AURA is Benjamin Moore’s top-of-the-line, ultra-premium paint. This product is known for its smooth, durable finish that performs beautifully in any room. And its remarkably thick coating will hide in fewer coats than competitors! Find all you need to know about Benjamin Moore AURA interior paint in this review.
Best Uses for AURA Interior
AURA is a multi-purpose interior paint, intended for use throughout residential spaces with fantastic results. It’s the highest-quality finish Benjamin Moore offers. Because of its unique performance features, however, there are a few projects where AURA paint is particularly helpful:
- Surfaces that are undergoing a drastic color change
- High-traffic areas that need washable paint
- Sophisticated color schemes that require complex color depth
For exterior paint projects, AURA exterior paints also provide unrivaled durability and depth of color.
Benjamin Moore AURA Interior Sheens
Benjamin Moore AURA comes in four sheens to meet a variety of project needs: matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. AURA is distinct from other types of interior paint in that every finish is able to be scrubbed without color rub-off, including the matte finish.
| Finish | Recommended Because | Spec Sheet |
|---|---|---|
| Matte | Gives interior walls a more durable coat than a truly flat finish | AURA Waterborne Interior Paint Matte Finish Data Sheet (TDS) |
| Eggshell | Covers interior walls with a washable finish that has minimal shine | AURA Waterborne Interior Paint Eggshell Finish Data Sheet (TDS) |
| Satin | Creates a slightly glossy, durable coating for doors, trim, and walls | AURA Waterborne Interior Paint Satin Finish Data Sheet (TDS) |
| Semi-Gloss | Covers doors, trim, and cabinets with a hard coating for maximum durability | AURA Waterborne Interior Paint Semi-Gloss Finish Data Sheet (TDS) |
Features of AURA Interior Paint
As the highest-grade paint sold by Benjamin Moore, AURA is also priced higher than other product lines. But its performance features prove why it’s classified as an ultra-premium product. Here are the need-to-know details about AURA interior paint:
Color Depth
Benjamin Moore’s AURA paints are the only products that feature their proprietary Color Lock® Technology. This formula captures the color pigments within binding molecules that lock them into the paint film. AURA interior paints are known for their color depth, and have superior resistance to color rub-off, scuffs, and fading for a long-lasting paint finish.
Low-VOC Color Technology
Benjamin Moore designed a system of environmentally-friendly colorants specifically for their paints, called Gennex waterborne colors. By removing unnecessary chemicals, they created a simpler, stronger colorant formula. Unlike many paint products that are less durable in darker colors, Benjamin Moore’s low-VOC paints like AURA offer perform with long-lasting vibrancy across the color spectrum.
Color Options
AURA paint is also available in the widest range of colors — Benjamin Moore’s standard 3,500+ colors, plus AURA Color Stories®, an exclusive color collection of 240 hues. While typical paint colors are made from two to three pigments, the Color Stories® collection blends five to seven pigments in each shade to create complex color depth and elevated hues — perfect for sophisticated color schemes and bold accent walls.
Hiding & Coverage
You’ll notice right away that AURA is a very thick coating — resulting in durable coverage in fewer coats than competitors, whether spraying or rolling. This high-solids paint (38-47% volume solids depending on the sheen) is ideal for dramatic color changes, or for achieving a premium finish in minimal coats.
While two coats are recommended to achieve the full effect of a luxury paint finish, AURA’s extreme hide means it will cover some surfaces in a single coat where you would normally need two or more coats in another product.
| Sheen | Matte | Eggshell | Satin | Semi-Gloss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 350-400 Sq. Ft. | 350-400 Sq. Ft. | 350-400 Sq. Ft. | 400-450 Sq. Ft. |
Leveling
AURA paint levels exceptionally well which means it flows well into a smooth, consistent surface. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional painter, you’ll instantly notice the difference in AURA’s ease of application compared to lower-grade paint. It smooths out brush strokes for seamless touch-ups, and your cut-in edges will blend easily with the rolled surface areas.
Durability & Washability
AURA is an extremely durable finish that is scuff-resistant and scrubbable. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas, and it’s also mildew-resistant. For very humid spaces like bathrooms and saunas, however, we’d recommend AURA Bath & Spa. This specialty matte finish is formulated to resist high moisture levels and stand up to repeated scrubbing.
Dry Time
AURA paint dries very quickly, returning living spaces to use with minimal disruption. The dry time is 1 hour to touch or recoat. Allow for more time if painting in especially humid or cool conditions.
Surface Preparation & Application
AURA is a paint-and-primer that performs beautifully on fully prepped surfaces, even those undergoing major color changes. However, for projects that require a primer, it’s a more cost-effective choice to apply a separate priming product. Find primer recommendations in our Guide to the Best Paint Primers. If using a paint sprayer, apply AURA with an airless sprayer set to 1,000-2,000 PSI (tip: 0.013-0.017).
Why We Recommend Benjamin Moore AURA
Walls painted in Benjamin Moore Perspective CSP-5 and Arctic Seal CSP-15
Benjamin Moore’s ultra-premium product line does not disappoint. The exceptional quality of AURA paint speaks for itself, and the paint experts at Ring’s End strongly recommend this product to anyone looking for high-performing interior paint. If you’re wondering whether AURA is the right choice for your particular project, check out our Interior Paint Guide for more information about Benjamin Moore products and their uses.
Shop AURA Interior Paint at Ring's End
Ring’s End is proud to be the largest Benjamin Moore paint dealer in the Northeast. You can shop AURA interior paint at any of our store locations, place an order for pick-up, or have it shipped to your door anywhere in the U.S! And if you have any questions, just contact our team of Benjamin Moore experts. We’ll be happy to help!
Benjamin Moore AURA Interior
Grade: Ultra-premium
Formula Type: Proprietary 100% acrylic with Color Lock® Technology
Finishes: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Colors: 3,750+