of a skilled painter. We don't leave anything that needs you to look away.
Choosing the Right Sheen
Sheen level affects how light reflects off a surface and how washable it is. Choosing the wrong sheen is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make — and it's completely avoidable.
Flat
Zero reflectivity. Hides surface imperfections best. Difficult to clean — marks show and wipe off the sheen. Not washable.
Best for: ceilings, low-traffic accent walls
Matte
Slight sheen, better hide than flat. Some washability. Benjamin Moore Aura Matte is scrubbable — better than traditional matte.
Best for: master bedrooms, formal living rooms
Eggshell
Low sheen, soft glow. Washable. The most versatile interior finish — looks great in most lighting and holds up to normal household wear.
Best for: most living spaces, dining rooms, hallways
Satin
Moderate sheen. Durable and very washable. Shows surface imperfections more than eggshell. Easy to clean in high-traffic areas.
Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, trim
Semi-Gloss
High sheen, very durable, moisture-resistant. Standard for trim and doors because it's hard, wipeable, and holds up to contact.
Best for: trim, doors, cabinetry, bathrooms
High-Gloss
Maximum sheen and durability. Unforgiving of surface imperfections — requires the most prep. Striking on front doors and accent details.
Best for: front doors, furniture, high-impact accents
The Kitchen Transformation
Cabinet Painting
Cabinet painting is one of the highest-impact, highest-value projects we do. A set of kitchen cabinets in a fresh color with a factory-quality finish looks like a complete kitchen renovation — at 20–30% of the cost of new cabinetry. The process is demanding and detail-intensive. Here's exactly how we do it.
Removal & Labeling
Every door, drawer face, and piece of hardware is removed, labeled, and organized before any prep work begins. Labels ensure every door goes back to exactly the same opening it came from — no fitting issues, no mismatched hinges.
Cleaning & Degreasing
Kitchen cabinets accumulate years of cooking grease, oil residue, and cleaner film that will prevent any coating from bonding properly. We clean all surfaces thoroughly with TSP substitute before any sanding or priming begins. This step is non-negotiable and is skipped by many contractors — resulting in peeling within a year.
Sanding & Profile Work
All surfaces are sanded to remove gloss and create mechanical adhesion. Raised-panel doors require hand-sanding inside the profiles — not just the flat faces. We sand in the direction of the grain, remove all dust with a tack cloth and compressed air, and inspect every surface before moving to primer.
Priming
A bonding primer specifically formulated for previously finished surfaces is applied to all cabinet components. We use Benjamin Moore Fresh Start or Insl-X Stix for challenging surfaces. Primer is allowed to cure fully — not recoated within hours — before any topcoat goes on. Rushing the cure is how adhesion failures happen.
Spray Application
Doors and drawer faces are sprayed horizontally in a controlled environment — not brushed or rolled. Spraying produces the flat, smooth, factory-like finish that makes painted cabinets look like new cabinetry. Box faces are sprayed or back-rolled depending on access. Benjamin Moore Advance is applied in two finish coats, with light sanding between coats.
Cure, Reinstall & Hardware
Benjamin Moore Advance requires 7–14 days to reach full hardness — we advise clients on care during this curing window. Once fully cured, doors are reinstalled, hinges adjusted for perfect alignment, and new hardware installed if included. The kitchen is left clean and ready for use.
Why Benjamin Moore Advance for cabinets?
Advance is a water-based alkyd hybrid — it has the easy cleanup and low odor of a latex paint combined with the hard, durable film of an oil-based enamel. It levels exceptionally well (brush marks flow out as it dries), cures to a very hard surface that resists scratching and yellowing, and is available in Benjamin Moore's full color range. It is the industry standard choice for professional cabinet painting.
Can all cabinets be painted?
Most wood, MDF, and thermofoil cabinets in good structural condition can be painted successfully. Cabinets with delaminating thermofoil, severe water damage, or badly warped doors may not be suitable — we assess honestly during the estimate and tell you exactly what we find. We do not paint over problems we cannot disclose.
Two-tone cabinets
Upper and lower cabinets in different colors — a very popular choice right now and one we execute frequently. Typically a neutral or white on uppers and a deeper color (navy, green, charcoal) on lowers with a wood or stone island. We coordinate with your countertop and hardware selection to make sure everything works together before any paint goes on.
Popular Cabinet Colors — Benjamin Moore
Colors We Install Often
We bring physical fan decks and large sample chips to your home so you can see Benjamin Moore colors in your actual light before making a decision.
Protecting the Outside
Exterior Painting
Siding & Body
Wood, hardboard, fiber cement, and primed aluminum siding — we power wash, scrape all peeling paint, sand edges smooth, prime any bare or previously failed areas, and apply two full coats of Benjamin Moore exterior finish. The prep is what makes the paint last. A well-prepped house painted with Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior holds color and adhesion for 8–12 years in our climate.
Trim, Soffits & Fascia
Exterior trim — window casings, cornerboards, door surrounds, soffits, and fascia — is the detail work that frames the house. Trim is usually painted a contrasting or complementary color to the body and requires precise, clean edges. We back-prime all bare trim ends to seal the end grain, which is where water infiltrates and rot starts.
Shutters & Doors
Shutters and entry doors are the jewelry of an exterior — they make or break curb appeal. Shutters are removed, cleaned, primed, and painted flat on sawhorses for a clean, drip-free finish. Front doors are sanded, spot-primed, and finished in the sheen level that suits the look — often a high-gloss in a deep accent color that makes the entry pop.
Porches, Floors & Railings
Porch floors require a dedicated deck and floor enamel that can handle foot traffic, moisture, and UV exposure — not interior or standard exterior wall paint. We use Benjamin Moore Porch & Floor Enamel over properly prepped and primed wood. Porch railings and trim are painted to complement the overall exterior color scheme.
Garages & Outbuildings
Detached garages, sheds, fences, and outbuildings painted to coordinate with the main house or stand on their own. We treat these with the same prep standards — power wash, scrape, prime, two coats — not as an afterthought.
Why exterior prep matters more than the paint
The best paint in the world fails on a poorly prepared surface. Peeling happens when paint is applied over glossy, dirty, or damp surfaces — or when bare wood isn't primed before topcoat. Our prep sequence is the same every time: power wash and allow to dry fully (minimum 48 hours), scrape all loose paint, sand edges smooth, spot prime all bare wood, caulk all penetrations and trim joints, then paint. There are no shortcuts in this sequence.
Caulking — the most overlooked step
Every joint where trim meets siding, every window perimeter, every penetration through the siding envelope — these all need to be sealed with a flexible, paintable caulk before any paint goes on. Gaps let water into the wall system and behind trim, which causes rot, paint failure, and eventually structural damage. We caulk everything that should be caulked, and we do it before priming so the caulk is fully integrated into the paint system.
When to Paint Exterior
Seasonal Timing Guide
Spring (Apr–May)
Ideal. Moderate temps, low humidity. Best window for full exterior projects. Book early — slots fill fast.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Good. Work in shade, avoid painting in direct sun above 90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms can interrupt scheduling.
Fall (Sep–Oct)
Excellent. Cool, stable temps. Best adhesion conditions. Our busiest season for exterior work.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Not recommended below 50°F. Latex paint won't cure properly in cold. Interior and cabinet work only.
Benjamin Moore exterior products require surface and air temps above 50°F for proper cure. We do not paint exterior in conditions that compromise the product performance.
The Products Behind the Finish
Benjamin Moore Product Guide
Not all Benjamin Moore products are created equal. We select the right line for each application — using the product engineered specifically for that surface and use condition, not just whatever is on the shelf.
Interior Walls & Ceilings
Aura Interior
Benjamin Moore's flagship interior paint. Exceptional hide, rich color depth from their proprietary Color Lock technology, and one of the most durable washable finishes available. Our go-to for living rooms, bedrooms, and any space where color accuracy and longevity matter.
Color Lock technology — deepest, truest color in the line
Scrubbable and washable when cured
Excellent hide — often true one-coat coverage
Available flat through semi-gloss
Cabinets, Trim & Doors
Advance Interior
Water-based alkyd hybrid — the industry standard for painted cabinetry and trim. Levels to a smooth, hard film with minimal brush marks, cures rock hard over 7–14 days, and resists yellowing. Applied on all our cabinet projects and high-durability trim work.
Alkyd-like hardness and durability from a water-based formula
Excellent leveling — brush marks flow out as it dries
Non-yellowing — stays true white over time
Full color range availability
Exterior Siding & Trim
Aura Exterior
Benjamin Moore's premium exterior formula. Outstanding UV resistance, color retention, and adhesion across temperature extremes. The right product for Chester County's climate — designed to handle freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, and everything in between without cracking, peeling, or fading.
Industry-leading UV and fade resistance
Resists mildew, cracking, and peeling
Applies in temperatures down to 35°F (with precautions)
Available in flat, low-lustre, and satin
High-Traffic Interiors
Regal Select
The workhorse of the Benjamin Moore line — excellent durability, great washability, and consistent quality at a more accessible price point than Aura. Our recommendation for high-traffic areas where durability matters most: hallways, kids' rooms, kitchens, and rental properties.
Excellent scrubbability — holds up to aggressive cleaning
Mold and mildew resistant
Available in all sheens through high-gloss
Strong hiding power across color families
Primers
Fresh Start
Benjamin Moore's multi-purpose primer — bonds to previously painted surfaces, raw drywall, wood, and plaster. Used as our standard interior primer on new work and repaints. When surfaces require more aggressive bonding, we use Insl-X Stix or shellac-based primers for problem surfaces.
Bonds to most interior surfaces without sanding
Stain-blocking formula available for water stains
Fast dry — recoatable in 1 hour
Sandable for smooth topcoat adhesion
Exterior Prep
Fresh Start Exterior
High-build exterior primer for bare wood, repaired surfaces, and previously failed paint areas. Fills minor surface imperfections, provides a uniform base for topcoat, and seals porous or uneven substrates so the finish coat goes on evenly and adheres for the long term.
High-build formula fills grain and minor surface defects
Excellent adhesion to bare and previously coated wood
Mildew-resistant when dry
Topcoatable in 2–4 hours
Color Made Easy
Color Consultation
Choosing paint colors is one of the most anxiety-inducing parts of any paint project — and one of the most common reasons projects stall before they start. We make it straightforward.
We bring the colors to you
We come to your home with Benjamin Moore fan decks, large drawdown samples, and — for shortlisted colors — we have large sample chips made so you can see 8"×8" blocks of real paint in your actual light, against your actual flooring and trim. Paint looks completely different in a store under fluorescent light than it does in your space. We make sure you're making the decision in the right environment.
Undertones are everything
A white that looks crisp and clean on a chip can read pink, yellow, or green once it's on four walls — because the undertones in the paint reflect off the surfaces around it and get amplified. We know which Benjamin Moore whites and neutrals have which undertones, and we guide you away from colors that will fight with your fixed elements (flooring, countertops, brick, tile) and toward ones that will work.
The sheen conversation
Color selection and sheen selection go together — we help you make both decisions at once. The same color in an eggshell vs. a satin reads differently in raking light. We help you think through traffic, lighting, and cleaning needs for each surface so sheen choices are intentional, not an afterthought.
Popular Whole-Home Palettes
Classic Neutral
Modern Green
Navy & Warm
Warm Greige
Complimentary Service
Color Consultation Included
Every estimate visit includes a color consultation at no additional charge. We don't leave you with a brochure and a guess — we work through color selection with you as part of the project.
Benjamin Moore fan decks brought to your home
Large sample chips in your shortlisted colors
Guidance on undertones and how colors read in your light
Sheen recommendations for each surface
Trim and ceiling color to coordinate the full palette
Two-tone and accent room guidance
Cabinet color coordination with countertops and hardware
How It Works
Our Process
Step One
Free Estimate
We walk every surface, assess prep needs, discuss your goals and timeline, and bring color samples. No pressure — just honest information and a clear scope.
Step Two
Color Selection
We finalize your Benjamin Moore color choices, sheen levels for each surface, and any accent or two-tone decisions — before scheduling begins.
Step Three
Preparation
Full prep sequence — protect, clean, patch, sand, caulk, prime. This is where the quality of the finished job is determined. We don't rush it.
Step Four
Application
Two full coats of the correct Benjamin Moore product for each surface. Cut lines executed by hand. Back-rolled for consistent texture. No thin single coats, no skipped surfaces.
Step Five
Final Walkthrough
Every surface inspected in raking light. Touch-ups completed before we leave. Hardware reinstalled. Space left clean, protected surfaces removed, and you fully satisfied.
Why Fox & Fern
What Sets Us Apart
Benjamin Moore Exclusively
We don't carry multiple brands or suggest whatever is convenient. We specify Benjamin Moore because it is genuinely the best product for each application — and we know the line deeply enough to select the right product for every surface and condition.
Prep That Matches the Product
Premium paint on inadequate prep is money wasted. We prep to the standard the product requires — not to the minimum we can get away with. Every surface is ready before the first coat goes on.
Cabinet Work Done Factory-Right
We spray cabinets properly — doors removed, sprayed flat, cured completely before reinstall. The result looks like factory-finished cabinetry because the process mirrors how cabinetry is finished at the factory.
Veteran-Owned, Detail-Obsessed
We are detail people. Cut lines are straight. Caulk joints are clean. Hardware comes back reinstalled. The space is left cleaner than we found it. These things matter to us because they matter to you.
Flexible Payment Options
A whole-home interior paint, a full exterior repaint, or a complete cabinet transformation is a real investment in how your home looks and feels every day. Through our financing partnership, qualified homeowners can start today with zero money down and zero interest.
Learn About Financing →Ready for a finish you'll love every day?
Free estimate, color consultation included, no obligation. We respond within 24 hours.