I recently took on the challenge of refreshing my living space, and I decided to use Benjamin Moore paint for a 30-day period. After spending around $100 on two gallons of their Regal Select line, I was excited to see if the premium price tag would translate into a transformative experience for my home. As a passionate DIY enthusiast and indie writer, I had high hopes, but I also needed to understand if it was worth the investment given the range of cheaper alternatives on the market.
My Initial Impressions of Benjamin Moore Paint
As I opened the first can of Benjamin Moore Regal Select, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The rich colors and smooth texture promised a high-quality finish. Here’s what I discovered within the first few days:
Application Performance
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Consistency: The paint had a creamy consistency that made it easy to apply, with minimal splatter. This was impressive, as I know from experience with cheaper paint brands like Valspar that cranking out a flawless finish can often feel like a Herculean task.
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Coverage: I noticed that a single coat covered my walls exceptionally well, sometimes better than the two coats of less expensive brands I typically endured. In fact, I was able to achieve complete coverage in areas with darker hues in just one application.
Color Retention and Vibrancy
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Initial Result: The color I chose, a vibrant sky blue, popped beautifully as soon as it dried. Benjamin Moore boasts excellent color retention, and I scrutinized the color vibrancy especially considering my past experiences with Behr, which often dulled over time.
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Comparison: After 30 days, the richness of Benjamin Moore still remained intact, while cheaper paint colors from previous projects seemed to fade. This reaffirmed my decision to splurge on quality.
On Longevity and Durability
While it’s easy to be swayed by first impressions, I wanted to see how Benjamin Moore held up in the long run.
Scrubbability Factor
After about two weeks of daily life and activity, I put the paint to the test by cleaning a couple of messes. Here’s what I found:
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Ease of Cleaning: I was pleasantly surprised to find that marks wiped off without disturbing the paint. Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select line is categorized as wash-and-scrub resistant, which I initially thought might be mere marketing speak.
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Contrast with Other Brands: In the past, I had multiple experiences when painting with Sherwin-Williams, where scrubbing led to patches that lifted off the wall. The durability of Benjamin Moore became evident after this thorough cleaning phase.
Comparing Benjamin Moore with Competitors
To give you a clearer understanding, let’s compare Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select to two other popular brands: Sherwin-Williams and Behr.
| Brand | Price per Gallon (USD) | Coverage per Gallon (Approx.) | Sheen Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select | $50 - $70 | 350 - 400 sq. ft. | Matte, Eggshell, Satin |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint | $45 - $55 | 350 - 400 sq. ft. | Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss |
| Behr Premium Plus | $30 - $50 | 300 - 350 sq. ft. | Matte, Eggshell, Gloss |
From my experience, Benjamin Moore’s price range reflects its quality—often justified by superior quarry class pigments that deliver a longer-lasting finish. When I tested Behr again locally after painting with Benjamin Moore, I found the Behr paint appeared more washed out a few months later.
Viewing Benjamin Moore’s Environmental Impact
An often overlooked but essential factor in choosing paint is the environmental footprint of the product.
Low-VOC Benefits
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Healthier Living: Benjamin Moore paints are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) products. This means they emit fewer toxic fumes compared to traditional paints. As someone who values indoor air quality, particularly due to my family’s sensitivities, this was necessary in my purchasing decision.
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Water-Based Non-Toxic Option: I could hardly detect any strong odors during application, unlike traditional paints that often left me with headaches. This increased livability immediately—something I appreciated immensely.
What Most Guides Get Wrong
When reviewing paint, most guides tend to gloss over several critical insights:
Color Variability
- Many writers do not discuss how various lighting conditions can significantly alter perceived color. I made a note to consider different light sources when picking colors.
Long-Term Stability
- Most focus only on initial application without covering the longevity of surfaces against oxidation. In my week-two experience, I noted some fading on cheaper competitors after just days of usage.
Cleanup Information
- Too often, guides fail to mention how cleaning tools can affect overall finish. I used high-quality brushes with Benjamin Moore that resulted in a seamless finish that cheaper brands didn’t replicate, especially with their rougher roll-off techniques.
Is It Worth It?
So, after diligently using Benjamin Moore for a full month, the question lingered: Is Benjamin Moore paint worth the investment?
My Verdict
In my experience, yes, it is absolutely worth it. While I spent around $100 on two gallons, I believe the price reflects enduring quality. It’s a higher upfront cost compared to brands like Behr—often seen for around $30-$50 per gallon. However, I like to think of it as paying for paint that not only looks good but will last without fading, scratching, or peeling.
When to Opt for Cheaper Alternatives
There are scenarios where budget brands like Behr or Valspar might serve you well. For instance:
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Temporary Living Situations: If you’re planning to live somewhere for just a year or two, go for the cheaper paint.
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Children’s Rooms: When you know scuffs are inevitable, a lower-end offering may make more sense financially.
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Purely Aesthetic Touch-ups: If you’re just maintaining a rental, using something less expensive will get the job done too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does Benjamin Moore paint cost on average?
A: Most Benjamin Moore paint products range from $50 to $70 per gallon. For best deals, check current prices on the brand’s official site.
Q: Is Benjamin Moore worth the price compared to Behr?
A: Benjamin Moore tends to have superior pigment quality and durability, likely justifying the price hike, especially for long-term projects.
Q: What are the best tools to use with Benjamin Moore paint?
A: I recommend high-quality brushes such as Purdy or Wooster for the best finish, as they can significantly impact the results.
Q: Can I mix colors with Benjamin Moore paint?
A: Absolutely! Materials can be tinted to achieve the desired shade. Most home improvement stores carry paint mixing systems for this purpose.
Conclusion: Take The Leap
If you’re ready to transform your living space and want a product that offers long-lasting beauty, I can’t recommend Benjamin Moore enough. Trust me—after testing it myself, I see why so many professionals advocate for it.
You can find high-quality customer service there as well, which is often lacking with cheaper brands. Begin your project with confidence knowing that you’re making an investment in your home. Today’s decision to invest in premium products like this could save you time, money, and headaches down the line!