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Sherwin Williams Duration vs Benjamin Moore Regal

55K views 17 replies 7 participants last post by  sportsmom 
#1 ·
We are trying to decide which paint is the best for the basement. We have 4 kids and we need something that is durable and washable. We have lots of shelves in closets too. From researching online it looks like the duration and regal are very good paints. The aura is good too but is a little trickier since it dries faster. What's your experience with these paints? What should I choose? The basement has been mudded and taped and has some texturing on the walls. We are thinking about doing semi-gloss on walls and ceiling and semi gloss on trim too since it washes better.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I'll leave the SW vs. BM to those that have used both to tell you the difference. However, semi-gloss on walls and ceiling is WAY too much sheen. Not only will it more-easily show imperfections in the drywall, but it will just look "gross" IMO.

Ceilings should be flat, or flatter than flat (ceiling paint). Since you are looking across the surface of a ceiling, it is very easy to see imperfections. The flatness of ceiling paint does a better job at hiding them.

Flat is not as good on walls, as it is harder to clean. There are washable flats out there, but I think eggshell is a better choice for somehting you have to wipe down often. If you have something like a kitchen or bath and want the smooth shiny surface, consider satin.

For a closet, a semi-gloss would be acceptable, I suppose.
 
#4 ·
Ok now since im a Ben Moore dealer which do you think im going to recommend ;)

Benjamin Moore has some advantages. If you are choosing dark colors, I would go with Aura. If you are using lighter-medium colors, Regal. Aura will be the most washable in the darker colors, regardless of the finish you choose. The colorants used are 100% acrylic, so they will resist rubbing off when cleaning.

Aura link

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpswe...p=public_site/articles/aura_articles/AuraTabs


Duration isnt a bad product, its just older technology. The exterior Duration is excellent ( ive used it ), the interior ( ive not used ), I hear mixed reviews from my contractor customers. Most contractors prefer the Cashmere line over Duration, taking price out of the equation, they like the workability of it better.
 
#5 ·
Sherwin Williams Duration would be more equivalent to Ben Moore Aura, not there regal line. We have used duration for years on 100s of interior projects. It is what we normally spec in our proposals unless it is an apartment complex, office, or another structure along those lines. We have always had good results with Duration and yes it is highly scrubbable without burnishing.
 
#9 ·
Back to sportsmom- I agree that too much sheen shows too much , is overkill for wash and looks "cheap", as in no one told her its not great to put much more than eggshell on walls, maybe except in baths or kitchens.
I am a res redo painter of over 30 years, and I do prefer BM over SW, but I know enough painters will like one over the other.
I use Aura all the time, and actually find it nice to work with . And the feel of the paint on the wall is so much smoother than what I know of SW.
But you are looking at good paints- so Kudos on you.
Typical pro work is flat on ceilings ( I use BM Muresco - not cheapest, but does a great job, second choice for less dough would be Super Spec Flat) ,
Matte or eggshell on walls (Regal or Aura) and Satin on trim- I like to use Aura Satin, but painting takes some skills, so being good with them is as much the painter as the paint.
 
#10 ·
Yeah, I'm gonna be in the mixed review category when it comes to Duration interior. Yes, I love how it goes on the walls, yes it is scrubbable, but sometimes (not always) it has that gritty feel to it after drying. Also, I have had some problems with it covering in the darker colors. Nothing more frustrating for a painter who has to apply THREE coats of a $50 per gallon paint. I'd much rather apply SuperPaint.
 
#11 ·
I REALLY appreciate everyone's comments. My husband painted our old house and he did a good job. He's NOT an expert though so I want to make his job as easy as possible. I've heard how easy Benjamin Moore is to use. I also don't think I would like the Duration if it leaves a rough finish.
 
#12 ·
My personal opinion is Aura and Duration are WAY overpriced. You are still going to have dings, scrapes, scratches and scuff marks even if you painted with epoxy, so go with something that will be cheaper to repaint down the line.
 
#17 ·
#16 ·
I had to go look , because that is news to me.
They have been slowly turning their paints to the new all acrylic tint system, and now regal is becoming Regal Select.
Regal® Select Premium Interior Paint

The newest in our time-honored line of premium paints, Regal Select has been infused with our cutting-edge waterborne technology for smooth application and long durability. Washable and fade- and mildew-resistant, Regal Select paint always delivers beautiful results you can count on.
See how Regal® has evolved to reach this extraordinary new level of performance.
 
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