Benjamin Moore is one of the highest calibers in producing paints. They offer interior and exterior paint lines, which include Ben and Regal. Want to know the differences between these paints? We researched this subject to help you, and here's what we got.
The differences between Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal are:
- Finishes
- Ben: 4 interior finishes & 3 exterior finishes
- Regal: 5 interior finishes & 3 exterior finishes
- VOC Levels
- Ben: 0-45 grams per liter (g/L)
- Regal: <100 g/L
- Volume Solids
- Ben: 33.3 ± 2% to 38.6 ± 2%
- Regal: 37.8 ± 2% to 43 ± 2%
- Cost
- Ben: $46-$60
- Regal: $70-83
- Coverage
- Ben: 350-475 square feet (sq. ft.)
- Regal: 45-500 sq. ft.
- Drying Time
- Ben: 1-2 hours for dry touch & 1-4 hours for a recoat
- Regal: 1-2 hours for dry touch & 2-4 hours for a recoat
In this article, we'll go deeper into each difference above. Also, we'll share with you the worth-it option between these two Benjamin Moore paint lines and some ideas on how to pick an appropriate color for your space. With that said, let's begin!
Benjamin Moore Ben Vs. Regal: What's The Difference?
When contrasting Benjamin Moore Ben with Regal, the cost is sometimes the first point of distinction. That doesn't necessarily make it easier for you to choose the best option for your project.
Instead, you should look beyond the cost and concentrate more on the distinctive qualities that each one offers.
The Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal paint lines have advantages and disadvantages. However, there are also a lot of similarities because they come from the same manufacturer, Benjamin Moore.
Aside from that, both can withstand harsh outdoor environments, don't fade, spatter resistance, and are streak-free. The company provides the same diverse range of colors for both lines.
These lines don't need another primer as both are paint and primer combos.
But unless you want, there is no problem, especially over dark-colored walls. Moreover, both have the same suggested coats, one to two coats sufficient to finish your paintwork.
Ben and Regal have a lot in common.
However, they do have various glaring distinctions, including:
Finishes
There are various finishes available for Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal. When you compare the two paint lines, the choices are almost the same, just that in Regal, they have more than one interior finish.
Benjamin Moore Ben is available in eggshell, matte, pearl, and semi-gloss finishes for interior paints. For Regal, you can select between eggshell, flat, matte, pearl, and semi-gloss finishes with Benjamin Moore Regal.
However, both Benjamin Moore products have the same exterior paint finishes, which come in flat, low luster, and soft gloss.
The level of shine you desire will determine which paint line is superior to another. As a result, you'll have to rely on your preferences.
VOC Level
VOCs have been diligently eliminated from Benjamin Moore's paint products. This matter can potentially be dangerous and may even qualify as a carcinogen.
Sticking with zero- or low-VOC paints is crucial for chemically sensitive people who wish to have a healthy option.
Below is the table showing the VOCs available in every variety of Ben and Regal:
|
Type Of Paint |
Finish |
Ben VOCs |
Regal VOCs |
|
Interior Paints |
Eggshell |
0 g/L |
0 g/L |
|
Flat |
NA |
47.9 g/L |
|
|
Matte |
0 g/L | 0 g/L | |
|
Pearl |
0 g/L | 0 g/L | |
| Semi-Gloss | 0 g/L |
96.1 g/L |
|
| Exterior Paints | Flat | 44 g/L |
50 g/L |
|
Low Luster |
45 g/L |
50 g/L |
|
|
Soft Gloss |
45 g/L |
50 g/L |
Based on the above table, Benjamin Moore Ben has zero VOC in all product lines under interior paints.
The Benjamin Moore Regal has zero VOC under interior paints except for the Flat and Semi-Gloss, which have 47.9 g/L and 96.1 g/L of VOC, respectively.
Benjamin Moore Ben has the lowest VOCs on its product lines for exterior paints than Benjamin Moore Regal, which has 50 g/L of VOC in all its varieties.
Volume Solids
The percentage of volume solids is one aspect of paint that many people ignore. It is the ratio of the binder, pigment, and additives to the solvent.
Greater volume solids paints have thicker textures, so fewer coats are required to finish a job.
Also, a high percentage of volume solids provides an additional surface defense which means superior resistance to factors that degrade the paint.
Regarding volume solids, Benjamin Moore Regal is substantially thicker than Benjamin Moore Ben because it contains greater volume solids comprising 37.8 ± 2% to 43 ± 2% for its product lines.
Whereas for Ben, it is between 33.3 ± 2% to 38.6 ± 2% of volume solids.
Cost
There is a considerable pricing difference between Benjamin Moore, Ben, and Regal.
Depending on the finish, shop, and region, Benjamin Moore Regal costs up to 60% more per gallon for interior paints and around 70% more for exterior than Benjamin Moore Ben.
This is because the Regal contains a special stain release technology and a larger percentage of volume solids. Because of this, Regal could significantly increase the cost of your job, especially if you require many gallons.
To give some idea of the costs, below is the table showing up-to-date prices of Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal paints from the shop as of December 2022, which are subject to change.
|
Type Of Paint |
Finish | Ben Cost |
Regal Cost |
|
Interior Paints |
Eggshell |
$47.99 | $82.99 |
|
Flat |
NA |
$76.99 |
|
| Matte | $46.99 |
$82.99 |
|
|
Pearl |
$47.99 | $82.99 | |
|
Semi-Gloss |
$47.99 |
$82.99 |
|
|
Exterior Paints |
Flat |
$52.99 |
$71.99 |
|
Low Luster |
$58.99 |
$82.99 |
|
| Soft Gloss |
$58.99 |
$82.99 |
Coverage
There are slight differences between the Ben and Regal paint lines, but all Benjamin Moore paint is designed for outstanding coverage.
As you look at the table below, a gallon of Ben and Regal interior paints have the same coverage of 400 to 450 sq. ft., even though Regal is more expensive than Ben.
As for their exterior paints, Ben covers more with its flat and low luster finishes, but for the soft gloss finish, Regal covers more.
|
Type Of Paint |
Finish | Ben Coverage | Regal Coverage |
|
Interior Paints |
Eggshell |
400-450 sq. ft. |
400-450 sq. ft. |
|
Flat |
NA |
||
|
Matte |
400-450 sq. ft. |
||
|
Pearl |
|||
|
Semi-Gloss |
|||
|
Exterior Paints |
Flat |
350-475 sq. ft. |
300-400 sq. ft. |
|
Low Luster |
|||
|
Soft Gloss |
450-500 sq. ft. |
Drying Time
Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal have comparable drying times. You can touch the Ben and Regal interior paints after an hour of application.
However, for exterior paints, Regal took longer time to touch than Ben.
When planning to recoat, Ben and Regal interior paints have the same drying time of around 1 to 2 hours, except for the semi-gloss finish, which needs a longer time to dry before reapplication.
While for exterior paints, the drying time for the next coat is the same, which is 4 hours. For further information regarding drying time, check the table below.
|
Type Of Paint |
Finish | Ben Drying Time | Regal Drying Time |
| Interior Paints | Eggshell |
Touch: 1 Hour Recoat: 1-2 Hours |
Touch: 1 Hour Recoat: 1-2 Hours |
|
Flat |
NA |
||
|
Matte |
Touch: 1 Hour
Recoat: 1-2 Hours |
||
|
Pearl |
|||
| Semi-Gloss |
Touch: 2 Hour Recoat: 4 Hours |
Touch: 1 Hour Recoat: 3 Hours |
|
|
Exterior Paints |
Flat |
Touch: 1 Hour Recoat: 4 Hours |
Touch: 2 Hour Recoat: 4 Hours |
|
Low Luster |
|||
|
Soft Gloss |
Benjamin Moore Ben Vs. Regal: Which Is Better?
Ben and Regal are among the Benjamin Moore company's best lines. Whichever of them, the better option always depends on your goal and preferences.
With these paints, the painting process is shortened because you do not need the application of a primer layer as they are already paint-primer combos.
But the Regal is far more expensive. Ben may therefore be a wise choice for customers on a limited budget.
Moreover, Ben is the best option for beginners, too, because aside from being reasonably priced, it is also simple to use and produces excellent results.
However, Regal has the highest quality than Ben which makes it pricier.
Cleaning is easier because of the paint's stain-release technology, which is perfect for the kitchen or other heavily used areas that require frequent cleaning.
How Can I Choose The Right Benjamin Moore Paint Color For My Home?
One of Benjamin Moore's key selling features is the extensive selection of paint color possibilities. You can find colors in just about any shade from the 3,500 available choices.
Gennex Color technology is a brand-specific colorant that Benjamin Moore utilizes. Most colorants contain chemicals, so they can mix with various paints; such substances make the color less durable.
Gennex Color Technology colorant was created especially for Benjamin Moore and doesn't contain any substances that make the paint less durable. And so, you obtain brilliant colors that don't fade with time.
Additionally, due to their distinctive colorants, Benjamin Moore paints are virtually impossible to color match with any other paint brand.
Even though the colors appear identical online or in samples, you'll probably notice changes once they've dried. Benjamin Moore offers several valuable tools that make it simpler to picture particular paint colors in your house.
You may use the search feature on the Benjamin Moore website to look up paints categorized into a color family, collection, palettes, etc., making it simpler to focus on your interest.
Benjamin Moore has a tool (Color A Room) on their site where you can view the paint colors in a particular room style or under a specific type of lighting before using it in your own space.
Last, you can upload a photo and apply a color of your choice using the Personal Color Viewer.
You may select specific areas of the image to color using this painting tool, giving you a fair understanding of how the paint will appear in various settings.
Our Final Thoughts
Both Benjamin Moore Ben and Regal paints are excellent choices. Both are of the highest caliber, are durable, and offer excellent coverage. We hope these extensive distinctions discussed above help you distinguish the option that suits your preferences. Have fun painting!
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