Ben Interior and Regal Select Interior are two paint products within Benjamin Moore’s line of premium interior paints. While Ben is the entry-level tier, and Regal Select sits in the middle, Regal shares more similarities with its top-of-the-line cousin, Aura, than with Ben.
Ben Interior is easy to roll and brush on, has zero VOCs with virtually no odor, and offers Benjamin Moore’s 3,500+ colors at a reasonable price point. However, Regal Select outperforms Ben in virtually every other area.
Regal is more durable, requires fewer coats, and levels better for a noticeably smoother finish. It’s no surprise that Regal is one of the bestselling paints on the market—its high performance makes it versatile for nearly any project.
Keep reading for the breakdown on Ben and Regal’s key differences, as well as our tips for when to turn to Ben if you’re looking for an easy and affordable paint option.
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Differences Between Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal Select Paint
Coverage & Application
If you swipe a brushful of Ben on the wall and then one of Regal Select, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the difference in thickness.
Ben Interior is similar in consistency to what you may have experienced if you’ve ever used a box store paint. Regal, on the other hand, feels more like condensed milk—it’s thick and creamy as it goes on the wall.
Gallon of Regal Select being stirred
If it’s your first time using Regal or if you’re uncomfortable with the pace of applying a thicker paint, this may be an adjustment for some painters and you may prefer Ben. However, Regal’s thickness holds the key to many of its advantages.
Regal has exceptional color hide—the ability to cover paint colors underneath your topcoat—so it requires fewer coats than Ben.
Although the two products have equal coverage per can (both are rated for 400-450 sq/ft per gallon) Regal covers that space in 1-2 coats of paints for most colors, while Ben typically needs a minimum of 2-3 coats, depending on how smooth the surface is and whether there is a dramatic color shift.
So while Regal is pricier per can than Ben, the cost difference often ends up being less significant due to the amount of paint required for a project (more on this later).
Regal’s thickness also contributes to better leveling. This means that you’re less likely to see any inconsistencies in the cured paint, such as lap marks or flashing.
Durability
Both of these Benjamin Moore quality products will hold their color well compared to standard paints. Sun exposure and washing will eventually cause any paint’s pigments to fade, but Regal offers the better color longevity, stain resistance, and washability between the two options.
Regal Select is formulated with proprietary stain-release technology that makes it easier to clean without damaging the paint, even in the matte finish. Ben Interior can be cleaned as well, but lower sheen levels will wear off more quickly with washing.
Note: For walls that get dirty and will need heavy scrubbing, we recommend Benjamin Moore Aura Interior, and for high-traffic areas with lots of hits and dings, we recommend Scuff-X.
On average, Ben looks "like new" for two to four years depending on the darkness of the color, the amount of natural light exposure, and wear-and-tear. The average lifespan of a Regal paint job, on the other hand, is three to six years. Regal’s superior durability and color-fastness also makes it easier to touch up, extending the life of the paint job.
Cost
At $73.99 per gallon,* Regal Select is about 30% more expensive than Ben Interior at $56.09 per gallon.* If you need several gallons for your project, that cost difference adds up.
But don’t forget that there’s more to cost than the price per can—the number of coats you’ll need to paint can impact the project cost as well. With the cover-hide difference between Regal and Ben, Regal may end up being the more effective option if you’re making a big color change.
If your paint project is a recoat or updating with slight color differences, Ben is a good cost-saving option.
*Based on current pricing per gallon on ringsend.com. Prices subject to change.
Odor
When it comes to odors, the difference between Ben and Regal in the long run is subtle. Both paints are zero-VOC and will do just fine for any home, even if you’re sensitive to allergens or paint smells. But during painting, odors from Ben are noticeably absent, whereas we tend to experience low odors with Regal as it dries.
If you have a short turnaround project or a small space with low airflow and need to ensure there’s no lingering smell of paint, Ben will accomplish this.
Similarities Between Ben and Regal Select
There are some factors where Ben and Regal come out even—as we said in the beginning, these are both quality paints! Regal is a superior choice overall, but Ben holds its own when it comes to…
- Professional-level splatter-resistance – significantly less paint splatters off the roller, which makes rolling walls or ceilings much easier
- Easy clean-up acrylic formula – no stains, washes off of walls, trim, and brushes easily
- Color availability — get any of Benjamin Moore’s 3,750+ colors in both Ben and Regal Select
- Dry time – both Ben and Regal are fast-drying paints, ready to recoat in one hour or less
- Sheens — Ben is available in the same four sheens as Regal, and then Regal offers flat as a fifth sheen.
Our Winner
The results are in: Our winner for overall best paint is Benjamin Moore Regal Select!
Ben Interior is a good choice if you’re looking for an economical option for:
- Spaces that don’t get a lot of traffic, such as a guest bedroom
- Recoating a wall with the same or similar color
- A quick project where you want fast application
- No lingering odors, during or after application
For everything else, go with Regal! Regal Select is more versatile, more durable, and delivers a high-quality, premium finish that makes it one of the best-rated popular paints among homeowners and professional painters alike.
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Here at RingsEnd.com, we carry every Benjamin Moore product and ship virtually anywhere in the U.S. (excluding AK, HI, and SC). Avoid the hassle of waiting for a paint order to be mixed by ordering your Benjamin Moore products online! Ordering paint ahead of time is a great time-saver.
Live in the Northeast? You can also pick up paint orders at one of our 34 conveniently-located paint stores or arrange for delivery from Ring’s End to your door.