Benjamin Moore Regal Select vs. Aura: A Side-by-Side Paint Comparison

Benjamin Moore is a leading manufacturer of high-quality interior paints, and its premium Interior Paint is no exception, a beautiful and durable paint with excellent coverage at a fair price. Two of its most popular products, Regal Select and Aura, are often recommended for high-end interior paint jobs, making the choice between the two significantly more difficult. Both are of exceptionally high quality, but each excels in certain areas.

At Oui Colour Paint & Wallpaper, we’ve assisted hundreds of Toronto locals in selecting the right paint for their homes and projects. This comprehensive review compares Benjamin Moore Regal Select vs. Aura to determine which of the two is the ideal choice for your next interior design or remodeling project.

An Introduction to Exclusive Benjamin Moore Paint Lines

But before we jump into a comparison, let’s talk about what makes Regal Select and Aura upper-echelon products in Benjamin Moore’s product lineup.

Feature	Regal Select	Aura
Type	Premium Paint	Ultra-Premium Paint
Key Technology	Stain Release Technology	Color Lock® Technology
Ideal For	High-traffic areas	Vibrant, rich color applications
VOC Level	0 VOC	Low VOC
Finish Options	Flat, Ulti-Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Semi-Gloss	Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Best For	Homeowners seeking premium quality at a reasonable cost, ideal for standard rooms and whole-home coverage	Design-conscious users, bold color lovers, or those renovating high-moisture/high-traffic rooms who want top-tier performance

1. Coverage and Hide

Regal Select

Regal Select is renowned for its excellent coverage and smooth application, often yielding impressive results even after the first coat. However, Benjamin Moore officially recommends applying two coats to achieve optimal color richness, uniformity, and durability. Regal Select performs exceptionally well when covering similar or previously painted colors.

Aura

Aura takes coverage a step further. Thanks to Color Lock Technology, which embeds color pigments more deeply into the paint film, Aura delivers exceptional hide, even with bold or deep tones. Aura’s self-priming formulation allows it to cover most surfaces in two coats or less, including dramatic color changes.

Winner for Coverage: Aura

While Regal Select does an excellent job, Aura’s advanced formulation edges it out, particularly when working with high-contrast color changes.

2. Durability and Washability

Regal Select

This product line also features stain-release technology and an easy clean surface that quickly cleans without scrubbing. It works in kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms, which tend to get more abuse.

Aura

Aura is even more durable. Its surface withstands repeated scrubbing, making it ideal for households with kids or pets. According to third-party testing, Aura resists burnishing (a shiny spot that appears when scrubbed) more effectively than many competitors.

A 2014 study in CoatingsTech found that paints with tighter film integrity, like Aura, retain their finish better under repeated cleaning.

Winner for Durability: Aura

Aura’s superior durability and resistance to wear make it an ideal choice for achieving long-term results.

3. Color Depth and Consistency

Regal Select

Provides a rich and vivid color with Benjamin Moore’s Gennex Color Technology, which resists fading and is durable enough for all seasons.

Aura

Aura pushes it even further with its exclusive Color Lock®, a proprietary technology that locks color pigments into the paint particles. That means Aura has a more vivid color profile, one that will not fade under even the most intense sunlight.

This is particularly advantageous in Canada, where seasonal changes and varying sunlight can significantly impact the appearance of colors throughout the year.

Winner for Color Depth: Aura

The depth, vibrancy, and consistency of Aura colors are unmatched, especially for bold color choices.

4. Application and Touch-Up

Regal Select

Highly rated for smooth application, with minimal spatter and excellent touch-up qualities. This makes it a favorite for DIYers and contractors alike.

Aura

Aura’s quick drying time and high solids content can make touch-ups more challenging if not blended properly. Professional painters often prefer Aura for whole-room applications rather than spot touch-ups.

Winner for Ease of Application: Regal Select

Regal Select offers a forgiving finish that’s easier to apply and touch up, making it more approachable for homeowners.

5. Finish Options and Aesthetic Flexibility

Regal Select

Available in five sheens: flat, Ulti-matte, which is also washable, Eggshell, Pearl, and Semi-Gloss, you can choose the look and feel of your Space.

Aura

The product is offered in Matte, Eggshell, Satin, and Gloss finishes. Its matte finish, even so, is highly washable, almost unique among matte paints.

Winner for Variety of Finishes: Regal Select

With a broader selection of sheens, Regal Select caters to a wider range of design aesthetics.

6. Price Point

Regal Select

Sits in the premium category, typically priced lower than Aura. It offers great value for the quality and is often the go-to for budget-conscious homeowners seeking excellent results.

Aura

An ultra-premium product, Aura is more expensive, sometimes significantly, than Regal Select. The higher cost reflects its technological innovations and superior performance, but it may be overkill for smaller or low-traffic spaces.

Winner for Value: Regal Select

For many projects, especially in standard living areas, Regal Select offers more than enough performance at an accessible price.

7. Environmental Impact and VOC Levels

Both Regal Select and Aura are low-VOC and zero-VOC when tinted with Gennex® colorants, making them environmentally friendly choices. Both comply with Canada’s environmental regulations for indoor air quality and health.

Winner for Eco-Friendliness: Tie

Both paints support healthy indoor environments and align with green building standards, such as LEED.

8. When to Choose Regal Select vs. Aura

Choose Regal Select If

• You’re painting standard residential rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, or dining rooms.
  
• You want professional results with an easier learning curve.
  
• You’re looking for more affordable, premium quality.
  
• You’re working on a large-scale project and need a product that delivers excellent performance for its price.

Choose Aura If

• You’re working with bold or dark colors and need maximum color richness.
  
• The space has high moisture or heavy traffic, such as a bathroom or a kids’ playroom.
  
• You plan to invest in long-lasting results for a feature wall or statement room.

What Designers and Contractors Are Saying

In our Toronto showroom, interior designers often recommend Aura for accent walls or specialty rooms, while Regal Select is the go-to for consistent quality throughout the home.

Contractors appreciate Regal Select’s workability, especially for tight timelines, and Aura is favored when the client wants a show-stopping finish or is concerned about longevity.

FAQ: Benjamin Moore Regal Select vs. Aura

Can I mix and match Aura and Regal Select in different rooms?

Absolutely. Many homeowners use Aura in bathrooms and kitchens while using Regal Select in bedrooms and hallways.

Is Aura worth the higher price?

It depends on your needs. For high-performance applications or bold color selections, Aura is often worth the investment.

Will I need a separate primer?

While both Regal Select and Aura are often referred to as self-priming on properly prepared surfaces, Benjamin Moore’s official product data sheets recommend using a separate primer in specific conditions to ensure proper adhesion, stain blocking, and color accuracy.

Here are the most common scenarios:

• New or Bare Wood: Self-priming is acceptable, but for bleeding woods like cedar or redwood, use Fresh Start® Undercoater and Primer/Sealer (K032) or High-Hiding All Purpose Primer (K046).
  
• Drywall and Cured Plaster: Self-priming is generally acceptable.
  
• Masonry and Concrete:
  • Rough masonry (e.g., cinder block): Use Ultra Spec® Hi-Build Block Filler (K571).
  • Smooth pre-cast concrete: Typically self-priming.
    
• Metal Surfaces:
  • Ferrous (steel/iron): Use HP1100 or HP1320 metal primers.
  • Non-ferrous (aluminum, galvanized): Must be thoroughly cleaned (e.g., with HP6000) and dulled before applying HP1100.
    
• Custom Deep Colors: Some vibrant or dark custom colors require a specially tinted Fresh Start® High-Hiding Primer to achieve the desired hue. Your paint retailer can advise you on the exact formula.

Summary: While Aura and Regal Select can perform well without a separate primer on many interior surfaces, always consult with your retailer for specialty conditions or bold color selections.

How long do these paints typically last?

With proper surface preparation, Regal color lock for an average of 7 years, Aura lasts 10-12 years, depending on wear and environmental factors.

Choose Your Paint with Confidence

Final Verdict

• For value, ease of application, and versatility, Regal Select is an innovative and reliable choice.
  
• For rich colors, unmatched durability, and performance in demanding spaces, Aura is a top-tier investment.

At Oui Colour Paint & Wallpaper, we stock both Regal Select and Aura, and we are happy to help you determine which is best for your project. Whether you’re repainting a room or gut-renovating a home in Toronto, our in-store team is here to help with wallpaper pairings, color consultations, and more.

Visit Oui Colour Paint & Wallpaper Today

Need help choosing the perfect paint for your next home improvement or interior design project?

Stop by our Toronto store or browse online at www.ouicolourpaint.ca to shop Benjamin Moore’s full selection, premium wallpaper designs, and expert advice tailored to Canadian homes.