Is Benjamin Moore Aura self-priming?

Aura is self-priming on most properly prepared, previously painted surfaces that are clean, sound, and not glossy. That can save a separate priming step on many repaint projects, while still delivering excellent hide.Bare, stained, or problem surfaces still benefit from the right primer, and for major color changes a dedicated primer can be more efficient. Our team can recommend a suitable Benjamin Moore primer for your surface.

How many coats of Aura paint do I need?

Benjamin Moore recommends two coats of Aura for full color development and the best performance, though Aura's high hide sometimes achieves coverage in a single coat over similar colors.On bare substrates, two coats are advised, while previously painted surfaces in good condition may need only one or two.

What is the difference between Aura and Regal Select?

Aura is Benjamin Moore's top-tier line and the only one with Color Lock technology, offering the best color retention, hide, and durability, along with the widest color range including Aura Color Stories. It is ideal for deep colors and demanding spaces.Regal Select is a premium step below, with excellent washability and value for most everyday rooms. If lasting color and maximum durability are priorities, Aura is the upgrade. For many lighter repaints, Regal Select performs beautifully.

Color Stories® Collection | Benjamin Moore Paint

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A Heightened Color Aesthetic

Each of Color Stories 240 paint colors is influenced by the light in a room, highlighting subtle undertones and color characteristics. Color Stories^® is a collection for the color curious; it’s for those who appreciate the subjectivity of color, and all the nuances and variations therein.

Available only in Premium Interior paints, these 240 colors exhibit an accentuated response to different lighting conditions.

Benjamin Moore Perspective® CSP-5 paint color swatch

CSP-5 Perspective®

Benjamin Moore Soho Loft CSP-10 paint color swatch

CSP-10 Soho Loft

Benjamin Moore Arctic Seal CSP-15 paint color swatch

CSP-15 Arctic Seal

Benjamin Moore Wall Street CSP-20 paint color swatch

CSP-20 Wall Street

Benjamin Moore Wool Peacoat CSP-25 paint color swatch

CSP-25 Wool Peacoat

Benjamin Moore Espresso Bean CSP-30 paint color swatch

CSP-30 Espresso Bean

Benjamin Moore Penthouse CSP-35 paint color swatch

CSP-35 Penthouse

Benjamin Moore Museum Piece CSP-40 paint color swatch

CSP-40 Museum Piece

Benjamin Moore Street Chic CSP-45 paint color swatch

CSP-45 Street Chic

Benjamin Moore Rainstorm CSP-50 paint color swatch

CSP-50 Rainstorm

Benjamin Moore Gray Gardens CSP-55 paint color swatch

CSP-55 Gray Gardens

Benjamin Moore City Shadow CSP-60 paint color swatch

CSP-60 City Shadow

Benjamin Moore Old Soul CSP-65 paint color swatch

CSP-65 Old Soul

Benjamin Moore Upper West Side CSP-70 paint color swatch

CSP-70 Upper West Side

Benjamin Moore Castle Gate CSP-75 paint color swatch

CSP-75 Castle Gate

Benjamin Moore Gothic Arch CSP-80 paint color swatch

CSP-80 Gothic Arch

Benjamin Moore Tweed Coat CSP-85 paint color swatch

CSP-85 Tweed Coat

Benjamin Moore Coachman's Cape® CSP-90 paint color swatch

CSP-90 Coachman's Cape®

Benjamin Moore Sea Salt CSP-95 paint color swatch

CSP-95 Sea Salt

Benjamin Moore Cosmopolitan CSP-100 paint color swatch

CSP-100 Cosmopolitan

Benjamin Moore Smoke & Mirrors CSP-105 paint color swatch

CSP-105 Smoke & Mirrors

Benjamin Moore Vintage Pewter CSP-110 paint color swatch

CSP-110 Vintage Pewter

Benjamin Moore Barnwood CSP-115 paint color swatch

CSP-115 Barnwood

Benjamin Moore Burnt Ember CSP-120 paint color swatch

CSP-120 Burnt Ember

Benjamin Moore Ally's Earring CSP-125 paint color swatch

CSP-125 Ally's Earring

Benjamin Moore Doily CSP-130 paint color swatch

CSP-130 Doily

Benjamin Moore Worn Leather Shoes CSP-135 paint color swatch

CSP-135 Worn Leather Shoes

Benjamin Moore Chateau CSP-140 paint color swatch

CSP-140 Chateau

Benjamin Moore Smoked Truffle CSP-145 paint color swatch

CSP-145 Smoked Truffle

Benjamin Moore Windy City CSP-150 paint color swatch

CSP-150 Windy City

Benjamin Moore Skipping Stone CSP-155 paint color swatch

CSP-155 Skipping Stone

Benjamin Moore Urban Sophisticate CSP-160 paint color swatch

CSP-160 Urban Sophisticate

Benjamin Moore Downtown CSP-165 paint color swatch

CSP-165 Downtown

Benjamin Moore Greenwich Gate CSP-170 paint color swatch

CSP-170 Greenwich Gate

Benjamin Moore Kid Gloves CSP-175 paint color swatch

CSP-175 Kid Gloves

Benjamin Moore River Silt CSP-180 paint color swatch

CSP-180 River Silt

Benjamin Moore Garden Stone CSP-1000 paint color swatch

CSP-1000 Garden Stone

Benjamin Moore Golden Divan CSP-1005 paint color swatch

CSP-1005 Golden Divan

Benjamin Moore Crumb Cake® CSP-1010 paint color swatch

CSP-1010 Crumb Cake®

Benjamin Moore Candle Glow CSP-1015 paint color swatch

CSP-1015 Candle Glow

Benjamin Moore Trench Coat CSP-1020 paint color swatch

CSP-1020 Trench Coat

Benjamin Moore Ice Milk CSP-1025 paint color swatch

CSP-1025 Ice Milk

Benjamin Moore Hidden Cove CSP-1030 paint color swatch

CSP-1030 Hidden Cove

Benjamin Moore Make Believe CSP-1035 paint color swatch

CSP-1035 Make Believe

Benjamin Moore Shiitake Mushroom CSP-1040 paint color swatch

CSP-1040 Shiitake Mushroom

Benjamin Moore Wet Clay CSP-1045 paint color swatch

CSP-1045 Wet Clay

Benjamin Moore Hope Chest CSP-1050 paint color swatch

CSP-1050 Hope Chest

Benjamin Moore Cappuccino Froth CSP-1055 paint color swatch

CSP-1055 Cappuccino Froth

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Benjamin Moore Aura Paint

Quick Answer

Benjamin Moore Aura paint is a premium waterborne paint known for outstanding hide, color depth, and durability. It is self-priming on most properly prepared surfaces, resists fading and scuffing thanks to Color Lock technology, and comes in interior, exterior, and Bath & Spa formulas across thousands of colors plus the premium Color Stories palette.

Key Takeaways

Aura is Benjamin Moore's top-tier paint, built around exclusive Color Lock technology for lasting color.
It offers an excellent one to two coat hide, is self-priming on most prepared surfaces, and resists scuffs, stains, and fading.
Aura comes in interior, exterior, and Bath & Spa formulas, plus the premium Color Stories collection.
It is ideal for deep colors, high-traffic rooms, humid baths, and exteriors that face strong sun.

Benjamin Moore Aura paint is the brand's premium line, engineered for rich color, exceptional durability, and a beautifully smooth finish. It is the only Benjamin Moore paint built around Color Lock technology, which is why designers and homeowners reach for it on their most important projects. Paint Outlets stocks Aura for interiors and exteriors.

What makes Benjamin Moore Aura paint different

Aura is the only Benjamin Moore line built around proprietary Color Lock technology, which locks color pigments into the paint film. The result is exceptional color depth and strong resistance to fading, rub-off, and scuffing, even in deep, saturated shades that can be challenging for lesser paints.

Aura is also formulated with Benjamin Moore Gennex waterborne colorants for low-odor, low-emission performance. It delivers excellent hide, often covering in one or guaranteed in two coats, and it is self-priming on most properly prepared, previously painted surfaces. Browse the full interior paint range to see where Aura fits.

Aura interior paint finishes and where to use them

Aura interior paint is offered in a range of sheens, from Matte and Eggshell to Satin, and Semi-Gloss. Matte and Eggshell suit living areas and bedrooms, while Satin and Semi-Gloss add washability and a subtle sheen for hallways, trim, and busier spaces.

Because Aura is so durable and scrubbable, it is a strong choice for high-traffic rooms, stairwells, and family spaces where walls take a beating. Its smooth, even finish and quick one-hour recoat time also make repaints faster. To compare Aura's sheens against other lines, shop all products in one place.

Aura exterior paint for lasting curb appeal

Aura exterior paint brings the same Color Lock performance outdoors, where sunlight and weather are far more punishing. It holds saturated and dark shades remarkably well, resists fading, and stays flexible to help guard against cracking and peeling on properly prepared siding and trim.

Aura exterior is available in finishes such as Flat, Low Lustre, Satin, and Soft Gloss, and it is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. Pair it with the right surface preparation and Benjamin Moore primers, then explore the broader exterior paint selection for your project.

Aura Bath and Spa for high-humidity rooms

For bathrooms, saunas, and other steamy spaces, Aura Bath and Spa is a specialty matte finish engineered to perform in high humidity. It resists mildew, stands up to repeated washing, and keeps its color and finish even with frequent moisture and condensation.

Aura Bath and Spa shares Aura's Color Lock technology and self-priming convenience on most prepared surfaces. It is a smart pick when you want a soft matte look in a wet room without sacrificing durability. Note that Aura Bath and Spa is a distinct product from the Aura paint line.

Aura Color Stories and the Aura color range

Aura unlocks Benjamin Moore's widest color selection, including thousands of standard colors and the premium Color Stories collection. Color Stories hues are designed with added depth and a multidimensional quality, shifting subtly with the light for a richer, more dynamic look on the wall.

This range makes Aura especially appealing when color is the priority, from a moody, saturated feature wall to a perfectly calibrated whole-home palette. Looking for timeless options to pair with Aura? Explore Benjamin Moore Historical Colors for classic, designer-loved shades.

Is Benjamin Moore Aura paint worth it, and who is it for

Aura sits at the top of the Benjamin Moore lineup, above Regal Select, and it carries competitive pricing for a premium product. The value shows up in fewer coats, lasting color, and durability, which is why it is a favorite for deep colors, forever homes, and rooms that see heavy use.

For lighter colors on a quick refresh, a mid-tier line may be all you need, and our team is glad to help you compare. To weigh your options, browse all paints, and for cabinets and trim ask about Benjamin Moore ADVANCE, a waterborne alkyd, in our cabinet paint selection.

Order Benjamin Moore Paint from Paint Outlets

Paint Outlets is an authorized Benjamin Moore retailer with three Michigan locations and more than seventy years of combined experience, and we ship Benjamin Moore Aura paint nationwide to the 48 contiguous states. Order color samples, request fan decks, or call our team for product guidance, and ask about bulk and contractor pricing on larger projects at extension 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aura is worth it for projects where color depth, durability, and coverage matter most, such as deep or saturated shades, high-traffic rooms, and exteriors in strong sun. Its Color Lock technology helps the color stay rich and resist fading and scuffing over time.
For a quick refresh in a light color, a mid-tier paint may be all you need. Aura's premium performance and competitive pricing make the most sense when you want the finish to last and look its best for years.

Aura is self-priming on most properly prepared, previously painted surfaces that are clean, sound, and not glossy. That can save a separate priming step on many repaint projects, while still delivering excellent hide.
Bare, stained, or problem surfaces still benefit from the right primer, and for major color changes a dedicated primer can be more efficient. Our team can recommend a suitable Benjamin Moore primer for your surface.

Benjamin Moore recommends two coats of Aura for full color development and the best performance, though Aura's high hide sometimes achieves coverage in a single coat over similar colors.
On bare substrates, two coats are advised, while previously painted surfaces in good condition may need only one or two.

Aura is Benjamin Moore's top-tier line and the only one with Color Lock technology, offering the best color retention, hide, and durability, along with the widest color range including Aura Color Stories. It is ideal for deep colors and demanding spaces.
Regal Select is a premium step below, with excellent washability and value for most everyday rooms. If lasting color and maximum durability are priorities, Aura is the upgrade. For many lighter repaints, Regal Select performs beautifully.