Product Overview If you have ever tried to wash a scuff mark off a wall and ended up taking the paint off with it, you know why quality matters. Benjamin Moore Regal Select is a premium, 100% acrylic paint and primer in one. It is designed for high-traffic residential spaces—think hallways, kitchens, and living rooms where “life happens.” It is the product I find myself recommending most often to clients who want a finish that looks expensive but acts like a shield.

Key Specifications & Features:

• Base: 100% Acrylic Latex
• VOC Level: Zero VOCs (Low Odor)
• Technology: Proprietary Stain Release Technology (easy to clean)
• Dry Time: 1 hour to touch, 2-3 hours to recoat
• Finishes Available: Flat, Matte, Eggshell, Pearl/Satin, Semi-Gloss

Detailed Analysis

Pricing (3/5 stars)

• Current Market Price: ~$85 – $95 CAD per gallon (varies by retailer).
• Value for Money: High. While the sticker price is steep compared to box-store brands, the coverage rate (400-450 sq. ft. per gallon) means you buy fewer cans.
• Price Comparison: significantly more expensive than Behr or Glidden, but sits about 15-20% cheaper than Benjamin Moore’s ultra-luxury “Aura” line.

Ease of Application (5/5 stars)

• Difficulty Level: Very DIY-friendly. This paint is “forgiving”—it levels out smoothly, meaning brush strokes tend to disappear as it dries.
• Time Required: Standard. Because it covers exceptionally well, you rarely need more than two coats, even when covering darker colors.
• Tools Needed: High-quality nylon/polyester brush and a lint-free roller cover (10mm-13mm depending on wall texture).
• Installation Note: It dries quickly. In our dry Ottawa winters, you need to work efficiently and maintain a “wet edge” to avoid lap marks.

Durability (5/5 stars)

• Build Quality: The “Stain Release Technology” isn’t just marketing fluff. I have seen ketchup, coffee, and mud wipe off this paint with just a damp rag and no damage to the sheen.
• Expected Lifespan: 10+ years without fading or chalking.
• Performance: It resists mildew well, making the “Pearl” or “Semi-Gloss” finishes excellent choices for Ottawa bathrooms that deal with humidity fluctuations.

Performance (4.5/5 stars)

• Coverage: Excellent hide. It has a high volume of solids, meaning it physically coats the wall with more pigment than cheaper alternatives.
• Real-World Usage: It has virtually no smell. You can paint a bedroom in the morning and sleep in it that night without a headache.
• Limitation: While it is “Self-Priming,” I still recommend a dedicated primer if you are painting over fresh drywall repairs or significantly dark colors to ensure a uniform sheen.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Scrubbable: You can actually wash your walls without ruining the finish.
• Splatter Resistant: It clings to the roller better than cheaper paints, meaning less mess on your drop cloths.
• Zero VOCs: Safe for homes with kids, pets, or asthma sensitivities.
• Touch-Up Friendly: If you chip it a year later, you can touch it up without repainting the whole wall (especially in Matte finish).
• Color Depth: The pigments are richer and shift beautifully in natural light.

Cons:

• Price: Nearly $100 a gallon (after tax) is a heavy investment for large rooms.
• Quick Dry Time: Can be tricky for beginners in very hot or very dry weather; it sets up fast.
• Availability: You cannot buy it at big-box stores (Home Depot/Lowe’s); you must visit a dedicated Benjamin Moore dealer.

Overall Rating: [4.8 / 5 Stars]

Verdict: Benjamin Moore Regal Select is the “gold standard” for residential interior paint. It hurts the wallet slightly at the checkout counter, but it saves you time (fewer coats) and frustration (easier cleaning) for years to come. For Ottawa homeowners dealing with indoor time during long winters, the low odor and durability make it a clear winner.

Alternative Recommendations

• Better Option (For Dark/Vibrant Colors): Benjamin Moore Aura
  • Why: Aura uses “Color Lock” technology which is superior for very deep colors (like navy or forest green). It prevents the color from rubbing off if you scuff the wall, but it costs about $20 more per gallon.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Benjamin Moore “ben” Interior Latex
  • Why: If the price of Regal Select is out of reach, the “ben” line is a solid entry-level premium paint. It is a bit runnier and requires more effort to scrub clean, but it offers the same great color selection at a lower price point (~$60-$70 CAD).