Benjamin Moore Latex Dry Fall Flat 395 is a waterborne acrylic dryfall coating designed for spray application on interior ceilings, structural steel, ductwork, and overhead surfaces in commercial buildings.
Sometimes called dry fog, this product’s overspray settles as a dry powder within approximately 10 feet of fall, so it won’t stick to floors, equipment, or anything below the work area. Available in flat white and flat black in 5 gallon pails, it ships nationwide from Paint Outlets and is in stock at our Michigan stores for curbside pickup or local delivery.
How Does Dry Fall Work?
During spray application, tiny paint droplets that miss the target surface become overspray. With standard coatings, wet overspray drifts through the air and bonds to anything it touches. A waterborne acrylic dryfall formula solves this: the overspray dries to harmless dust mid-air before reaching surfaces below. The dried particles can then be swept, vacuumed, or wiped away as a fine powder from floors and equipment below.
Most acrylic dryfall coatings achieve this dry drop within about 10 feet under normal conditions (77°F, 50% relative humidity). Lower temperatures or higher humidity increase the distance the overspray needs to fall before it fully dries. The American Society for Testing and Materials publishes ASTM D7868, a standardized practice for evaluating dry fall properties, which provides attachment ratings for comparing products objectively.
Why Contractors Choose Benjamin Moore Dry Fall Flat 395
This paint checks the boxes that matter on a commercial ceiling project: high hiding in a single coat, fast dry times, and a flat white finish that increases light reflectance across large interior ceilings. It’s sold in 5 gallon pails and designed for professional spray crews.
- Coverage and dry time. Coverage ranges from 250 to 425 square feet per gallon at the recommended film thickness, depending on surface texture and porosity. The high hiding formula means fewer passes on commercial ceiling surfaces. This acrylic dryfall coating dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be recoated in 1 hour under standard conditions.
- Low VOCs and certifications. At 46 grams per liter, the product meets MPI #118 standards and qualifies for LEED v4 and CHPS low-emitting credits. It’s also CDPH v1 emission certified and carries a Class A fire rating per ASTM E-84 over non-combustible surfaces.
- Flash rust resistance. This paint offers flash rust resistance, which simplifies spray application on bare galvanized metal and ferrous surfaces where rust bleed-through is a common concern. The paint can also be tinted with Gennex 1X, 2X, 3X, and 4X base colorants for custom colors beyond the standard flat white and flat black.
Available Colors and Sheen Options
Latex Dry Fall Flat 395 ships in white (01) and black (80), both in 5 gallon pails. Flat white is the standard for warehouse ceilings and commercial ceiling surfaces where light reflectance matters. Flat black is preferred in theaters, studios, and open-ceiling retail where exposed structure should recede visually.
For a different sheen, the line includes Latex Dry Fall Eggshell 396 and Latex Dry Fall Semi-Gloss 397. Semi-gloss provides a more durable, reflective finish where gloss and cleanability are priorities. Super Kote 5000 Dry Fall Semi-Gloss 112 is a budget-friendly waterborne acrylic dryfall alternative in a semi-gloss base, also in 5 gallon size. Browse the full ceiling paint collection or shop semi-gloss paints to compare sheen options across product lines.
When to Use Dry Fall Coatings
This coating is designed for interior use on properly prepared commercial ceiling surfaces, walls, and structural members. It adheres to plaster, masonry, wallboard, galvanized metal, and wood. Recommended project types include warehouse ceilings, distribution centers, open-structure retail and office spaces with exposed ductwork, and institutional buildings that require low-VOC products by spec. It isn’t recommended for high-corrosion areas, high-abuse surfaces, or spaces with sustained high humidity. Browse the commercial and industrial paint category for more coatings and equipment for professional crews.
How to Apply Dry Fall Coatings
This is a spray-only product, recommended for professional airless spray application at 1,800 to 3,000 PSI using a .013 to .019 tip size. Surface and air temperatures should be between 50°F and 90°F. Always apply a test patch first to confirm dry fall distance and adhesion before committing to full production. Overspray may adhere to hot surfaces in the area, so protect nearby equipment.
Surface prep and priming. All surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, dirt, rust, and loose paint. Bare drywall, new masonry, bare wood, and uncoated metal all need priming. For drywall, Drywall Primer 380 provides the right base. On masonry block, Ultra Spec Hi-Build Masonry Block Filler 571 fills voids and creates a smooth surface. For general interior priming, Ultra Spec 500 Primer 534 is a solid option. Browse commercial primers and primers for the full selection. Review the product data sheet and safety data sheet before starting. Clean equipment with soap and water after use, and wear a NIOSH-approved respirator. Browse safety equipment for respiratory protection options.
Frequently Asked Questions
