Benjamin Moore makes several interior wall paints, and choosing between them can be confusing. Here we compare the three main ranges we stock – Aura, Regal Select and ben – so you can pick the right one for each room and budget.
The quick answer
- Aura – ultra-premium. Best colour richness, hide and durability. Choose it for feature walls, deep colours and busy rooms.
- Regal Select – premium all-rounder. Beautiful finish and very washable, at a lower price than Aura.
- ben – easy, good-value paint for walls and ceilings with smooth application and low VOC.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aura | Regal Select | ben | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | Ultra-premium | Premium | Value |
| Key technology | Color Lock – no rub-off | Stain release | Extended open time |
| Paint and primer in one | Yes | Yes | — |
| Coverage | 9–10 m²/L | 10–11 m²/L | 10–11 m²/L |
| Recoat | 1 hour | 1–2 hours | 2 hours |
| Washability | Excellent | Highly washable | Good touch-up and scuff resistance |
| Finishes we stock | Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Bath & Spa | Flat, Matte, Eggshell | Matte |
| Best for | Deep colours, busy rooms | Hallways, family and kids' rooms | Bedrooms, living rooms, ceilings |
Benjamin Moore Aura
Aura's Color Lock technology locks colour into the film, giving outstanding fade resistance and no colour rub-off when cleaned. It has the best hide of the three, recoats in an hour and is self-priming. It is the one to choose for dark and dramatic colours. Read our full Aura review.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Regal Select is a classic: smooth application, excellent flow and levelling, and great hide. Stain release technology makes it highly washable, and it resists scuffs and burnishing from everyday wear. The Matte finish is ideal for hallways, family rooms and children's rooms, and the Flat is spatter resistant – ideal for ceilings.
Benjamin Moore ben
ben is designed for easy, beautiful results. It flows on smoothly with an extended open time, touches up well and resists scuffs and spatter, giving a soft, low-sheen matte on walls and ceilings. Low VOC (max 1.5 g/L) and low odour.
Which one for which room?
| Room | Our pick |
|---|---|
| Living room / feature wall | Aura Matte |
| Hallway and stairs | Regal Select Matte or Scuff-X Matte |
| Kitchen | Aura Eggshell |
| Bathroom | Aura Bath & Spa |
| Bedroom | ben Matte or Regal Select Matte |
| Ceiling | Waterborne Ceiling Paint or Regal Select Flat |
Frequently asked questions
Are all three available in every Benjamin Moore colour?
Yes – we mix Aura, Regal Select and ben to order in any Benjamin Moore colour, or Super White.
Is Aura really better than Regal Select?
Aura has better hide, especially with deep colours, Color Lock to prevent rub-off and a faster recoat. Regal Select is still an excellent premium paint at a lower cost.
Which is the cheapest Benjamin Moore wall paint?
Of the three, ben is the most budget-friendly. For trade and rental work, Ultra Spec 500 is also worth considering.
Buy Benjamin Moore paint from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Benjamin Moore paint to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
Browse the full Benjamin Moore range.