
Eco Spec is Benjamin Moore’s most environmentally-friendly paint product, formulated for commercial spaces that require sterilization and low-toxicity paint. This interior acrylic paint delivers a high-quality finish with zero VOCs and zero emissions. In this product review, we’ll cover all the details about Eco Spec’s environmental certifications, performance, and application.
Where to Use Eco Spec Paint
We recommend choosing Eco Spec for specialty projects that require low-toxicity paint that won’t interfere with air quality or leave strong odors. Eco Spec is certified asthma & allergy friendly® and Green Seal Certified®. It also contains antimicrobial additives that prevent mold and mildew from growing on the painted surface.
Popular applications for Eco Spec paint include:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
- Schools
Some homeowners also prefer to use Eco Spec for spaces in their homes where air quality or allergens are a concern — such as in a nursery or bedroom. Just keep in mind that Eco Spec is a contractor-grade paint designed to excel in environmental factors. It won’t perform with the same hide and coverage as premium interior paints like Benjamin Moore AURA or Regal Select.
Eco Spec can be applied to primed or previously painted drywall, masonry, plaster, wood, metal, and wallpapered surfaces.
What makes Eco Spec paint environmentally friendly?
Eco Spec has been independently tested for compliance with strict health and environmental standards. These are the performance features and certifications that give Eco Spec its reputation as Benjamin Moore’s most environmentally responsible and health-conscious product:
Eco-Friendly Features of Benjamin Moore Eco Spec | |
---|---|
Zero-VOC formula | < 5g of volatile organic compounds per liter means minimal odor and air pollutants |
Antimicrobial additives | Protect the painted surface from bacteria, mold, and mildew |
asthma & allergy friendly® Certified | Ensures that the paint has been scientifically tested to reduce indoor air pollutants, making it safer for individuals with asthma and allergies |
Eligible for LEED® v4 Low-Emitting Materials credit | Helps contractors comply with building standards; Leed v4 paints are emission certified in addition to meeting CARB SCM 2007 VOC limits |
CDPH Emissions Certified | Meets the California Department of Public Health standards for low chemical emission |
Eligible for CHPS low emitting credit (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) | Ensures that the paint meets strict indoor air quality standards, making it suitable for use in schools and contributing to the CHPS high-performance building credit |
Green Seal Certified® | Meets Green Seal Standard GS-11 based on effective performance, minimized/recycled packaging, and protective limits on VOCs and human toxicity |
Benjamin Moore Eco Spec Sheens
Eco Spec comes in three finishes for versatile use throughout a room: flat, eggshell, and semi-gloss. Each finish is washable and can be tinted to over 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors. Because Eco Spec is tinted with Benjamin Moore’s proprietary Gennex zero-VOC colorant system, it remains a zero-VOC paint even in dark or vibrant colors.
The Eco Spec line also includes a primer that meets the same environmental standards as Eco Spec paint. If you want to ensure maximum hide, order Eco Spec Waterborne primer tinted to the approximate color of the topcoat.
Finish | Recommended Because | Spec Sheet | MPI-Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Flat | A flat finish hides imperfections well | Eco Spec Interior Latex Flat Finish Data Sheet (TDS) | 53, 53 X-Green, 142, 142 X-Green, 143, 143 X-Green |
Eggshell | The low sheen adds durability and color richness; popular for painting walls | Eco Spec Interior Latex Eggshell Finish Data Sheet (TDS) | 52, 52 X-Green, 139, 139 X-Green |
Semi-Gloss | Creates a durable coating with visible shine | Eco Spec Interior Latex Semi-Gloss Finish Data Sheet (TDS) | 54, 54 X-Green, 141, 141 X-Green |
Primer | Pairs with Eco Spec paint for a zero-VOC primer/finish system | Eco Spec Interior Latex Primer Data Sheet (TDS) | 50, 149 |
Eco Spec Performance Details
Eco Spec is a water-based, 100% acrylic latex paint that we recommend for large-scale projects requiring an eco-friendly finish. Here’s what you need to know about how this product performs.
Coverage and Hiding
Eco Spec covers in 1-2 coats in most colors (vibrant colors or darker colors may require additional coats). Like all Benjamin Moore products, Eco Spec features high volume solids (37-40% depending on the sheen) for better hide and coverage than competitors. At the recommended film thickness, the coverage per gallon for Eco Spec is 400-450 sq. ft.
Dry Time
One of the benefits of using Eco Spec is that this product returns spaces to use very quickly. The dry time for Eco Spec is 30 minutes to 1 hour to touch and 1-2 hours to recoat. Just be sure to wait 2 weeks after applying Eco Spec before washing the painted surface so that the paint has time to cure.
Finish | Dry Time (to touch) | Dry Time (to recoat) | Full cure time |
---|---|---|---|
Flat, Eggshell, or Semi-Gloss | 30 minutes - 1 hour | 1-2 hours | 2 weeks |
Durability and Washability
Eco Spec creates a long-lasting, durable coating that maintains its rich color longer than competing products. It’s also washable in any of the three finishes. We recommend using a sponge or soft microfiber cloth for cleaning walls painted with Eco Spec. A rag and other abrasive cleaning tools will scrub off the paint. While Eco Spec is engineered to hold up in commercial spaces, avoid scrubbing or frequent washing which could wear down the finish.
If your project requires scrubbable, scuff-resistant paint for high-traffic areas like hallways, we recommend checking out Benjamin Moore Scuff-X.
Surface Preparation and Application
Overall, Eco Spec is an easy product for painting contractors to work with. It features excellent touch up, it’s spatter-resistant, and it cleans up with soap and water. However, keep in mind that Eco Spec dries quickly and should be applied carefully to avoid lap marks and uneven coloring. If using a sprayer, apply the paint with an airless sprayer at 1,500-2,500 PSI (tip = 0.013-0.017).
Note that Eco Spec is not a paint-and-primer. Prime or spot-prime the surface before applying 1-2 coats of Eco Spec. For a primer/finish system with minimal odor and no solvents, we recommend Eco Spec Interior WB Primer.
Find Benjamin Moore Eco Spec at Ring’s End
Ring’s End is an authorized retailer of Benjamin Moore paints and primers, including the Eco Spec line. You can find Eco Spec at a local Ring’s End paint store, order it online for convenient pickup, or have it delivered anywhere in the U.S! Ring’s End has the capability to produce mass orders, and we can accommodate any project size.
Let us know if you have any remaining questions about this product, and our team of Benjamin Moore experts will be happy to help. Contact the Ring’s End paint team.

Benjamin Moore Eco Spec
Formula: 100% Acrylic Latex
Finishes: Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss
Colors: Tints to 3,500+ Benjamin Moore colors