Benjamin Moore Advance vs. Aura: Which Paint for Your Interior Walls?

Looking for the perfect paint to transform your interior walls? Look no further than Benjamin Moore! Two popular choices from Benjamin Moore are Advance and Aura paints. But which one is right for you? 

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Benjamin Moore’s Advance and Aura interior paints. We’ll give you all the details you need to make the best decision for your interior space. 

Whether you’re looking for durability, smoothness, color retention, or fade resistance, we’ve got you covered. So read on to learn everything you need to know about these two fantastic paints!

About Benjamin Moore Advance Paint

Advance is great for painting kitchen units, but it’s not a paint and primer combo like some of their other paints. You’ll need to use a separate primer to get a smooth finish. 

The Benjamin Moore Stix Primer is a good choice because it works well with all surfaces, even tricky ones like tile, glass, plastic, PVC, and vinyl. It’s also suitable for regular wood, plaster surfaces, and common types of kitchen units like laminated MDF and timber.

The Stix Primer only comes in white, but that won’t be a problem when you use Advance. Whether you choose a high gloss or satin finish over the primer, you’ll love the result. 

The paint has excellent coverage and is easy to apply, plus it has a low VOC level, making it ideal for kitchen cabinets and door frames.

There are various colors to choose from depending on the look you need. Plus, you have different finish options to choose from as well.

About Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

Aura is an excellent option for painting your kitchen walls or ceilings. The matte or eggshell finish will work exceptionally well. The paint is very DURABLE, and the colors look great.

There are even more color options available with the Aura color stories. You can choose from up to 240 additional shades.

The Aura interior paint has a built-in primer, so you won’t need to buy a separate primer. Plus, the paint will last a long time thanks to the color lock technology.

And if you’re concerned about the environment, you’ll be happy to know that the paint has low VOC levels.

Benjamin Moore Advance Vs. Aura Paint

Let’s look at the Advance and Aura through various aspects. Check them out!

Ease of Use

When it comes to covering surfaces, Advance is known for its excellent coverage. 

However, it can be challenging to control due to its heaviness. If you use too much paint, it can take a long time to dry.

On the other hand, Aura has better coverage because one coat is usually enough. It’s also lighter and easier to control than its counterpart and dries faster.

Durability

While all of Benjamin Moore’s paints are known for their durability, it varies depending on the specific paint line.

Advance is the more durable of these two. This is because it is thicker and easier to clean.

Not to worry, of course, Aura is also durable. Advance just goes a little further.

Prime

Many of Benjamin Moore’s paints combine paint and primer (like Aura interior paint), so there’s no need for a separate primer coat. 

However, Advance has no built-in primer, so you must purchase one separately for the best results. This is because priming is essential for improving adhesion.

Sheen

When choosing the right finish for your interior surfaces, one crucial factor is the paint’s sheen. Both offer various sheen options to choose from.

• Advance has three sheen options: satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss.
• Aura offers four sheen options: matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.

A short explanation of the different sheens

• Matte is a non-reflective, low-luster finish that works well for ceilings, walls with imperfections, and other low-traffic areas. 
• Eggshell has a soft, velvety appearance that is more durable than matte, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Satin is a low-luster finish that works well for interior walls, doors, and trim. It provides a smooth, even finish that hides imperfections well.
• Semi-gloss is a higher sheen that is more durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and trim. 
• High gloss is the highest sheen option, giving a shiny and reflective finish that is perfect for furniture, cabinets, and doors.

Overall, both interior paints offer various sheen options to fit any project’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-luster finish or a high-gloss shine, both colors have you covered. 

It’s essential to consider the room’s purpose and traffic when choosing a sheen option to ensure you get the best results.

Final Words on Benjamin Moore Advance vs. Aura Paint

Choosing between Advance and Aura for your interior walls will depend on your preferences and needs. Both have their unique features, advantages, and disadvantages.

Advance is ideal if you are looking for durability, excellent coverage, and a glossy finish. However, it requires a separate primer and may be difficult to control due to its heaviness.

Aura is known for its exceptional coverage, color depth, and range of sheen options. It’s also relatively easier to apply and dries faster. However, its durability is not as good as Advance, and it’s slightly more expensive.

Therefore, consider the type of surface you’re painting, your budget, and your desired finish when choosing between them. In general, Benjamin Moore Advance and Aura paints are high-quality options that can enhance the look and durability of your interior walls.

Related: Sherwin-Williams Emerald vs. Duration – Which is Better for Kitchen Walls?