Benjamin Moore has been a trusted name in premium paint since 1883. Known for exceptional color accuracy, superb coverage, and long-lasting finishes, Benjamin Moore paints are a favorite of designers, contractors, and discerning homeowners. This comprehensive guide covers every product line, when to use each, and the top colors for 2026.
Benjamin Moore Product Lines Explained
Choosing the right product line is as important as choosing the right color. Here's what each offers:
Aura
$80-90/gallonThe Ultimate Premium Paint
Best For:
- Dramatic color changes
- Deep/bold colors
- High-traffic areas
- When you want the best
Key Features:
- ✓ Color Lock technology
- ✓ Excellent single-coat coverage
- ✓ Superior fade resistance
- ✓ Low VOC formula
- ✓ Self-priming on most surfaces
Regal Select
$60-70/gallonThe Perfect Balance
Best For:
- Most interior projects
- Living rooms, bedrooms
- Moderate traffic areas
- Budget-conscious quality
Key Features:
- ✓ Excellent coverage
- ✓ Easy application
- ✓ Good durability
- ✓ Low VOC
- ✓ Wide color selection
Advance
$70-80/gallonWaterborne Alkyd for Trim & Cabinets
Best For:
- Cabinets
- Trim & doors
- Furniture
- Any surface needing hard enamel finish
Key Features:
- ✓ Self-leveling formula
- ✓ Enamel-like finish
- ✓ Excellent durability
- ✓ Water cleanup
- ✓ Minimal brush marks
ben
$40-50/gallonAffordable Quality
Best For:
- Rental properties
- Budget projects
- Ceilings
- When cost is primary concern
Key Features:
- ✓ Good coverage
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✓ Zero VOC
- ✓ Splatter resistant
- ✓ Wide color availability
Aura Grand Entrance
$85-95/gallonPremium Door & Trim
Best For:
- Front doors
- High-end trim
- Exterior doors
- Statement pieces
Key Features:
- ✓ Brilliant, rich finish
- ✓ Exceptional durability
- ✓ UV resistant
- ✓ Moisture resistant
🏆 Aura: When You Want the Best
Benjamin Moore Aura is their flagship product, and for good reason:
Why Choose Aura?
- Color Lock Technology: Colors stay true and vibrant longer than any other paint
- One-Coat Coverage: Many colors cover in a single coat, even deep reds and blues
- Self-Priming: No need for separate primer on most prepared surfaces
- Superior Durability: Resists scuffs, stains, and fading better than competitors
- Low VOC: Safe for occupied spaces, minimal odor
When Aura Is Worth the Premium:
- Deep or bold colors (reds, navies, blacks)
- Dramatic color changes (dark to light or vice versa)
- High-traffic areas (hallways, kids' rooms, kitchens)
- When you want fewer coats and faster completion
- For the highest quality finish possible
⚖️ Regal Select: The Sweet Spot
For most homeowners, Regal Select offers the best value:
Why Regal Select Works for Most Projects:
- Premium Quality: Still a high-end paint, just not the absolute top tier
- Excellent Coverage: Usually two coats for perfect results
- Beautiful Finish: Smooth, even application
- Price Point: $20-30 less per gallon than Aura
- Wide Availability: All colors available in this line
Choose Regal Select When:
- Painting multiple rooms (cost savings add up)
- Similar color to existing paint
- Neutral or light colors
- Normal-traffic areas
- Budget matters but quality is still important
🗄️ Advance: The Cabinet & Trim Specialist
For cabinets, doors, and trim, Advance is the professional choice:
What Makes Advance Special:
- Waterborne Alkyd: Oil-paint durability with water-based cleanup
- Self-Leveling: Brush and roller marks virtually disappear
- Hard Enamel Finish: Smooth, durable, furniture-quality result
- Extended Dry Time: More time to work (cure time is longer too)
Advance Tips:
- Apply thin coats (thick coats take forever to dry)
- Allow 16+ hours between coats
- Full cure takes 30 days – handle carefully until then
- Use high-quality brush or foam roller for best results
Top Benjamin Moore Colors for 2026
These tried-and-true colors are designer favorites that never go out of style:
White Dove
OC-17 WhiteThe perfect soft white. Warm but not yellow. Works everywhere.
Simply White
OC-117 WhiteClean white with subtle warmth. Great for modern spaces.
Chantilly Lace
OC-65 WhitePurest, crispest white. Modern and bright.
Swiss Coffee
OC-45 WhiteRich, creamy white with visible warmth.
Revere Pewter
HC-172 NeutralThe original greige. Warm and universally flattering.
Edgecomb Gray
HC-173 NeutralLight greige, warm and sophisticated.
Chelsea Gray
HC-168 GrayRich medium gray. Dramatic and elegant.
Kendall Charcoal
HC-166 DarkSophisticated charcoal for accents and exteriors.
Hale Navy
HC-154 BlueClassic navy blue. Elegant and timeless.
Newburyport Blue
HC-155 BlueMuted blue-gray. Sophisticated coastal feel.
Palladian Blue
HC-144 BlueSoft blue-green. Spa-like tranquility.
Sea Salt
2043-50 GreenLight green-blue. Fresh and calming.
Benjamin Moore vs Sherwin-Williams
Both are excellent premium paint brands. Here's how they compare:
| Factor | Benjamin Moore | Sherwin-Williams |
|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | ⭐ Exceptional reputation | Very good |
| Coverage | ⭐ Aura excels | Duration is comparable |
| Store Availability | Specialty stores only | ⭐ 4,500+ locations |
| Price | Premium pricing | ⭐ Frequent sales |
| Cabinet Paint | ⭐ Advance is exceptional | Emerald Urethane is good |
| Exterior | Aura Exterior excellent | ⭐ Duration is industry leader |
Bottom Line: Both are excellent choices. Benjamin Moore edges out for color accuracy and interior work; Sherwin-Williams wins on availability and exterior durability.
Benjamin Moore Sheen Guide
Choosing the right sheen affects durability and appearance:
Flat/Matte
No shine. Hides imperfections. Best for ceilings, low-traffic rooms.
Durability: ⭐⭐Eggshell
Subtle sheen. Good balance. Best for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms.
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐Pearl/Satin
Soft glow. Washable. Best for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids' rooms.
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Semi-Gloss
Noticeable shine. Very durable. Best for trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms.
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Frequently Asked Questions
Regal Select is best for most projects. Aura is the premium choice for demanding applications. Advance is best for cabinets and trim.
Yes. Better coverage, longer-lasting color, and superior durability mean the price difference pays for itself over time.
Aura offers superior single-coat coverage and color depth. Regal Select is excellent quality at a lower price point.
White Dove (OC-17), Simply White (OC-117), Chantilly Lace (OC-65), and Revere Pewter (HC-172) are perennial favorites.
Experience Benjamin Moore Quality
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes uses Benjamin Moore paints for superior results. Get a free estimate and see the difference premium paint makes!
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