20 Mar
Sherwin Williams Duration vs. Benjamin Moore Aura

Key Features

  • Premium Paint Brands Utilized: Lightmen Painting uses high-quality paint products, specifically Sherwin Williams' Duration and Benjamin Moore's Aura, known for their durability, vibrant colors, and superior finish quality, ensuring long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.
  • Expertise and Craftsmanship: Lightmen Painting is recognized for its skilled application of premium paints, merging durability with aesthetics to create spaces that are both beautiful and resilient, tailored to withstand Portland’s varied climate.
  • Reputation and Reliability: As a leading painting contractor in Portland, Oregon, Lightmen Painting has established a reputation for not compromising on quality, offering clients a unique blend of high-grade materials and meticulous craftsmanship in every project.


Duration?... Aura?... The Lasting Impact of Quality Painting

What’s the Difference Between Duration and Aura Paint?

Comparing Sherwin-Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Aura is like weighing two heavyweight champions in the world of premium paints. Both products are renowned for their durability, performance, and advanced technology, but each excels in specific scenarios. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of their features to help you make an informed decision for your painting project.



Quick answer: 

If you want the best Benjamin Moore interior paint for color depth, washability, and premium finish, Aura is the splurge. If you need tougher protection for exteriors or high-wear areas, Sherwin-Williams Duration is built for durability and mildew resistance. Choose based on where the paint will live.




In this guide:

  • What makes Duration different
  • What makes Aura different
  • Where Regal Select fits
  • Best choice by room / surface
  • Pro tips to make either paint look expensive


What Are the Key Features of Sherwin-Williams Duration?

Sherwin-Williams Duration is celebrated for its advanced formulation that makes it a reliable choice for both interiors and exteriors. It offers durability, versatility, and innovative features.

  • Advanced Durability: Duration’s built-in cross-linking technology ensures long-lasting results, even in high-traffic areas or harsh weather conditions.
  • Mildew Resistance: Its antimicrobial agents inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, making it a smart option for bathrooms, kitchens, and humid climates.
  • Washability: Duration is easy to clean, even in flat or matte finishes, maintaining its appearance over time.

Where Regal Select Fits (Benjamin Moore Interior Paints)

Benjamin Moore’s interior paints lineup usually comes down to three “tiers” for homeowners: Ben (good), Regal Select (great), and Aura (flex). Regal Select is the workhorse premium option—durable, washable, smooth—and it’s available in 3,500+ colors, while Aura is the ultra-premium option with Color Lock® for long-lasting color depth. Benjamin Moore



Things to Know

  • Fade Resistance: Aura’s Color Lock® technology ensures long-lasting vibrancy, even in sunlit spaces.
  • Ease of Application: Aura often requires fewer coats, reducing application time.
  • Weather Durability: Duration’s exterior formulation protects against cracking, peeling, and fading.
  • Eco-Friendly Choices: Aura’s low VOC emissions make it ideal for indoor use, especially in homes with sensitive occupants.
  • Cleanability: Both paints offer excellent washability, making maintenance easy.




What Makes Benjamin Moore Aura Stand Out?

Benjamin Moore Aura takes pride in its ability to deliver vibrant, fade-resistant colors with fewer coats. Its eco-friendly formulation and Color Lock® technology make it a standout for interior projects.

  • One-Coat Coverage: Aura’s exceptional pigmentation often provides complete coverage in a single coat, saving time and effort.
  • Color Lock® Technology: This unique feature ensures rich, vibrant colors that resist fading even after extensive cleaning or sunlight exposure.
  • Eco-Friendly and Low VOC: Aura is environmentally friendly with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making it safer for indoor use.

Where Regal Select Fits (Benjamin Moore Interior Paints)

If you’re searching Benjamin Moore because you want premium results, here’s the practical breakdown of their interior paints:

  • Ben: solid “good paint” option for standard repaints
  • Regal Select: the most common premium choice—durable, washable, smooth finish, and it’s available in 3,500+ colors Benjamin Moore
  • Aura: the top-shelf option with Color Lock®, designed to lock pigments into the paint film for long-lasting color depth and richness Benjamin Moore

So if Aura feels like overkill for the room, Regal Select is usually the “smart luxury” move.

How Do Duration and Aura Compare in Terms of Durability?

Both Duration and Aura excel in durability, but they shine in different ways. Duration’s strength lies in its stain resistance and ability to handle weather extremes, making it a top pick for exteriors or high-traffic areas. Aura, on the other hand, maintains its color and finish through multiple cleanings without losing vibrancy, which is perfect for interiors with bold color choices.


Duration vs. Aura: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Duration vs. Aura (Quick Comparison)


CategorySherwin-Williams DurationBenjamin Moore Aura
Best forExteriors + high-wear areasPremium interior walls + rich color
What it’s known forDurability + mildew-resistant exterior performanceColor Lock® + luxury color depth
Coats (typical)1 coat repaint / 2 coats new (exterior guidance)1–2 coats depending on color/surface
“Why people pay for it”Fewer callbacks, tougher filmLooks insane on the wall, holds color
Color ecosystemSW systemBM system (Aura + Regal Select + 3,500+ colors)


Duration exterior details (mildew-resistant, coat guidance, PermaLast®) are supported here. Sherwin-Williams

Aura Color Lock® is supported here. Benjamin Moore

Which Paint Should You Choose?

  • Exterior Surfaces: Opt for Duration for its ability to withstand weather extremes, resist cracking, and ensure long-lasting protection.
  • High-Traffic Interiors:Duration is a top choice for its stain resistance and washability.
  • Interior Walls with Bold Colors: Choose Aura for its vibrant hues, fade resistance, and smooth finish.
  • Eco-Friendly Homes: Aura’s low VOC formulation makes it a healthier choice.



Duration vs. Aura: The Lasting Impact of Quality Painting



In Our Experience

"Both Duration and Aura deliver exceptional results, but they shine in different ways. Duration excels in areas requiring extreme durability, while Aura is unbeatable for vibrant, long-lasting interior colors. By combining their strengths, you can achieve a balance of performance and aesthetics."




How Does the Price Compare?

While both paints are premium options, Aura typically costs more due to its advanced Color Lock® technology. However, Aura’s superior coverage can offset the higher upfront cost. Duration, with its long-lasting durability, offers excellent value for exterior projects or areas requiring frequent cleaning.

Can You Use Duration and Aura Together?

Absolutely. Many homeowners and professionals use Duration for exterior or high-traffic areas and Aura for feature walls or rooms where color vibrancy is key. This approach allows you to leverage the strengths of each product.

Choosing Between Duration and Aura

When it comes to the Duration vs. Aura debate, it’s all about understanding the specific needs of your space. Both paints offer exceptional performance but cater to different priorities—Duration for durability and weather resistance, and Aura for vibrant, long-lasting color with easy application. Whichever you choose, investing in a quality paint like these ensures that your project will stand the test of time.

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People Also Ask:

Which is better for interiors, Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura?

Aura is better suited for interiors due to its Color Lock® technology, offering vibrant color and fewer coats. Duration excels in high-traffic areas needing extra durability.

How many coats do I need with Duration vs. Aura?

While Duration typically requires two coats for optimal coverage, Aura often provides full coverage in one coat, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects.

Is Aura or Duration better for exterior surfaces?

Duration is better for exteriors due to its advanced weather resistance and mildew protection. Aura is more suited for interior projects that demand rich, lasting colors.


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Thanks for stopping by Lightmen Daily! Stay tuned for more practical tips and expert advice on making your painting projects flawless, from wall to floor!


Definitions

  • Duration Paint: A high-performance paint from Sherwin-Williams known for durability and stain resistance.
  • Aura Paint: A premium Benjamin Moore paint offering vibrant, one-coat coverage with advanced technology.
  • Color Lock® Technology: A feature in Aura paint that ensures deep, lasting color.
  • VOC Levels: Volatile organic compounds in paints that can affect indoor air quality; low levels are preferred for health reasons.
  • Washable Finish: Paint surfaces that allow for easy cleaning without damaging the finish.
  • Mildew Resistance: A feature in Duration that helps prevent mold growth, especially in humid areas.
  • High-Traffic Areas: Spaces like kitchens and hallways that require durable paint to withstand wear and tear.
  • Exterior Paint: Paint designed for outdoor use, offering weather resistance.
  • Primer: A preparatory coating applied before painting to ensure better adhesion.
  • Sheen Levels: The finish of paint, ranging from flat to high-gloss, impacting appearance and durability.


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