Benjamin Moore paints are highly sought-after by interior designers and architects — a brand not easily found in Australia. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
For years, Canberrans with an eye for design and detail could only admire Benjamin Moore paints from afar. The US paint brand, known worldwide for its breathtaking colours and flawless finish, wasn’t available on our shores until local paint expert Steve Cho stepped in.
He wanted it for his shop, My Paint & Co in Mitchell.
“I’d heard about Benjamin Moore, but I couldn’t get it anywhere in Australia,” he said.
“It has a reputation for exceptional quality, beautiful colours and being environmentally friendly. I knew it was something Canberra needed.”
Steve’s passion for paint is vivid. With 15 years in the trade, including experience with a leading commercial company that works with all major developers, he has painted everything from large developments to boutique builds.
My Paint & Co focuses more on the boutique, high-end and specialty markets that seek the quality and aesthetics of Benjamin Moore.
But while the American brand boasts a rich depth of colour, its popularity is as much about what it doesn’t contain.
“Every Benjamin Moore range is low in VOCs,” he says.
VOCs are invisible gases that come off everyday products, such as paint. They evaporate at room temperature, which means higher concentrations indoors. Studies have linked them to headaches, nausea, organ damage, neurological problems, even cancer and cardiovascular disease.
“These days, families are more health-conscious than ever, especially with kids around,” Steve says.
“Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec range has zero VOCs and zero emissions. It has no smell. You can paint the kids’ bedroom in the morning and they can sleep there safely that night.
“It’s a premium product, but it’s worth every cent.”
Functionality aside, Benjamin Moore’s palettes are legendary. Setting design trends across the globe with colours that competitors couldn’t replicate if they tried, Steve says they’ve become a staple for interior designers chasing that perfect shade.
“I actually think the colours are more famous than the paint itself,” he laughs.
“We get a lot of enquiries from architects and interior designers because Benjamin Moore is always ahead of the trends. People are drawn to the richness of the colours — they’re just stunning.”
My Paint Co is now one of the only suppliers in Australia with Benjamin Moore on its shelves, and exclusive in Canberra, making the little shop something of a paint destination for professionals and homeowners alike.
Steve has positioned My Paint Co as a hub for anyone who takes their surfaces seriously, offering premium ranges from Haymes and NuTech roof and concrete paints, along with all the necessary equipment for a professional job.
For more information, visit My Paint & Co.
