Benjamin Moore Aura vs. Regal Select Exterior: Which Paint Is Right for Your Connecticut Home?

July 26, 2026
  • Person painting wooden deck boards with a brush, wearing blue jeans and orange gloves.

Choosing the Right Exterior Paint Is About More Than Color


One of the most common questions homeowners ask during an exterior painting estimate is:


“Should I upgrade to Benjamin Moore Aura, or is Regal Select enough?”


Both are premium exterior coatings manufactured by Benjamin Moore, and both perform exceptionally well when applied over properly prepared surfaces. The right choice depends on your home's condition, your long-term goals, and your budget.


At Brothers & Brushes Painting, we use both products regularly and recommend the one that best fits each individual project.

Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior

Aura is Benjamin Moore's flagship exterior paint, designed for homeowners looking for maximum durability, color retention, and long-term performance.


Benefits of Aura


  • Exceptional color retention
  • Outstanding UV resistance
  • Excellent adhesion
  • Superior resistance to fading
  • Long-lasting finish
  • Outstanding performance on dramatic color changes


Aura is an excellent choice for homeowners planning to stay in their home for many years or those looking to maximize the life of their exterior paint job.

Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior

Regal Select Exterior has long been one of Benjamin Moore's most trusted products and continues to be an excellent choice for many homes.


Benefits of Regal Select


  • Excellent durability
  • Beautiful finish
  • Outstanding coverage
  • Easy maintenance
  • Great value for premium performance


For many repaint projects where the existing coating is in good condition, Regal Select delivers exceptional results.

Which Product Lasts Longer?

Both products offer excellent longevity when applied over properly prepared surfaces.


However, paint performance depends on much more than the product itself.


Factors that affect longevity include:


  • Surface preparation
  • Exposure to sunlight
  • Moisture
  • Existing coating condition
  • Quality of application
  • Routine maintenance


Even the highest-quality paint cannot compensate for poor preparation.

Preparation Is More Important Than the Paint

Homeowners are often surprised to learn that preparation has a greater impact on the finished project than upgrading from one premium paint to another.


A successful exterior repaint begins with:


  • Thorough washing
  • Removing dirt, mildew, and oxidation
  • Scraping loose paint
  • Sanding transition areas
  • Spot priming bare wood
  • Caulking windows and doors
  • Completing necessary carpentry repairs


These steps create the foundation for a long-lasting finish, regardless of which premium coating is selected.

When We Recommend Aura

Aura is often our recommendation when:


  • The home receives significant sun exposure
  • A major color change is planned
  • The homeowner wants maximum longevity
  • The project represents a long-term investment


Its excellent color retention and durability make it a great choice for many Connecticut homes.

When Regal Select Is the Better Fit

Regal Select is an excellent option when:


  • The existing coating is in good condition
  • The project is a maintenance repaint
  • The homeowner wants premium performance at a lower overall investment
  • The color is remaining the same or changing only slightly


Many of our exterior projects are completed successfully using Regal Select with outstanding long-term results.

Which One Should You Choose?

There isn't a single answer for every home.


During our consultation, we consider:


  • Age of the home
  • Existing paint condition
  • Type of siding
  • Sun exposure
  • Moisture conditions
  • Desired lifespan
  • Budget


Rather than recommending the most expensive product every time, we recommend the coating system that provides the best value and performance for your specific project.

Final Thoughts

Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select are both exceptional exterior coatings. When paired with thorough preparation and professional application, either product can provide years of protection and curb appeal.


The most important decision isn't simply choosing the paint—it's choosing a contractor who understands surface preparation, product selection, and proper application techniques.


At Brothers & Brushes Painting, we'll help you select the coating system that's right for your home and your goals.

Schedule Your Free Exterior Painting Consultation

If you're planning an exterior painting project, we'd be happy to walk you through the differences between Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select and recommend the best option for your home.


Contact Brothers & Brushes Painting today to schedule your free consultation and receive a detailed, professional exterior painting estimate.

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