Which Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Is Best
Which Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Is Best: Finding Your Perfect Finish
If you're gearing up for an exterior painting project, you've landed on the right brand. Benjamin Moore is legendary in the paint world, known for incredible color depth and durable formulations. But when you walk into the store, you are immediately faced with a crucial question: Which Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Is Best for your specific needs, surface, and budget?
The truth is, there isn't one single "best" answer. Benjamin Moore offers several fantastic lines, each designed for different performance expectations. This guide will break down the top contenders—from premium performers to contractor favorites—helping you confidently select the right gallon for the job and ensuring your home looks stunning for years to come.
Understanding the Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Lines
When considering which Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best, we must first look at the top-shelf options. These lines are built for maximum longevity, fade resistance, and ease of application.
Aura Exterior: The Premium Performer
Aura is Benjamin Moore's flagship exterior paint line, and for good reason. If you want the absolute highest level of protection and color fidelity, Aura is the winner. This paint uses proprietary Color Lock® technology, which means the pigments are locked into the film, resulting in exceptional depth and fade resistance.
Aura is often considered the best choice for challenging colors, like deep reds or vibrant blues, which traditionally fade quickly in harsh sunlight. It is also self-priming in most situations, saving you significant time and effort. While it comes with a higher price tag, the durability often means you won't need to repaint for many years, making it an excellent long-term investment.
- Superior resistance to cracking, peeling, and fading.
- Excellent adhesion and self-priming capabilities.
- Ideal for highly demanding exterior surfaces.
Regal Select Exterior: The Versatile Classic
If Aura is a luxury sedan, Regal Select is the highly dependable, high-performance SUV. Regal Select has been a trusted favorite among professionals and homeowners for decades. It offers excellent coverage and durability at a slightly more accessible price point than Aura.
Regal Select is easy to apply and provides great flow and leveling, meaning brush and roller marks tend to disappear, leaving a smooth finish. It's an outstanding choice for general exterior siding, trim, and woodwork. If you are looking for a fantastic balance between performance, quality, and cost, Regal Select might be the answer to which Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best for your budget.
Mid-Tier Options and Specialty Coatings
Not every project requires the extreme durability of Aura. Sometimes, you need a reliable product for a less exposed area, or you're managing a tighter budget without sacrificing core quality. Benjamin Moore offers highly reliable mid-tier lines that still significantly outperform typical box-store paints.
Benjamin Moore ben Exterior: The Dependable Starter
The ben line is designed to be user-friendly and highly versatile. It's an excellent entry-level Benjamin Moore product that provides great adhesion and a lasting finish. While it may require two full coats plus a primer on tough surfaces, the coverage is generally very good.
The ben exterior paint is ideal for projects like sheds, fences, or rental properties where you need solid performance without the premium cost associated with Aura or Regal Select. It is also a low-VOC formula, which is a big plus for environmental health.
Moorgard vs. Super Spec: Contractor Favorites
These two lines are often utilized by professional painters tackling large-scale projects. They are reliable, available in high-volume packaging, and offer good utility.
Moorgard is a robust alkyd-modified paint that provides a very hard, durable finish, often favored for traditional wood surfaces and trim. Super Spec, on the other hand, is generally seen as the "economy" line. It's often used for quick flips or commercial jobs where quantity and speed trump top-tier aesthetics.
- Moorgard: Known for its oil-like durability in a water-based formula; excellent for historical homes or detailed trim work.
- Super Spec: The most budget-friendly option; best suited for surfaces that require good coverage but don't need exceptional scrubbability or long-term fade resistance.
How to Choose the Right Finish and Sheen
The type of paint you select is only half the battle. Choosing the correct sheen is equally important for both aesthetics and functionality. Sheen refers to the level of gloss or reflectivity the paint exhibits when dry.
Sheen Options Explained
Higher sheens generally offer better washability and durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like doors and trim. Lower sheens, however, are excellent for hiding surface imperfections on siding.
- Flat/Matte: Zero shine. Best for main siding where you want to hide imperfections or achieve a historical look. Offers the lowest durability.
- Low Luster/Eggshell: A very slight sheen. The most popular choice for general exterior siding as it balances durability with the ability to conceal minor flaws.
- Soft Gloss/Satin: Noticeable sheen. Perfect for trim, doors, and window casings. Easy to clean and highly durable against weathering.
- High Gloss: Highly reflective. Used primarily for front doors or unique architectural features to provide maximum drama and protection.
Surface Prep: The Real Secret to Longevity
No matter which Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best, its performance hinges on proper preparation. Even the most expensive paint will fail quickly if applied over dirt, chalky residue, or peeling layers. Take the time to scrape, sand, clean, and prime any bare or damaged spots.
For optimal results, ensure your surface is completely dry before painting. Use a quality exterior primer, especially on new wood or surfaces that have never been painted before. This crucial step guarantees maximum adhesion and prevents the topcoat from soaking unevenly into the substrate.
Conclusion: Final Verdict on Which Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Is Best
Ultimately, determining Which Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Is Best depends on your priorities: performance, durability, or budget. If budget is no object and you demand 15+ years of flawless color retention, Aura Exterior is your champion. Its superior technology simply cannot be beaten.
However, if you are looking for the best overall value that still delivers professional-grade results and long life, Regal Select Exterior is the perfect choice for most homeowners. For smaller projects or when adhering to a strict budget, the ben line provides reliable Benjamin Moore quality without the high price point. Focus on prep work, choose the right sheen, and your Benjamin Moore exterior paint project will be a huge success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint
Is Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior worth the extra cost?
- Yes, for specific situations. Aura is worth the cost if you are using dark, deep colors prone to fading, or if your home is exposed to extremely harsh weather conditions. Its high build and superior fade resistance provide long-term protection that saves money on future repaint cycles.
Can I use Regal Select Exterior on composite siding?
- Absolutely. Regal Select is an excellent choice for most exterior substrates, including vinyl, composite siding, wood, and previously painted masonry. Always ensure the surface is clean and dull before application.
How long should exterior Benjamin Moore paint last?
- When applied correctly over a properly prepped surface, Super Spec might last 5-7 years, Regal Select can last 8-12 years, and Aura Exterior is formulated to last 15 years or more before significant fading or failure occurs.
Which Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best for painting trim?
- We highly recommend either Aura or Regal Select in a Soft Gloss (Satin) or High Gloss finish for trim. The higher sheen offers better resistance to dirt, scuffs, and moisture, which is critical for areas like window casings and door frames.
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