If you’re planning on a renovation project, choosing the right paint is crucial and, unfortunately, can be difficult. You’re likely choosing between Benjamin Moore’s Command and Advance. While they’re both great choices, there are differences you need to note, so we have researched what makes each one unique to make things easier for you.
Both Advance and Command paints are good choices for various surfaces. The Advance paint is typically used inside homes, while Command paint is ideal for residential and industrial use since it adheres well to metal and concrete. Advance paint has a longer dryer time of four hours, while Command paint dries as fast as 15 minutes.
Advance and Command paints have qualities that will be advantageous for whatever project you may have. We will be elaborating on their differences and how to determine which would be best for specific uses. Keep reading below to learn more.
Differences Between Benjamin Moore’s Command and Advance
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Both Benjamin Moore’s Advance and Corotech Command can be used for your surfaces, but their differences will help you choose which is best for your priorities. Each one has its level of durability, longevity, and functionality.
Of course, you’d also want to consider the aesthetics. It’s one of the main reasons we paint surfaces, after all.
Even if one may technically be more durable, you’d still want paint that has a beautiful coat that can elevate your interiors and furniture. Again, it all still depends on the location and your priority.
Fortunately, both of these paints have their own unique aesthetics, and we have gathered their differences to help you decide.
Drying Time
This is one of the most noted differences between the two paints. The Advance paint has a longer drying time of 4 hours. If you do a second coat, you will need to wait up to 16 hours.
If you choose the Advance paint, ensure the area will not need to be used immediately since you could ruin the paint.
Meanwhile, Corotech command paints can dry as fast as 15 minutes, with second coats drying within 1 hour. This is why Corotech commands are often used on surfaces that will need to used immediately, such as doors, window sills, or even door handles.
Coverage
Corotech command is advertised as suitable for both interior and exterior.
Interior paints are typically lighter and smoother, while exterior or industrial paints are thicker with excellent coverage. For Benjamin Moore to claim that it can do both may mean that it has compromised on one aspect for the other.
For example, if you compare the Command paint with other brands specifically used for exteriors, it will fall short in terms of coverage. This is because it tries to balance being smooth and light enough for interior surfaces but also thick enough to be appropriate for exteriors.
Meanwhile, Advance paint has better coverage when used for interiors and furniture. This is because it was specifically formulated as a residential paint or suitable for homes. It did not have to compromise, so it has one of the best paint coverage.
Compared to other interior paint brands, Benjamin Moore Advance has a thicker consistency, which may be what contributes to its superb coverage.
However, since it is thick, the spreadability falls a bit shorter. It was observed that Benjamin Moore Advance’s spreadability is only up to 20 inches.
Note that you may need to apply a second or third coat if you intend to switch to a completely different furniture color. Otherwise, having one or two coats could suffice.
Ease of Application
The ease of application refers to the smoothness of the paint, the coverage, how many coats are required to achieve the desired shade, and the consistency of the paint.
Benjamin Moore Advanced has the advantage of this simply because it was specifically made for interiors making it lighter and smoother. Exterior paints are much thicker–which is a positive thing–so they may be a bit more challenging to apply on surfaces.
Note that the Benjamin Moore Command can be smoother than other exterior paint brands because it was formulated to be both an interior and exterior paint.
Sheen
The sheen matches the paint’s functionality. The Benjamin Moore Advance is available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss sheens. You have more options for the sheen since the paint is meant for interiors, where matte surfaces can be beneficial.
Conversely, you have fewer options for the Benjamin Moore advance. The only sheens available are satin, semi-gloss, and gloss since these sheens will prove to be the most durable ones that can handle high-traffic areas.
These are also the sheens that can withstand unpredictable weather patterns, so you won’t have to worry about the exterior surfaces getting damaged easily.
Odor
The paint’s VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds will contribute to its strong or subtle smell. You’d want a lower VOC as much as possible since they can cause eye, lung, and throat irritation. They can also cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness, so it’s best to get people to clear the area before painting.
The Advance paint has less number of VOCs, so it has less odor. Benjamin Moore Corotech Command has a stronger smell because it’s supposed to be exterior paint, and they typically have more VOCs.
Note that even interior paints can have a higher VOC depending on the sheen. Matte paints typically have less than 50 grams of VOC.
Similarities Between Benjamin Moore’s Command and Advance
Although they have distinct qualities, these paints can be painted on interiors. You can have surfaces sprayed with either of them. Both are also relatively low-maintenance and only need soap and water to clean.
Although both are suitable for interiors, the better one is subjective and depends on your priority. If you want ease of application and rich color, go for Advance. However, go for Command if you want a more durable paint that can be used minutes after application.
Which is Best For Interiors?
Although both are suitable, you only want the best for your interiors. Considering all the differences mentioned above, it would appear that using the Benjamin Moore Advance paint for your interiors would be better since it has been formulated for it.
This means that the paint would be smoother, have better coverage, and produce a more vibrant hue.
However, your priorities would change if you intend to paint doors or windows. Apart from aesthetics, you want to be able to use them immediately. In this case, the Command paint would be better off with interior doors and window sills.
Can You Use Them For Bathrooms?
Bathrooms are a little trickier since you must consider traffic, moisture, and humidity. The paint shouldn’t crack or peel when exposed to these elements, and the color should remain vibrant for a long time.
Although Command paint may have slightly better adhesion because it can be used as exterior paint, Advance paint is still a great choice, especially for high-use bathroom cabinets.
The durability of bathroom floors can be improved with Command paint since it is designed to withstand extreme use. You can use both paints for different sections of the bathroom to improve them.
Which Is Best for Exterior and Commercial Use?
The Benjamin Moore Corotech Command is made with waterborne acrylic urethane enamel, which makes it adhere to any surface. It also protects high-activity surfaces from scratches and abrasions so they can look pristine for a long time.
These paints are also better at resisting cracking or peeling, making them ideal for exteriors and high-humidity interiors.
What Colors Are Available?
Benjamin Moore has over 3,500 colors available for both Advance and Command paints. Popular colors include White Dove, Chantilly Lace, Classic Gray, Swiss Coffee, and Pale Oak.
You may choose the color that fits your interior or exterior best, but these colors are mostly neutral and are aesthetically versatile.
Final Thoughts
Knowing which paint to choose is the first thing you need to figure out before choosing your preferred color and style. The right paint will determine how vibrant, durable, and long-lasting it will be.
Make sure to maintain your surfaces well by routinely cleaning them so it could look pristine at all times.
If you enjoyed this article, check out more of our posts:
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