The right paint can make all the difference in having paint that last years or looks unappealing quickly, which is why many homeowners turn to Benjamin Moore for their quality interior painting needs. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which paint is the best fit for your home.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we have spent years searching for the best paint products on the market. To find them, we learned a lot about low-quality paint, high-quality paint, and everything in between.
In this article, we will compare and contrast the top Benjamin Moore interior paints to help you decide what quality Benjamin Moore paint is right for you.
Most of the following information about Benjamin Moore paints is based solely on our experience using these paints. Any number-based information is pulled from technical data sheets from each paint product, found on the Benjamin Moore website.
The Features
Durability
Durable paint will prove itself over time by maintaining its color and resisting damage. This is one of the best qualities you can get in any product, especially paint products. It proves that you are getting your money's worth as the product is lasting as long as possible.
Clean-ability
The paint must be easy to clean. Nobody wants stains that won’t budge or color the rubs off with the grime. High-quality durable paint will be easy to clean which provides you with ease while doing a deep cleaning or a quick spot clean.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs are types of chemicals used in solvents in the paint. Their main purpose is to act as a medium while transferring paint in a can to its intended surface. These have high vapor pressure and low water solubility.
While paints have safe levels of VOC, as the federal government regulates it, they can be harmful when breathed in large amounts. The cap is 250 grams per liter for flat finishes and 380 g/l for other finishes (like semi-gloss).
The Minnesota Department of Health says, “Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe. They may or may not be able to be smelled, and smelling is not a good indicator of health risk.”
Many paint companies make low VOC paint or zero-VOC paints. Low VOC paint, or LVOC for short, contains 50 g/l or less of this chemical. These paints can still be low or high quality, depending on the other ingredients. However, low-quality paints are typically made with more solvents, so they likely have more VOC levels.
Low VOC and zero VOC paints are environmentally friendly as there are fewer harmful chemicals in the paint.
Coverage
The paint coverage is important so that you know you are getting the best price. The greater the square footage, the more the paint will cover the surface. If it needs more paint to cover the surface, you have to buy more gallons or quarts.
The Volume of Solids
Solids are one of the main components of paint. After the paint is applied and begins to dry, the solvent evaporates and leaves behind the pigment and resin, which becomes the solids. You want to look for a range of 35-50% in the number of solids in your paint.
The higher that number, the more durable the paint will be, the thicker it applies, and the more coverage it gives. The lower percentage of these solids in paint does the opposite, it is thin, has poor hiding, and leaves you with low durability.
Mildew Resistance
Mildew resistance is an additive in paint. High humidity can cause mildew or mold on paint. With this additive, paints can fight against bacteria growth and protect you from a messy situation.
Gennex Color Technology
All of these 5 Benjamin Moore paints have innovative Gennex Color technology. This allows for the darkest of colors to have extreme pigment while keeping the paint strong. Without this groundbreaking technology, dark colors have been known to weaken the paint, as the pigment is fighting with the coverage and durability.
Color Lock Technology
Aura has a special Color Lock technology. With this technology, pigments are bonded to the dry paint and lock in color permanently to the paint film. This allows colors to be completely fade-resistant. This helps with clean-ability, as the color can remain locked to the surface rather than coming off with the stain or cloth to clean it.
Primer Included
A primer included in the paint tells you that the paint can adhere well to surfaces. The number one job of a primer is to adhere to the original wall or old paint easily while allowing for another coat to be applied smoothly. Primer also the color richness, along with an extra layer of durability.
Our Thoughts on the Paints We Use
Aura by Benjamin Moore
Our painters love to paint with Aura, and we know there is no better paint product on the market. Aura provides top-tier coverage. We apply two coats of paint, but the surfaces are completely covered with one coat without any streaks or see-through patches.
Aura covers a greater square footage per gallon than any other paint. This means less paint will be needed to complete the project.
Aura’s clean-ability features can withstand repeated washing with no color rub-off. There are no fading or leftover marks from where the paint was cleaned. We love this feature because our customers won’t have to worry about ruining the paint from an accidental stain.
Regal Select by Benjamin Moore
Regal Select is our go-to paint product. It checks all the boxes on durability, has great hiding, and is easy to clean.
Regal Select is a great choice for those that want fantastic paint, but do not want to spend the highest price.
Ultra Spec 500 by Benjamin Moore
Ultra Spec 500 is a medium-grade paint. We have found it to be better than the low-quality paints from the hardware store or contractor paints, but it still has room for improvement in response to coverage and durability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the highest quality interior paint is essential in creating a visually stunning and long-lasting finish for your home. By comparing the top Benjamin Moore interior paints, you can make an informed decision that will guarantee superior quality and performance.
While there are various factors to consider such as style preferences and budget, investing in top-quality Benjamin Moore interior paints will undoubtedly deliver the best results in terms of durability, color richness, and finish. The paints discussed in this article are trusted by homeowners and professionals alike for their exceptional quality and reliability.
Don't compromise on the quality of your interior paint; choose the best Benjamin Moore paint to transform your home's interior and enjoy its beauty and elegance for many years to come.
If you are looking to hire a professional painting contractor in Omaha, Nebraska, schedule a free estimate with Brush & Roll Painting. Our painters love using high-quality Benjamin Moore products on interior surfaces.
Next, check out our Guide to Interior Painting to ensure everything is checked off before your project begins.
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