A Benjamin Moore Paint Comparison: Aura vs Regal Select vs Ben
Picking the right paint boils down to type of room, budget, and performance. This Benjamin Moore paint comparison highlights each line’s strengths so you can find the right fit. If you want deep color, fade resistance, and solid coverage that handles moisture well, Aura is your best bet. It does well in areas like main entryways, kitchens, and busy bathrooms. Regal Select sits right in the sweet spot for most people. It handles stains, cleans well, and costs a little less. It’s perfect for family rooms and hallways that take a beating. On the other hand, Ben is all about safe indoor air (zero VOC, nearly no smell), so it’s a go-to for nurseries or anyone sensitive to chemicals.
Every room has its quirks. Some get blasted by sunlight, others battle humidity, and no two spaces wear the same. Matching your paint to the room’s needs keeps your walls looking great without wasting money on features you’ll never use. Similarly, understanding what separates each formula helps you start your project on the right foot and have fewer DIY hiccups.
Benjamin Moore Paint Comparison: Key Differences Across the Lines
Here’s how each line stacks up in this Benjamin Moore paint comparison. You’ll notice the tiers right away. Aura is top quality. It's loaded with Benjamin Moore’s high-tech Color Lock formula so that colors don't fade over time and it continues looking rich. Regal Select is well-balanced. It has pro-grade durability, smooth application, and a better price tag. Ben is the entry-level hero. It's super affordable, has solid coverage, and its indoor zero VOC air quality is its superpower.
Coverage and washability vary across these lines. Aura manages tough color changes quickly, saving hours in application and hassle on big transformations. Regal Select handles messes and scrubbing without turning your walls shiny. It’s great in high-traffic, daily-life battlegrounds.
Application and the final look differ, too. Brushing or rolling Aura feels almost velvety. It self-levels, hiding brush marks and roller lines so your walls look flawless. Regal Select lays down evenly, whether you go with flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss – it’s truly versatile. Ben paints apply easily and are forgiving for first-timers. It's available in the main sheens too, so you aren’t limited in looks.
Benjamin Moore Aura Paint: Bold Color and Lasting Strength
Choose Benjamin Moore Aura paint when you want top-notch color and durability, especially in rooms with lots of sunlight. Its Color Lock tech bonds pigment into the paint, so bold colors stay true and don’t fade. It also covers deep or dramatic colors with fewer coats, so if you're flipping a space, you finish faster without sacrificing payoff.
If you’re dealing with humidity, the Aura Bath & Spa version stands out. Expect no peeling. Just a solid, water-resistant finish for steamy bathrooms. You’ll also find every finish you might need, from matte to eggshell and satin.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Tough and Easy Care
If you want something reliable for everyday living, Benjamin Moore Regal Select is your go-to. Its interior line looks great in most living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. It stands up to scuffs, fingerprints, and frequent washing – whether from kids, pets, or whatever life throws at it. Cleaning is easy: a quick scrub and you’re good.
It glides off the roller and levels out, so you don’t get patchy spots or shiny marks. You get even coverage across the board, so you need fewer coats. You can also pick from a nice range of sheens: flat, eggshell, matte, satin/pearl, or semi-gloss. It’s just a smart, more budget-friendly and well-balanced choice for most homes.
For exterior projects, Regal Select High Build Exterior works wonders. It's great for a project that needs a thicker, high-build coat that fills hairline cracks in the substrate. It's available in Flat, Low Lustre, and Soft Gloss. For doors, trim, and vinyl siding, the Moorlife, Moorgard, and Moorglo lines offer superior adhesion too.
Benjamin Moore Ben Paint: Simple and Budget‑Friendly
If you’re painting a bedroom, nursery, or any low-traffic spot, Benjamin Moore Ben paint feels like the obvious pick. It’s affordable and health conscious. It’s zero VOC, so you won’t get hit with that harsh paint smell. It's truly ideal for someone with chemical sensitivity like with babies or immune-compromised individuals.
The formula also resists splattering, and if you mess up, touch-ups blend right in. It keeps things simple and tidy. Ben isn’t quite as tough as Benjamin Moore’s higher-end paints, but it applies smoothly and delivers a fresh, clean look without filling the air with a stench. You can get it in matte, eggshell, satin/pearl, or semi-gloss, depending on the look you want.
Benjamin Moore Premium Paints: Pro Finish and Extra Strength
Now, if you step up to Benjamin Moore premium paints, you really feel the difference – even before the job is finished. Instead of cheaper paint’s waterier, thinner feel, premium lines are loaded with dense acrylic resins and refined pigments. That thicker formula means your walls can take more abuse, such as scuffs, stains, and fingerprints. You can wipe most of it away without losing the finish.
Painting with premium paint is smoother, too. Paint clings to the roller, covers old or dark colors fast, and levels out so your walls look seamless. Tiny drywall flaws can even disappear. You end up working quicker, and your room looks like you hired a pro – even if you didn’t.
Benjamin Moore Paint Quality
So, what’s the real difference when you compare Benjamin Moore’s paint lines? It shows up in both the paint application and how it looks when it’s dry. Benjamin Moore paint quality stands out across the board, but each line has its own strengths. Aura is top quality. It has a buttery texture, withstands humidity, and applies seamlessly. Regal Select takes second place. It gives you predictable results, always flows on evenly, and cleans easily. Ben comes in third, but still has its benefits. It isn’t as resin-heavy and takes a little longer in application time, but it lasts for basic repaints and covers pretty well.
Benjamin Moore Paint Durability
Picking the right Benjamin Moore paint for its durability comes down to how much abuse your walls take. Benjamin Moore paint durability matters most when you have high-traffic areas. Regal Select shines in hallways, family rooms, and bedrooms where scuffs and smudges are common. It shrugs off marks and cleans up easily without losing its look. Aura holds color even in sunlight or humidity, resisting fading and peeling.
For entryways, playrooms, mudrooms, or any walls that take heavy hits, Scuff-X is the leader. It’s built for constant traffic. The satin or semi‑gloss versions wipe clean fast on doors, trim, and baseboards. Ben, on the other hand, works best in low‑traffic spaces where you just want a fresh look without needing tough protection.
Benjamin Moore Paint Coverage
Let’s talk about coverage. Benjamin Moore paint coverage is what sets each line apart. Aura is in a league of its own. It hides almost anything in fewer coats. If you’re changing walls from maroon to white or making another bold switch, Aura is the shortcut that saves time and effort. Regal Select isn’t far behind, especially with lighter or mid‑tone shades when you’ve got primer down. Ben works well for quick touch‑ups or freshening walls with similar colors. For big color flips, you’ll need more coats.
Prep matters, too. Patchy or unprimed drywall soaks up paint, leaving uneven spots and shiny patches. A good primer evens things out so paint glides on and stays put. Don’t forget the roller nap: too short or too long leaves bald spots or heavy texture. The right prep plus the right paint line makes all the difference.
Choosing Between Aura, Regal Select, and Ben
Let’s face it: finding the right paint isn’t just about color swatches or fancy names. You’ve got to balance budget, health, room humidity, kids running around, and the vibe you want.
This Benjamin Moore paint comparison chart shows how each line fits different needs.
Here’s how the main lines stack up:
Paint Line | VOC Level | Best For | What Makes It Special | Available Sheens |
Aura | Low VOC | Bathrooms, sunrooms, rich/dark walls | Color Lock technology, superior hide | Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi‑Gloss |
Regal Select | Low VOC | Living rooms, high-traffic halls, main bedrooms | Outstanding washability, scuff resistance | Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Satin/Pearl, Semi‑Gloss |
Ben | Zero VOC | Nurseries, guest rooms, rental updates | Zero VOCs, low odor, smooth application | Matte, Eggshell, Satin/Pearl, Semi‑Gloss |
Scuff‑X | Low VOC | Entryways, playrooms, doors, trim | Unmatched durability, extreme scuff resistance | Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi‑Gloss |
Which Benjamin Moore Paint Should You Pick?
Bottom line: it comes down to what matters most for your space. Ask yourself: Do you need a bold, fade‑proof color that can survive steam and sun? Go for the premium lines. Are you dealing with constant spills, scuffs, and sticky fingers? Regal Select is built for that. Don’t want fumes or are you painting on a tight budget? Zero‑VOC options like Ben keep things simple and safe. In mudrooms and baseboards that take daily hits, Scuff‑X works like armor.
Every line delivers smooth application and rich color, so you really can’t go wrong. Even so, knowing the fundamentals of each type will help you pick the right product the first time.
FAQ: Benjamin Moore Paint Comparison
1. What’s best for me?
It depends. Aura delivers the best coverage, color‑lock tech, and strong fade resistance. Regal Select is easy to clean, tough in busy homes, and low VOC. Ben is budget-friendly, zero VOC, has almost no odor, and is perfect for quick refreshes. Pick based on your space and needs.
2. What do I use in a humid bathroom?
Choose Aura Bath & Spa. It stands up to steam, won’t peel, and resists mildew. The matte finish wipes clean without streaks. It’s precisely made for steamy bathrooms.
3. What should I use for a nursery or for health-sensitive individuals?
Ben paint has zero VOC and very low odor. You can paint a baby’s room without worrying about chemical smells. That said, it still gives good coverage and a smooth finish – no trade-offs.
4. What can I clean the easiest?
Regal Select is a solid pick for any busy area. However, if you need serious scuff-resistance (think sneakers, sports gear, and dog paws), Scuff-X is king. It’s designed to take hits and still look fresh. It’s perfect for trims, doors, and any area that gets knocked around daily.
5. Do I need a primer for switching wall colors?
Aura hides the best, but primer helps even out surfaces, regardless of what you choose.
Make the Right Choice with Benjamin Moore
Picking the right Benjamin Moore paint doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you know what you want from your project, the rest falls into place. Maybe you need the bold, deep color of Aura. Maybe you want the easy-to-clean finish of Regal Select, or you want Ben for its low odor and friendly price. No matter which line you choose, you’re getting real value. These paints cover well and last a long time.
Hopefully, with this Benjamin Moore paint comparison, you can make a more educated decision. However, if you're still feeling confused, we can give you tips and tricks to put you on the right path. You can figure out how much paint you’ll need with our Paint Calculator, preview shades with Color a Room, book a Virtual Color Consultation, or browse our Product Catalog.
Download our Color Portfolio app, use the Store Locator to find a nearby retailer, or contact us directly. Homeowners and renters can call (207) 942-9625 or email info@benjaminmoore.com. Contractors can dial 1-866-708-9180. Design pros or architects may call 1-866-708-9181.
You’re closer to that perfect room than you think. Sometimes, all it takes is one good coat. We can help get you there.
