Benjamin Moore Ben vs Regal Select: Comprehensive Price and Performance Analysis

Deciding Between Budget-Friendly and Premium Paint Options

interior painting, paintbrushes, paint cans

Key Takeaways

Cost Efficiency: Benjamin Moore Ben offers a more budget-friendly option, making it ideal for large projects or cost-conscious consumers.
Superior Performance: Regal Select provides enhanced durability, coverage, and finish quality, justifying its higher price for high-traffic or premium spaces.
Long-Term Value: While Regal Select has a higher upfront cost, its longevity and fewer required coats can result in overall cost savings over time.

Introduction

When embarking on a painting project, selecting the right paint is crucial to achieving the desired aesthetic and ensuring long-lasting results. Benjamin Moore, a renowned name in the paint industry, offers two popular lines: Ben and Regal Select. This comprehensive analysis delves into the price and performance differences between these two products, aiding consumers in making informed decisions based on their specific needs and budgets.

Price Comparison

The cost of paint is a significant factor influencing the choice between Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal Select. Understanding the pricing structure and what each dollar spent buys in terms of quality and performance is essential.

Paint Line	Price per Gallon (USD)	Price per Quart (USD)
Benjamin Moore Ben	Approx. $47	$26.99
Benjamin Moore Regal Select	Approx. $73 - $78	$35.00

As depicted in the table, Benjamin Moore Ben is significantly more affordable, with prices around $47 per gallon compared to Regal Select’s range of $73 to $78 per gallon. This price difference positions Ben as the budget-friendly option, suitable for larger areas or projects with financial constraints.

Performance Comparison

Beyond price, the performance characteristics of each paint line determine their suitability for different applications. This section explores various performance metrics where Ben and Regal Select diverge.

Durability

Durability is paramount, especially in high-traffic areas or environments subject to wear and tear. Regal Select excels in this domain, offering superior resistance to scuffs, stains, and general wear. Its advanced formulation ensures that the paint maintains its integrity and appearance over time, making it ideal for living rooms, hallways, and other frequently used spaces.

In contrast, Benjamin Moore Ben, while sufficiently durable for low-traffic areas, lacks the enhanced resistance features of Regal Select. It performs adequately in bedrooms or less frequently used spaces where wear and tear are minimal.

Coverage and Coverage Efficiency

Effective coverage reduces the number of coats required, saving both time and money. Regal Select offers exceptional coverage, often requiring only one to two coats to achieve a uniform finish. Its thick, creamy consistency ensures even distribution, minimizing brush marks and inconsistencies.

On the other hand, Ben typically requires two to three coats to reach full coverage, especially on darker or more absorbent surfaces. This necessitates more labor and material, potentially increasing the overall project cost despite the lower initial price per gallon.

Finish Quality

The finish quality of a paint affects both aesthetics and upkeep. Regal Select is renowned for its smooth, flawless finish, which enhances the visual appeal of any space. Its self-leveling properties reduce the appearance of brush strokes and provide a professional-grade appearance.

Benjamin Moore Ben offers a respectable finish but does not match the impeccable smoothness of Regal Select. While suitable for basic applications, it may exhibit minor brush marks or an uneven sheen, particularly in high-traffic areas where frequent cleaning and handling can wear down the finish.

Washability and Stain Resistance

Maintaining clean and pristine walls is easier with paints that offer high washability and stain resistance. Regal Select is formulated with advanced stain release technology, allowing for easier cleaning without damaging the paint. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and children's bedrooms where surfaces are more prone to spills and marks.

While Ben provides decent washability for routine maintenance, its stain resistance is comparatively lower. It may require more careful cleaning techniques to avoid peeling or fading, making it less suitable for areas exposed to frequent staining.

Application and Ease of Use

The ease with which a paint can be applied affects both DIY enthusiasts and professional painters. Both Ben and Regal Select are designed for ease of use, but there are subtle differences that can impact the overall painting experience.

Ease of Application

Benjamin Moore Ben is formulated to be user-friendly, allowing DIYers to achieve satisfactory results without extensive experience. Its lower viscosity makes it easier to spread, although it might require additional coats to achieve full coverage.

Regal Select, while also user-friendly, offers superior flow and leveling properties. Its thicker consistency facilitates a smoother application, reducing the likelihood of streaks and ensuring a more even finish with fewer coats.

Drying and Curing Time

Drying and curing times are crucial for project timelines. Regal Select typically has a faster drying time between coats, allowing for quicker project completion. Its formulation supports efficient curing, leading to a more durable finish in a shorter period.

Ben may require slightly longer drying times and additional coats, which can extend the overall time needed for project completion, especially in environments with lower humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Value

While upfront costs are important, assessing the long-term value of a paint product is essential for making a wise investment.

Initial vs. Long-Term Costs

Benjamin Moore Ben's lower price point makes it attractive for projects with tight budgets or when covering large surface areas. However, the need for additional coats can increase the overall cost in terms of both paint and labor.

Regal Select’s higher initial cost is often offset by its superior coverage and durability. Fewer coats are required, reducing both material costs and labor time. Additionally, its enhanced durability means less frequent repainting, offering better long-term savings.

Maintenance and Longevity

Paints that maintain their appearance over time reduce the need for frequent maintenance and repainting. Regal Select’s robust formulation ensures that the paint remains vibrant and resistant to wear, minimizing maintenance efforts and extending the period between painting projects.

Ben, while effective for shorter-term projects or less visible areas, may necessitate earlier maintenance or touch-ups, especially in high-traffic or high-humidity environments.

Environmental Impact

Environmental considerations are increasingly important to consumers. Both Ben and Regal Select are formulated with low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) properties, contributing to better indoor air quality and reduced environmental impact.

However, the longer lifespan and reduced need for repainting with Regal Select further enhance its environmental benefits by decreasing the overall consumption of paint and associated resources.

Ideal Use Cases

Understanding where each paint line excels can help in selecting the appropriate product based on specific project requirements.

Benjamin Moore Ben

Budget-conscious projects with large surface areas.
Low-traffic areas such as bedrooms, formal living rooms, and guest rooms.
Temporary or short-term solutions where frequent repainting is acceptable.
DIY projects where ease of application and lower upfront costs are prioritized.

Benjamin Moore Regal Select

High-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms requiring durable finishes.
Premium projects where superior finish quality is desired.
Long-term investments where reduced maintenance and repainting are beneficial.
Rooms prone to moisture and stains, benefiting from enhanced washability and stain resistance.
Professional applications where efficiency and high-quality results are paramount.

Comparison Summary Table

Feature	Benjamin Moore Ben	Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Price per Gallon	~$47	~$73 - $78
Coverage	Requires 2-3 coats	Requires 1-2 coats
Durability	Good for low-traffic areas	Superior for high-traffic areas
Finish Quality	Decent, may show minor brush marks	Smooth, professional-grade finish
Washability	Moderate stain resistance	High stain resistance with stain release technology
Application Ease	User-friendly for DIYers	Enhanced flow and leveling for a smoother application
Environmental Impact	Low-VOC	Low-VOC with longer lifespan

Recommendations

Choosing between Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal Select primarily hinges on budget, project scale, and desired finish quality. For those embarking on large-scale projects or working within a tight budget, Ben presents a cost-effective solution without compromising on basic performance. However, for projects where durability, superior finish, and long-term value are paramount, Regal Select stands out as the superior choice.

Professionals and homeowners alike who prioritize a flawless finish and minimal maintenance should consider investing in Regal Select despite its higher price point. Conversely, for minor touch-ups or areas less exposed to wear, Ben offers reliable performance at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

Both Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal Select paint lines offer distinct advantages tailored to different needs and budgets. Ben’s affordability and ease of application make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects and low-traffic areas. In contrast, Regal Select’s superior performance metrics, including enhanced durability, coverage, and finish quality, justify its higher price for projects demanding longevity and aesthetic excellence.

Ultimately, the decision between Ben and Regal Select should align with the specific requirements of the project, balancing upfront costs with long-term benefits. By carefully considering factors such as budget, area of application, and desired finish quality, consumers can select the paint line that best meets their painting objectives.