High quality exterior paint contains more solid particles and pigment per gallon, so it will build faster and cover the surface in fewer coats. Compared to other brands, Benjamin Moore exterior paint products are considered high grade paints. Their exclusive Color Lock technology binds the pigments within the paint film, protecting them from UV damage so the color stays true for years. Benjamin Moore paints are also self-priming on most surfaces and specially formulated to deter mildew growth and resist chalking and fading over time.
Depending on your needs and budget, you might pair multiple paint products on different areas of your home exterior to achieve the best results. Once you understand the differences between Benjamin Moore’s exterior paints, it’ll be easy to choose the best paint for your project.
AURA Exterior Paint
Grade: Ultra-Premium Paint
Finishes: Flat, Low Lustre, Satin, Soft Gloss
FormulaType: 100% Waterborne Acrylic Latex
AURA Exterior is the finest exterior paint available, providing exceptional fade-resistance, moisture protection and durability. Its Color Lock Technology offers superior fade resistance, and easy application for a rich, smooth finish that has an outstanding lifespan. Benjamin Moore has developed high-performing additives that combat humid conditions making it a great choice for high-moisture environments.
AURA is available in four sheens across more than 3,500 paint colors—the most variety of any paint brand on the market—including a selection of 75 vinyl-safe colors. Its thick formula hides color extremely well in fewer coats, and doesn’t require a primer on most surfaces. We also love that the acrylic latex formula can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F so that homeowners have more time in the year to get their fresh coat of paint!
Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select Exterior is a 100% acrylic-fortified paint made with alkyd technology—an advanced type of resin that enhances adhesion and leveling for a smooth finish that hides brush strokes and roller marks. Regal Select performs well on nearly every surface, even hard-to-coat substrates like PVC siding, chalky materials, and pitted masonry. This makes it an excellent choice for a DIY project at a lower price point than the ultra-premium AURA.
Available in all of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500 paint colors and three sheens, Regal Select Exterior is highly durable, resisting mildew, fading, cracking , and peeling. Like AURA Exterior, it can also be applied in temperatures down to 35°F, extending the painting season.
Benjamin Moore ADVANCE’s waterborne alkyd formula delivers the superior flow and leveling characteristics of oil-based paint, yet it fully cures in just 5 days and cleans up with soap and water. Alkyd paints are incredibly durable and stand up to repeated washing due to the way they dry and cure. This formula, combined with the superior fade resistance of Benjamin Moore’s Gennex® Color Lock technology, makes ADVANCE our top choice for a lasting high-gloss finish on exterior doors and trim. It is also mold and mildew resistant and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The sheen, or finish of a paint refers to how much light is reflected off its surface (or how shiny it looks). Exterior paint finishes range from flat (matte, non-reflective finishes generally used for siding) to high gloss (shiny, light-reflecting finishes typically used for doors).
Flat paint finishes provide better coverage per gallon, hide imperfections well and are easier to apply. Glossy finishes are easy to clean which makes them ideal for doors and entry areas; the shine will highlight surface imperfections, so applying them takes skill. In between flat and glossy, the paint industry has created additional finishes with various levels of shine: flat or matte, low-lustre, satin and semi-gloss.
A general rule for exterior surfaces is to use a Flat or Low Lustre sheen on siding. Trim details like window casings, porch railings, etc. are painted in a Satin or Semi-Gloss sheen for added dimension and easier maintenance. Semi-Gloss and High-Gloss finishes are typically used on the front door or architectural focal points for an elevated look that’s easy to clean.
If you plan to use Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss paint, surface preparation is very important to avoid highlighting blemishes. Be sure to fill all dents, caulk all gaps, and sand the surface thoroughly to prepare for a glossy finish. For more helpful tips on selecting the best paint sheen for your project, check out our helpful guide, How To Choose A Paint Finish.
Order Your Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint Online
Avoid the hassle of waiting for a paint order to be mixed, and order your Benjamin Moore paint products online! Ordering paint ahead of time is a great time-saver. You can pick up your paint order at your convenience, or arrange for delivery from Ring’s End to your home.
We carry a large selection of Benjamin Moore products including the popular Regal Select Exterior, AURA, and ADVANCE paints, and ship anywhere in the U.S. with free shipping on all orders over $150! Ordering paint online is fast, easy and so convenient.
Benjamin Moore Exterior Paint FAQs
Which Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best?
Benjamin Moore’s best-selling exterior paints are AURA Exterior and Regal Select Exterior Paint. Both come with a 25-year limited warranty which covers peeling, blistering, and weathering.
What is the best Benjamin Moore exterior paint for a front door?
What is the best Benjamin Moore exterior paint for siding and trim?
For exterior siding, most homeowners choose a Flat or Low Lustre finish; exterior trim is typically painted with a Satin or Semi-Gloss sheen. Benjamin Moore AURA Exterior Paint is an Ultra-Premium paint with exclusive Color Lock® Technology for the longest lasting color. Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior a Premium grade paint with an alkyd formula that provides superior coverage and adhesion, even on hard-to-coat surfaces.
Which Benjamin Moore paint colors are safe for vinyl siding?
Not all exterior paint products and colors are safe for vinyl siding. Paint colors that contain dark pigments can put your siding at risk of warping and damage due to heat absorption. Regal Select Exterior is safe for vinyl as long as the paint color is lighter than the vinyl’s original color. AURA Exterior’s 100% Acrylic Latex formula is our best recommendation for vinyl siding in a selection of 75 vinyl-friendly colors:
2004-10 Deep Rose
2090-20 Rich Chestnut
2090-20 Rich Chestnut
2108-50 Silver Fox
2108-50 Silver Fox
2108-60 Abalone
2108-60 Abalone
2109-40 Smoked Oyster
2109-40 Smoked Oyster
2112-40 Stone
2112-40 Stone
2125-40 Shadow Gray
2125-40 Shadow Gray
2129-60 Mt. Rainier Gray
2129-60 Mt. Rainier Gray
2130-50 New Hope Gray
2130-50 New Hope Gray
2131-60 Silver Gray
2131-60 Silver Gray
2139-40 Heather Gray
2139-40 Heather Gray
2142-30 Mountain Moss
2142-30 Mountain Moss
2148-50 Sandy White
2148-50 Sandy White
2152-30 Autumn Gold
2152-30 Autumn Gold
2164-30 Rich Clay Brown
2164-30 Rich Clay Brown
2165-30 Golden Retriever
2165-30 Golden Retriever
AF-110 Coriander Seed
AF-110 Coriander Seed
AF-160 Carob
AF-160 Carob
AF-270 Tea Room
AF-270 Tea Room
AF-280 Salsa Dancing
AF-280 Salsa Dancing
AF-380 Coastal Path
AF-380 Coastal Path
AF-395 Meditation
AF-395 Meditation
AF-425 Anjou Pear
AF-425 Anjou Pear
AF-430 Wasabi
AF-430 Wasabi
AF-475 Lush
AF-475 Lush
AF-685 Thunder
AF-685 Thunder
AF-690 Metropolitan
AF-690 Metropolitan
AF-720 Sparrow
AF-720 Sparrow
HC-104 Copley Gray
HC-104 Copley Gray
HC-105 Rockport Gray
HC-105 Rockport Gray
HC-111 Nantucket Gray
HC-111 Nantucket Gray
HC-113 Louisburg Green
HC-113 Louisburg Green
HC-115 Georgian Green
HC-115 Georgian Green
HC-116 Guilford Green
HC-116 Guilford Green
HC-119 Kittery Point Green
HC-119 Kittery Point Green
HC-123 Kennebunkport Green
HC-123 Kennebunkport Green
HC-146 Wedgewood Gray
HC-146 Wedgewood Gray
HC-150 Yarmouth Blue
HC-150 Yarmouth Blue
HC-163 Duxbury Gray
HC-163 Duxbury Gray
HC-165 Boothbay Gray
HC-165 Boothbay Gray
HC-167 Amherst Gray
HC-167 Amherst Gray
HC-169 Coventry Gray
HC-169 Coventry Gray
HC-170 Stonington Gray
HC-170 Stonington Gray
HC-171 Wickham Gray
HC-171 Wickham Gray
HC-172 Revere Pewter
HC-172 Revere Pewter
HC-27 Monterey White
HC-27 Monterey White
HC-28 Shelburne Buff
HC-28 Shelburne Buff
HC-31 Waterbury Cream
HC-31 Waterbury Cream
HC-33 Montgomery White
HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow
HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow
HC-43 Tyler Taupe
HC-43 Tyler Taupe
HC-45 Shaker Beige
HC-45 Shaker Beige
HC-50 Georgian Brick
HC-50 Georgian Brick
HC-74 Valley Forge Brown
HC-74 Valley Forge Brown
HC-77 Alexandria Beige
HC-77 Alexandria Beige
HC-79 Greenbrier Beige
HC-79 Greenbrier Beige
HC-81 Manchester Tan
HC-81 Manchester Tan
HC-83 Grant Beige
HC-83 Grant Beige
HC-85 Fairview Taupe
HC-85 Fairview Taupe
HC-87 Ashley Gray
HC-87 Ashley Gray
HC-9 Chestertown Buff
HC-9 Chestertown Buff
HC-94 Old Salem Gray
HC-94 Old Salem Gray
HC-95 Sag Harbor Gray
HC-95 Sag Harbor Gray
HC-99 Abingdon Putty
HC-99 Abingdon Putty
OC-117 Simply White
OC-117 Simply White
OC-120 Seashell
OC-120 Seashell
OC-29 Floral White
OC-29 Floral White
OC-31 Fog Mist
OC-31 Fog Mist
OC-36 Niveous
OC-36 Niveous
OC-41 French Canvas
OC-41 French Canvas
OC-48 Hazy Skies
OC-48 Hazy Skies
OC-52 Gray Owl
OC-52 Gray Owl
OC-53 Horizon
OC-53 Horizon
OC-54 White Wisp
OC-54 White Wisp
OC-85 Mayonnaise
OC-85 Mayonnaise
Which Benjamin Moore paint colors are safe for vinyl siding?
Not all exterior paint products and colors are safe for vinyl siding. Paint colors that contain dark pigments can put your siding at risk of warping and damage due to heat absorption. Regal Select Exterior is safe for vinyl as long as the paint color is lighter than the vinyl’s original color. AURA Exterior’s 100% Acrylic Latex formula is our best recommendation for vinyl siding in a selection of 75 vinyl-friendly colors:
2004-10 Deep Rose
2090-20 Rich Chestnut
2090-20 Rich Chestnut
2108-50 Silver Fox
2108-50 Silver Fox
2108-60 Abalone
2108-60 Abalone
2109-40 Smoked Oyster
2109-40 Smoked Oyster
2112-40 Stone
2112-40 Stone
2125-40 Shadow Gray
2125-40 Shadow Gray
2129-60 Mt. Rainier Gray
2129-60 Mt. Rainier Gray
2130-50 New Hope Gray
2130-50 New Hope Gray
2131-60 Silver Gray
2131-60 Silver Gray
2139-40 Heather Gray
2139-40 Heather Gray
2142-30 Mountain Moss
2142-30 Mountain Moss
2148-50 Sandy White
2148-50 Sandy White
2152-30 Autumn Gold
2152-30 Autumn Gold
2164-30 Rich Clay Brown
2164-30 Rich Clay Brown
2165-30 Golden Retriever
2165-30 Golden Retriever
AF-110 Coriander Seed
AF-110 Coriander Seed
AF-160 Carob
AF-160 Carob
AF-270 Tea Room
AF-270 Tea Room
AF-280 Salsa Dancing
AF-280 Salsa Dancing
AF-380 Coastal Path
AF-380 Coastal Path
AF-395 Meditation
AF-395 Meditation
AF-425 Anjou Pear
AF-425 Anjou Pear
AF-430 Wasabi
AF-430 Wasabi
AF-475 Lush
AF-475 Lush
AF-685 Thunder
AF-685 Thunder
AF-690 Metropolitan
AF-690 Metropolitan
AF-720 Sparrow
AF-720 Sparrow
HC-104 Copley Gray
HC-104 Copley Gray
HC-105 Rockport Gray
HC-105 Rockport Gray
HC-111 Nantucket Gray
HC-111 Nantucket Gray
HC-113 Louisburg Green
HC-113 Louisburg Green
HC-115 Georgian Green
HC-115 Georgian Green
HC-116 Guilford Green
HC-116 Guilford Green
HC-119 Kittery Point Green
HC-119 Kittery Point Green
HC-123 Kennebunkport Green
HC-123 Kennebunkport Green
HC-146 Wedgewood Gray
HC-146 Wedgewood Gray
HC-150 Yarmouth Blue
HC-150 Yarmouth Blue
HC-163 Duxbury Gray
HC-163 Duxbury Gray
HC-165 Boothbay Gray
HC-165 Boothbay Gray
HC-167 Amherst Gray
HC-167 Amherst Gray
HC-169 Coventry Gray
HC-169 Coventry Gray
HC-170 Stonington Gray
HC-170 Stonington Gray
HC-171 Wickham Gray
HC-171 Wickham Gray
HC-172 Revere Pewter
HC-172 Revere Pewter
HC-27 Monterey White
HC-27 Monterey White
HC-28 Shelburne Buff
HC-28 Shelburne Buff
HC-31 Waterbury Cream
HC-31 Waterbury Cream
HC-33 Montgomery White
HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow
HC-4 Hawthorne Yellow
HC-43 Tyler Taupe
HC-43 Tyler Taupe
HC-45 Shaker Beige
HC-45 Shaker Beige
HC-50 Georgian Brick
HC-50 Georgian Brick
HC-74 Valley Forge Brown
HC-74 Valley Forge Brown
HC-77 Alexandria Beige
HC-77 Alexandria Beige
HC-79 Greenbrier Beige
HC-79 Greenbrier Beige
HC-81 Manchester Tan
HC-81 Manchester Tan
HC-83 Grant Beige
HC-83 Grant Beige
HC-85 Fairview Taupe
HC-85 Fairview Taupe
HC-87 Ashley Gray
HC-87 Ashley Gray
HC-9 Chestertown Buff
HC-9 Chestertown Buff
HC-94 Old Salem Gray
HC-94 Old Salem Gray
HC-95 Sag Harbor Gray
HC-95 Sag Harbor Gray
HC-99 Abingdon Putty
HC-99 Abingdon Putty
OC-117 Simply White
OC-117 Simply White
OC-120 Seashell
OC-120 Seashell
OC-29 Floral White
OC-29 Floral White
OC-31 Fog Mist
OC-31 Fog Mist
OC-36 Niveous
OC-36 Niveous
OC-41 French Canvas
OC-41 French Canvas
OC-48 Hazy Skies
OC-48 Hazy Skies
OC-52 Gray Owl
OC-52 Gray Owl
OC-53 Horizon
OC-53 Horizon
OC-54 White Wisp
OC-54 White Wisp
OC-85 Mayonnaise
OC-85 Mayonnaise
How long will Benjamin Moore exterior paint last?
Benjamin Moore exterior paint colors go through an extensive testing process to make sure they are colorfast under harsh sun and weather conditions. Benjamin Moore offers colors that have been specifically tested for color retention. The lifespan of exterior paint depends on the type of surface material (wood, brick, vinyl, or concrete board) and whether the correct primer was used. Most homes need painting about every 10 years, but expect to repaint more often in areas with severe weather.
Once a can of paint has been opened, Benjamin Moore paint lasts about two years. Be sure the container is tightly sealed and stored in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees, not in a freezing garage.
Does Benjamin Moore exterior paint require a primer?
Primer needs vary based on the product selection, color change, and surface material. New surfaces should be fully primed, and previously painted surfaces may be primed or spot primed as needed. Contact a Ring’s End assistant through our online chat or text (203) PRO-HELP with details about your project and our paint experts will let you know if a primer is recommended for your exterior.