<

We’re celebrating the hard work of painting professionals whose commitment to craftsmanship yields first-class results.

Painters help beautify homes and neighborhoods across the country. We’re recognizing their talent and dedication with the Second Annual Fine Homebuilding® ProPaint Awards, a partnership with Benjamin Moore.

We had an amazing selection to choose from, but in the end, three painting professionals rose to the top. Get to know each of them below, and be sure to click the “i” on the upper right hand corner of their photos to see their winning work—and the Benjamin Moore paint products and colors they used to achieve it. Congratulations!
2019 FineHomebuilding Pro Paint Awards

All the Details

Entrants were encouraged to submit in one, two or all three of the follow categories:
  • The Master Painter Award: For the dedicated painter who not only has the skill to excel within the most demanding jobs, but executes work with considerable precision and job-site management.
  • Best Historic Preservation Award: For the painting contractor who most successfully executed the painting and finish of a home with local, regional, or national historic significance.
  • Best Transformation Award: For the painting contractor who re-imagined an existing space to elevate its character, quality, and beauty.
Judges included editors of Fine Homebuilding magazine and Benjamin Moore representatives.
FineHomebuilding Pro Paint Awards Master Paint Award Winner Ricardo Ortega

The Master Painter Award: Ricardo Ortega

“We can practically do anything imaginable with paint,” says Florida-based Ricardo Ortega. Known for his stunning commissioned projects, like the ceiling seen in the expanded photo, our Master Painter Award winner has been operating his custom interior finishes company, The Chameleons Palette, Inc., for 15 years.

Whether he is painting a mural or working on something more out-of-the-box, like graffiti, Ortega relies on Benjamin Moore paint to do the unexpected. He loves Regal® Select Matte on walls, saying the finish, “always gives us a flawless end result with a very low sheen.” He also works with ADVANCE®, using a satin finish to leave "a soft glow on the woodwork.”
FineHomebuilding Pro Paint Awards Best Historic Preservation Award Winner Joseph Suddath

Best Historic Preservation Award: Joseph Suddath

Joseph Suddath, a former employee of a Benjamin Moore independent retailer and a second-generation painting company owner, specializes in residential repainting, primarily restorations of Victorian homes, like the one seen in the expanded photo.

Though the Williamsport, PA-based winner of the Best Historic Preservation Award says "painting is hardly ever easy," he counts on quality Benjamin Moore paint for most of his projects. “Regal® Select is my go-to for nearly all my projects," he told us. "It doesn’t sag, it dries evenly, and a little bit can go a long way in most instances."

As for his secrets to success, Suddath says, “It’s real simple. Don’t cut corners and be thorough. Triple check your work and use the best paint!”
FineHomebuilding Pro Paint Awards Best Transformation Award Winner Duane Slate

Best Transformation Award: Duane Slate

Greenville, SC-based Duane Slate has been painting full-time since 2012. He used his Best Transformation Award-winning entry into the contest to showcase the historical restorations his company, Slate Transformations, has been working on.

Benjamin Moore paints were key components in the restoration project. Slate used Fresh Start® Primer and Aura® Exterior to achieve the results seen in the expanded photo. “[Aura Exterior] when combined with Fresh Start Primer gives an amazing double finish,” he says. “Historic projects demand such a product to be done right.”

Check out more photos of the winning projects on Fine Homebuilding.
Professional contractor visiting a Benjamin Moore Pro Zone and discussing the product catalog with a retail specialist.

Supporting the Painting Professional

From training scholarships to products for veteran painters, see how Benjamin Moore backs the business of painting.

An instructor giving a presentation through one of Benjamin Moore's education and training resources.

Education & Training

For the latest in paint technology, environmental regulations and problem solving, take advantage of Benjamin Moore’s educational resources.