Benjamin Moore Paint Review and Guide

Benjamin Moore is a very expensive paint brand imported into the UK from America. Although expensive, the Benjamin Moore paint range has become very popular amongst decorators and high-end designers. This is due to its superior performance compared with other trade paints.

In this blog, I’m going to touch on some mainstream products as part of a full Benjamin Moore paint review and guide. My findings are completely honest and impartial, based on my own experience as a painter and decorator. I hope you find it useful.

Benjamin Moore products are available from a few trade outlets, but it is normally cheaper to buy them online. Click here to see online prices.

Benjamin Moore Aura Matte Emulsion Review

This is a water-based emulsion used on interior ceilings and walls. You can buy this paint for around £25 per litre, and it is available in white or any colour.

Contrary to what I said about the quality of Benjamin Moore paint in the opening paragraph, I really do not like this product. It feels gloopy to apply, even when diluted with clean water. The finish is not great either. You can see visible flashing and picture framing on the surface. I made the mistake of using it on a light-sensitive ceiling once, and it looked terrible.

This may be slightly harsh, but I feel as though I should be ultra-critical when reviewing Benjamin Moore because of its price tag.

Keep reading, though, because the rest of the products are much better.

Benjamin Moore Regal Review

This is a durable matt emulsion used for interior walls and ceilings. You can buy this paint in white or any colour from Benjamin Moore’s extensive range. You are looking at roughly £24 per litre, which, like all other Benjamin Moore products, is expensive compared with trade alternatives.

This paint is unlike any other emulsion on the market. It is smooth and almost velvety to apply, with unbelievably good opacity.

The finish is very flat, contemporary, and luxurious, with a fantastic depth of colour. Benjamin Moore Regal is also extremely durable and will not buff up if you wipe it with a damp cloth.

This is easily the best emulsion I have ever used. I just wish I could use it on every job, but a lot of my clients will not pay the premium price, especially considering I can use around 10L of emulsion in a single room.

Stix Adhesion Primer Review

Stix is a water-based adhesion primer used on problem surfaces such as vinyl, plastic, PVC, tile, glass, glazed block, gloss paints, fibreglass, and galvanised metals. You can buy this paint for around £25 per litre, which is top dollar for a primer.

As you would expect from a high-end primer, Benjamin Moore Stix is a joy to use and performs exceptionally well. You will find it flows nicely from a brush or roller. Once cured, it will stick solidly to almost any surface and create the perfect base to work from.

The only downside to Stix is that it is only available in white, which is not ideal if you are using a coloured topcoat.

Benjamin Moore Scuff X Review

Scuff-X is a fully water-based paint used on internal woodwork and other trim. It is available in matt, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes, in white or any colour from Benjamin Moore’s extensive range. You should expect to pay roughly £32.50 per litre for this paint.

I personally feel that Benjamin Moore Scuff-X justifies its price tag, particularly the satin finish, which is regarded by many decorators as the best satinwood on the market.

This paint goes for miles, and it is incredibly easy to work with. It levels off perfectly, leaving a flawless, brush-free finish with a luxurious depth of colour.

You need to use this paint to understand just how good it is. I cannot put it into words. Benjamin Moore Scuff-X is the Holy Grail of paints, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Brand Summary

FAQs

Are Benjamin Moore paints washable?

Most Benjamin Moore paints are washable, including Benjamin Moore Regal, Scuff-X, and the Advance range. Benjamin Moore Ben can withstand a light wipe, but I would not describe it as “washable” like the others.

Does Benjamin Moore paint fade?

Benjamin Moore paint is extremely good quality, so colour fading, even over extended periods, is never an issue.

Is Benjamin Moore better than Dulux?

There is nothing wrong with Dulux. Their trade range is fantastic, but Benjamin Moore is a premium-quality paint. So, yes, Benjamin Moore is better quality than Dulux. Having said that, Dulux Heritage could probably give it a run for its money.

Why is Benjamin Moore paint so good?

Most paints are manufactured in reverse order: the manufacturer works out what a paint needs to cost to fit a certain place in the market. They then make the best paint they can for that budget. Benjamin Moore does things the other way round; they make the best paint they can and then set the price accordingly. This is why Benjamin Moore is so expensive, but also why it is such good quality.

Are Benjamin Moore paints good quality?

Benjamin Moore paints are expensive, but they are very good quality. If you do not mind paying a premium for quality, then Benjamin Moore is the way to go.

 Final Thoughts

It’s fair to say I’m a fan of Benjamin Moore. As a professional decorator, I feel this paint gives me an edge over my competitors; it really is that good. The finish of standard trade paint looks cheap compared with Benjamin Moore. You can tell the difference a mile off. Scuff-X and Regal, in particular, really are outstanding products.

Click here to see online prices.