Benjamin Moore

Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (046)

White / tintable · US · not yet reviewed

Check your container: This countdown is for the White / tintable variant. Similar-looking versions may have different times.

How long before you can paint over Benjamin Moore Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (046)?

Short answer

Paint-ready: 2 hours after application.
Safe to touch: 1 hour after application.
Paint, primer & patch

Coat timeline

Plan the next coat and final use separately

  1. 1
    ApplyUse the White / tintable directions and prepare for drywall, wood, and masonry.
  2. 2
    Next coatUse the listed recoat milestone; do not substitute touch-dry time.
  3. 3
    Normal useWait for the applicable handling, water or cure milestone.

Calculate the next coating step

When did this coat go on?
Conditions that affect drying
Where?
Thickness

Stated times

  • Safe to touch1 hour
  • Paint-ready2 hours

From Benjamin Moore data sheet · checked 2026-10-25. Anything not listed isn’t stated by the manufacturer.

Manufacturer website: benjaminmoore.com

Conditions & fine print
  • Stated conditions: 77°F (25°C) and 50% relative humidity
  • High humidity and cool temperatures lengthen dry, recoat and service times. Do not apply when air and surface are below 40°F.
  • Temperature range: 40°F to —°F
  • Region US. Formulas can differ between countries; check your container.
  • Safe to touch: 77°F and 50% RH
  • Paint-ready: 77°F and 50% RH
  • Entered from the manufacturer source; second review pending. Report outdated information
  • Actual results depend on preparation, thickness, ventilation, temperature, humidity, mixing and substrate.

Using this specific product

Benjamin Moore Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (046) is listed here as the White / tintable version for drywall, wood, and masonry. For painting, the useful question is not simply whether the surface looks finished—it is whether the exact next-action milestone shown above has been reached.

Before you start

  • Confirm the package says White / tintable; related versions can use different timing.
  • For drywall, wood, and masonry, pay particular attention to surface preparation, coat thickness and ventilation.
  • 77°F and 50% RH.

How to check readiness

Test an inconspicuous area for firmness and blocking before normal use. Touch only a hidden edge first; a dry surface can conceal a soft layer underneath. Dry to recoat: 2 hours.

Avoid this mistake

Recoating too early can trap solvent or water; waiting much longer may require scuffing under the label directions.

Questions

How long does this product take to dry?

Benjamin Moore states: Dry to recoat: 2 hours. Conditions: 77°F and 50% RH. Dry to touch: 1 hour. Conditions: 77°F and 50% RH. These are the manufacturer’s stated times, not a guarantee.

How long until I can paint over this product?

Benjamin Moore states: Dry to recoat: 2 hours. Conditions: 77°F and 50% RH. These are the manufacturer’s stated times, not a guarantee.

How long until this product is safe to touch or handle?

Benjamin Moore states: Dry to touch: 1 hour. Conditions: 77°F and 50% RH. These are the manufacturer’s stated times, not a guarantee.

What affects how long this product takes to dry or cure?

High humidity and cool temperatures lengthen dry, recoat and service times. Do not apply when air and surface are below 40°F. Application temperature: 40°F to —°F. Follow the product label for your conditions.

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