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When it comes to premium paint, Benjamin Moore is a household name trusted by homeowners, designers, and painting contractors alike. But with so many lines to choose from—Regal Select, Aura, Scuff-X, Ben, Ultra Spec, and Aura Bath & Spa—how do you know which one fits your project best?
This deep dive will break down the differences between Benjamin Moore’s most popular paint lines, helping both contractors and homeowners decide which product offers the right mix of durability, coverage, price, and performance.
Benjamin Moore doesn’t make “good, better, best”—they make tailored solutions. Each line is formulated with a different purpose in mind, whether that’s resisting mildew in a bathroom, holding up to commercial wear and tear, or offering unbeatable color depth in luxury homes.
Let’s break it down line-by-line.
Best For: High-end residential interiors, premium DIYers, general contractors
Finish Options: Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Semi-Gloss
Key Features:
Excellent coverage and hiding
Mildew resistant
Paint and primer in one
Washable, scrubbable surface
Why Contractors Love It: Regal Select is the workhorse for professional painters. It offers a smooth application, quick dry time, and outstanding color retention.
Why Homeowners Love It: It strikes the perfect balance between affordable luxury and long-term durability. Great for people who want a professional finish without the highest price tag.
Best For: Luxury interiors, designers, high-end residential clients
Finish Options: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Key Features:
Proprietary Color Lock® Technology for unmatched color richness and fade resistance
Superior hide, even in dark colors
Excellent stain resistance
Low VOC
Why Contractors Use It Sparingly: Aura is a premium product, both in performance and cost. It requires skill and speed—it dries fast, which can be a blessing or a curse.
Why Homeowners Might Splurge: Aura is Benjamin Moore’s flagship paint line. If you want your home to look like a magazine cover, this is the paint for you.
Best For: High-traffic commercial spaces like schools, hospitals, retail, offices
Finish Options: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Key Features:
Commercial-grade scuff resistance
Antimicrobial formula
Fast dry and recoat time
Low odor and low VOC
Contractor Favorite: Scuff-X was made with professional painters and facility managers in mind. One coat and done in many cases, with a cleanable, durable finish.
Homeowners? Not So Much: It’s overkill for most residential jobs unless you’ve got kids, pets, or a hallway that sees constant abuse.
Best For: DIYers, budget-conscious homeowners
Finish Options: Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss
Key Features:
Affordable price point
Paint and primer in one
Low VOC and easy cleanup
Decent durability
Why Contractors Skip It: It’s more suited for basic repaints, rentals, or quick flips. Ben paint doesn’t offer the durability or finish quality that professionals usually want their name behind.
Why Homeowners Might Choose It: Great for a budget-friendly refresh, especially in guest rooms or rental units.
Best For: Commercial projects, new construction, property managers
Finish Options: Flat, Eggshell, Low Sheen, Semi-Gloss
Key Features:
Economical for large-scale jobs
Good hide and touch-up
Low VOC, low odor
Fast dry times
Contractor Sweet Spot: Ultra Spec is often the go-to for bulk commercial jobs. It’s reliable, fast, and reasonably priced.
Homeowners Should Think Twice: It’s a solid product, but it’s not as rich or washable as Regal or Aura. Great for walls in offices or investment properties—less so for a forever home.
Best For: Bathrooms, spas, humid environments
Finish Options: Matte
Key Features:
Mildew-resistant in high-moisture areas
Zero VOC
Washable matte finish
Same Color Lock® technology as standard Aura
Perfect for Contractors: Use it to impress picky clients who want high design in hard-working spaces. It’s a premium upgrade for bathrooms without the glossy look.
Homeowners Love It Too: If you hate the look of shiny paint in bathrooms, Aura Bath & Spa is the answer. Moisture protection without compromising style.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Price Point | Contractor Use | Homeowner Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal Select | Residential interiors | Balanced performance & washability | $$ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Aura | Luxury interiors | Richest colors & hide | $$$ | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Scuff-X | Commercial/high-traffic | Scuff & stain resistance | $$$ | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Niche |
| Ben | Budget projects | Low price, decent coverage | $ | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Budget |
| Ultra Spec 500 | Commercial spaces | Good for volume projects | $ | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Rare |
| Aura Bath & Spa | Bathrooms/spas | Mildew resistance in matte finish | $$$ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Regal Select is the all-around winner for residential work.
Scuff-X is unmatched for commercial and high-traffic jobs.
Ultra Spec 500 makes sense for large, budget-sensitive jobs like rentals or new construction.
Use Aura or Aura Bath & Spa sparingly—only when the client’s expectations and budget align.
Want the best of the best? Go with Aura or Aura Bath & Spa.
Want quality but affordable? Regal Select is your safest bet.
Painting on a tight budget? Ben will do the job but manage your expectations.
Many homeowners make the mistake of picking paint by cost. But premium paint often requires fewer coats, lasts longer, and looks better—saving time and money in the long run. Likewise, contractors should factor in labor savingsand touch-up ease when bidding jobs.
If you’re still unsure which Benjamin Moore paint line fits your project, consult with a local dealer or painting expert—they’ll guide you based on surfaces, climate, and use case.
Check out our store for Canada’s largest online selection of Benjamin Moore paints, including Aura, Regal, Ben, Scuff-X, Ultra Spec, and Aura Bath & Spa—shipped fast and fresh to your door.