Where to find Benjamin Moore paint and what to expect when you visit
Benjamin Moore operates through two main retail channels: company-owned Benjamin Moore stores and independently owned retailers that carry the brand. Company-owned stores exist in select cities and regions across the United States, while independent retailers — paint shops, hardware stores, and home improvement retailers — stock Benjamin Moore products in most areas. You can search for a nearby location on Benjamin Moore's website by entering your zip code, which shows both types of retailers and their hours.
When you visit a Benjamin Moore retailer, staff can mix paint to order, help you choose colors using physical samples, and answer questions about product performance for your specific project. Most locations stock the full range of Benjamin Moore lines, though smaller independent retailers may carry a more limited selection. If a particular product or color is not in stock, retailers can typically order it and have it ready within one to three business days.
Benjamin Moore also sells through online retailers and some big-box home improvement chains, though the selection and availability of mixing services vary by seller. Ordering online works best if you already know the exact product name and color code, since you cannot see samples or get in-person information before purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Benjamin Moore paint is sold through company-owned stores in select locations and through thousands of independent retailers nationwide, which you can find using the brand's zip code search tool.
- Company-owned and most independent Benjamin Moore retailers offer color matching, paint mixing, and staff information on product selection, while online-only sellers typically do not.
- Benjamin Moore's main product lines include Aura (premium interior and exterior), Regal Select (mid-range interior), and Advance (water-based enamel), each with different price points and performance characteristics.
- Paint prices vary by product line, size, and retailer, so comparing quotes from multiple locations can reveal significant differences for the same paint.
- Most retailers stock common colors and sizes in-store but can order specialty colors or larger quantities within a few business days.
Benjamin Moore's main paint product lines and what sets them apart
Benjamin Moore organizes its paints into distinct product lines, each designed for different budgets and performance needs. Aura is the premium line, available in both interior and exterior formulas. Aura interior paint is marketed for superior hide, durability, and low odor, while Aura exterior is designed for long-lasting color and weather resistance. Aura costs more per gallon than other Benjamin Moore lines.
Regal Select is the mid-range interior line and represents the most commonly purchased Benjamin Moore paint for home interiors. It offers good durability and coverage at a lower price than Aura. Advance is a water-based enamel paint used for trim, cabinets, and doors where a hard, smooth finish is desired; it dries slowly and requires careful process but produces a finish similar to traditional oil-based enamel.
Benjamin Moore also makes Exterior paint lines beyond Aura, including options for specific surfaces like masonry or metal. The brand produces Primer products designed to work with its paint lines, though many Benjamin Moore paints have primer built in. Specialty lines include Natura (low-VOC interior paint) and Emerald (premium exterior with extended durability). Each line has its own color palette, though popular colors often appear across multiple lines.
How Benjamin Moore's color system works and how to find the right shade
Benjamin Moore organizes colors into a numbered system. Each color has a name — such as "Cloud White" or "Hale Navy" — and a corresponding number code. The number helps retailers and manufacturers identify the exact formulation, ensuring consistency if you need to reorder or touch up paint months or years later. When you purchase paint, the label displays both the color name and number.
Benjamin Moore publishes physical color fan decks (small paint chips bound together like a book) that you can take home and view in your own lighting. These are available free at Benjamin Moore retailers. The brand also offers digital color tools on its website, including a color visualizer where you can upload a photo of a room and see how different Benjamin Moore colors would look in that space. Digital tools are helpful for narrowing choices, but physical samples are more reliable because lighting in your home differs from screen lighting.
If you have a color you want to match — from an existing wall, a fabric, or a photo — Benjamin Moore retailers can perform color matching using a spectrophotometer, a device that reads the color and generates a Benjamin Moore formula. Matching services are typically free or low-cost. Matched colors may not be perfect if the original color is from a different brand or is very old, since paint formulations and pigments change over time.
Pricing, sizes, and how to estimate how much paint you need
Benjamin Moore paint is sold in quarts (one-quarter gallon) and gallons. A quart is useful for small projects like a single accent wall or trim work, while gallons are standard for painting entire rooms. Five-gallon buckets are available for larger projects or commercial use. Prices vary significantly by product line: Regal Select typically costs less per gallon than Aura, and specialty lines like Emerald cost more. Prices also vary by retailer and region, so calling or visiting multiple locations can reveal differences of $10 to $20 per gallon for the same paint.
To estimate how much paint you need, measure the wall area you plan to paint in square feet. Most Benjamin Moore paints cover approximately 350 to 400 square feet per gallon, depending on the surface and number of coats. A rough formula: divide your total square footage by 350, then add one gallon for trim or a second coat. Benjamin Moore retailers can help you calculate coverage based on your specific project and surface type.
Benjamin Moore occasionally runs promotions on specific products or colors, particularly during spring and fall painting seasons. Prices may also differ between company-owned stores and independent retailers, so it is worth checking multiple sources if you are purchasing a large quantity.
What to bring and how to prepare before visiting a Benjamin Moore retailer
Before visiting a Benjamin Moore store or retailer, gather information about your project: the room dimensions or wall square footage, the surface type (drywall, wood, previously painted, etc.), and the current condition of the walls. If you are repainting, note whether the existing paint is glossy or flat, since this affects how new paint adheres. If you have an existing color you want to match, bring a sample — a paint chip, fabric swatch, or small object in that color.
Bring photos of the space if you are uncertain about color choices. Staff can use these to discuss how different Benjamin Moore colors might look in your specific lighting. If you are painting over a stain, water damage, or a dark color, mention this when speaking with staff, as they may recommend a primer or a specific paint line that handles these situations better.
If you are ordering paint to be mixed, confirm the exact product line and color code before leaving the store. Ask about the retailer's return or exchange policy in case the color does not look right once applied, since most retailers allow returns of unopened paint within a set timeframe.
Online ordering and delivery options
Benjamin Moore paint is sold through the brand's official website and through third-party online retailers. Ordering online works best if you already know the exact product name, color code, and size you need. Online orders typically ship within one to two business days, though delivery times vary by location and carrier. Shipping costs depend on the order size and your location; large orders may may have access to for free shipping.
Some Benjamin Moore retailers offer local delivery or curbside pickup, which can be faster and cheaper than shipping. Call or check the retailer's website to see whether these options are available in your area. If you order online and the paint arrives damaged, most retailers and online sellers accept returns or replacements.
One limitation of online ordering is that you cannot see paint colors on your walls before purchase, and you lose access to in-person staff information. If you are uncertain about a color or product choice, visiting a physical location first to see samples and speak with staff is usually worth the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return Benjamin Moore paint if I do not like the color?
Most Benjamin Moore retailers accept returns of unopened paint within 30 days of purchase, though policies vary by location. If you have opened and applied the paint, returns are typically not possible. This is why viewing color samples in your own space before purchasing is important. Ask about the specific return policy when you buy.
What is the difference between Benjamin Moore Aura and Regal Select?
Aura is the premium line with superior hide, durability, and lower odor, while Regal Select is mid-range and less expensive. Aura covers better and lasts longer, making it better for high-traffic areas or if you want fewer coats. Regal Select is a solid choice for most interior painting projects and costs significantly less.
Do I need primer before painting with Benjamin Moore?
Most Benjamin Moore paints have primer built in and can be applied directly to previously painted surfaces. Primer is recommended if you are painting over stains, water damage, a very dark color, or bare wood or drywall. Benjamin Moore staff can advise whether your specific project needs a separate primer coat.
How long does Benjamin Moore paint last before it needs to be repainted?
Interior paint typically lasts five to ten years depending on traffic, humidity, and the product line used. Aura lasts longer than Regal Select. Exterior paint lasts three to seven years depending on climate and sun exposure. Exact durability varies by location and surface conditions.
Can Benjamin Moore match a color from another paint brand?
Yes, Benjamin Moore retailers can match colors from other brands using a spectrophotometer. The match may not be perfect if the original paint is very old or from a brand with different pigments, but it is usually close enough for touch-ups or repainting. Matching services are typically free or cost a small fee.