Behr Sued Over Claims About Wood Finishes

Two wood finishes promoted as protection against mildew turned out to foster the spread of the fungus, according to a lawsuit filed in Washington state against the Santa Ana manufacturer. The lawsuit, which seeks class-action status and was disclosed recently, said mildew appeared within a few months after customers applied the wood finishes made by Behr Process Corp. The finishes--Super Liquid Raw-Hide and Natural Seal Plus--were billed as preventing mildew for several years, according to the suit. Behr has denied the claims. Behr was purchased in September by Masco Corp., a cabinet and faucet maker based in Taylor, Mich., that is a supplier to Home Depot. Behr lawyers contend consumers caused the problems by misapplying the products.