Benjamin Moore released the newly formulated Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer (C094) this spring. We began stocking Fresh Start C094 in March, and we like what we see!
Read more about what you can expect from this primer and how it differs from other primers in the Fresh Start lineup.
A Quick Look at Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer C094
Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Deck and Siding Primer (C094) is an exterior alkyd primer and sealer specifically designed for wood surfaces that are prone to tannin bleed, like cedar and redwood.
OTC compliant with VOC < 100 g/L.
Dry to the touch in 1 hour and ready to recoat in only 4 hours—a huge time saver compared to other oil-based primers.
Delivers excellent stain blocking, penetrates deeply for strong adhesion, and holds up well even on weathered or chalky surfaces.
Recommended Use: For exterior wood—new or previously coated—under solid stains or exterior paint. It’s a smart choice when tannin-rich woods are a concern.
Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer (C094) Replaces All Purpose Primer (C085) for Most Jobs
You may remember when state VOC maximums decreased in 2018—pros were scrambling to find a solvent-based primer that would perform well and meet the new standards.
Benjamin Moore offered C085 as an alternative to its higher VOC 094, while also working to create a better formula. The result is Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer—Compliant (C094), and it largely replaces the need for Fresh Start All-Purpose Oil-Based Primer (C085).
How does C094 compare vs. C085?
Our experience with the new product is positive. C094 offers superior stain blocking and adhesion—it’s low VOC but equals the performance of non-compliant primers. Our pros report that it’s easier to apply than C085 and that the color is closer to a true white.
Consistency
Fresh Start All-Purpose Oil-Based Primer (C085) had a lot of build and hiding power, but it was thick and difficult to use. We heard from a lot of pros who struggled to apply it without runs, even with a sprayer.
Fresh Start Deck & Siding Primer (C094) has a better consistency—it’s much thinner straight out of the can and has less drag.
You cannot mix Fresh Start Deck and Siding Primer (C094) with Non-compliant 094 or All Purpose Oil Based Primer C085 wet out of the can.
You can apply Fresh Start Deck and Siding Primer (C094) over other primers once the surface is dry.
Color
Benjamin Moore improved the color of C094 as well. You’ll find that it’s a truer white, whereas C085 had a yellowish undertone. Using C094 will result in brighter whites compared to C085. This is especially important for achieving the best color match in the final paint color.
Dry time
The dry time of C094 is one of its best features: 1 hour to touch and ready for sanding or recoating in 4 hours. (As always, recent rain or high humidity increases dry times.)
Considering that the original, higher VOC 094 has a dry time of 6 hours to touch and 8 to recoat, the new formula will save painters a lot of time and labor costs by getting to the topcoat sooner. (Although C085 dries to the touch in only 1.5 hours and 3-4 hours to recoat, its other drawbacks make C094 our go-to.)
Choosing the Right Fresh Start Exterior Primer
Deck & Siding Primer (094)
This is the OG, and it works great—but it’s not VOC compliant in many states.
Use for exterior wood projects, especially on tannin-rich wood.
Dry to recoat time of 8 hours.
Not available in all states due to VOC regulations.
Deck & Siding Primer—Compliant (C094)
This alkyd primer checks all the boxes—it’s VOC-compliant with excellent hide and stain blocking for bleeding type stains.
Use on exterior wood, decks, siding, and fences.
Blocks tannin bleed from tannin-rich woods like cedar and redwood.
Creates a uniform, durable finish.
Dry to recoat time of only 4 hours.
Meets OTC Phase II VOC content limit guidelines with VOC < 100 g/L.
High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (046)
Acrylic latex primer that works well as both an exterior or interior primer.
Offers maximum hide and fast dry times.
Like many acrylic primers, it may not fully block heavy tannin stains.
Provides a mildew-resistant coating unlike alkyd primers.
Dry to recoat time of 2 hours. A great choice when you need a quick turnaround.
All-Purpose Interior/Exterior Primer (C085)
Oil-based multi-purpose primer recommended primarily for interior projects that require an alkyd primer. Many retailers are upgrading to the new C094 and discontinuing C085.
While it can be used outside, we prefer C094 for exterior wood.
Dry to recoat time of 3-4 hours.
Takeaways on Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Deck and Siding Primer C094
Benjamin Moore hit a home run with the newly formulated Fresh Start Deck and Siding Primer C094. It’s VOC compliant, and yet it performs as well as its higher-VOC counterpart 094. And there’s no doubt that it outperforms Fresh Start All Purpose Oil-Based Primer C085.
Still have questions? Contact the paint experts at Ring’s End using our online chat or by texting (203)-PRO HELP. We’ll be happy to help!