Choosing the right exterior paint is like picking armor for your home. Benjamin Moore’s Aura sits at the top of the paint world – expensive, but promising incredible protection.
Having seen many homes take a beating from unpredictable weather, I know just how important it is to pick the right paint.
You’re probably thinking:
- Is Aura really worth the high price?
- Will it actually last longer than cheaper options?
- Can it handle extreme temperatures?
In this review, I’ll break down everything homeowners need to know about Aura exterior paint. You’ll find out its performance, durability, and whether it delivers on its premium promises.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether this paint is the right shield for your home’s exterior or not. Let’s get real about paint.
What Makes Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint Different?
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint stands out because it’s made to last in tough weather while still looking great.
It uses special Color Lock® technology, which keeps colors rich and fade-resistant, even in direct sunlight.
The paint also resists cracking, peeling, and mildew, so your home stays protected year after year. I like that it goes on smoothly and often covers in just one coat, saving time and effort.
It works on various surfaces, including wood, vinyl, fiber cement, and more, and holds up well in heat, rain, or snow. With a low VOC formula, it’s also a safer choice for the environment.
If you want a high-quality paint that’s durable, vibrant, and easy to apply, Aura Exterior is a smart pick. It may cost more upfront, but its long-lasting results make it worth it in the long run.
Aura Exterior Paint: Application Experience
Not all premium paints are created equal. When I first cracked open the Aura can, I was nervous. Professional painters make everything look easy, but DIY is a different story.
- Smooth and Thick Texture: The paint goes on smoothly with a rich, creamy feel, making it easy to control and apply evenly.
- Excellent Coverage: Often covers in one coat, especially over similar shades, which saves time and effort.
- Fast Drying Time: Dries quickly to the touch, so you can finish your project faster without long waits between coats.
- Low Drip, Low Mess: Its thick consistency means fewer drips and less cleanup—great for DIYers and pros alike.
- Works on Many Surfaces: Applies well on wood, vinyl, composite siding, and more without needing multiple product types.
- Good Brush and Roller Feel: Easy to work with using both brushes and rollers; no streaky or patchy areas
Pro Tip: Touch-ups can be tricky. I learned the hard way that you need to blend carefully. Rushing leads to noticeable patches, so take your time, match your technique from the first coat.
Aura Exterior Paint: Coverage and Finish
Dark colors are the real paint challenge, and honestly, most paints wimp out. But not Aura. I tested it on a weathered gray house using deep navy blue as the new color.
I was genuinely shocked. One coat covered about 85% of the old paint—impressive for such a bold shade. After a second coat? Total transformation. No bleed-through, no uneven spots. Just solid, smooth color.
Finish Options:
Benjamin Moore offers three main sheens
- Matte (Flat)
- Satin
- Semi-Gloss
I chose Satin – the perfect middle ground. It had just enough sheen to reflect light gently without creating harsh glare.
Small Drawback: In direct sunlight, I did notice slight sheen variation on rougher surfaces. Not a dealbreaker, but perfectionists might want to keep their rolling technique consistent.
Pro Observation: Aura doesn’t just cover – it transforms. It seemed to absorb and reflect light in a way that gave the color more depth and richness. It felt less like paint, more like a finish.
Durability and Weather Resistance of Aura Exterior Paint
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint is built to handle tough outdoor conditions while keeping your home looking great.
It’s resistant to cracking, peeling, fading, and mildew – so even after years of sun, rain, or snow, it still holds up. The paint forms a strong, flexible film that adjusts to changing weather without breaking down.
I’ve seen it stay vibrant on homes exposed to harsh sunlight and coastal humidity. Thanks to its advanced Color Lock® technology, colors stay rich and don’t chalk or fade easily.
It also dries to a durable finish that repels moisture, helping protect wood, fiber cement, and other siding materials.
After two years, my house looks like it was painted yesterday. No touch-ups and no repairs. Just solid, consistent protection.
How Does Aura Compare to Other Exterior Paints?
Paint brands are like smartphone competitors – each claims to be the best. But real-world performance tells the true story. I’ve tested multiple premium exterior paints, and here’s the honest breakdown.
| Feature | Benjamin Moore Aura | Sherwin-Williams Emerald | Behr Marquee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per Gallon | $90 | $75 | $55 |
| Coverage | 350-400 sq ft | 400-450 sq ft | 300-350 sq ft |
| Color Retention | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Weather Resistance | Superior | Strong | Moderate |
| Ease of Application | Moderate | Easy | Easy |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years | 8-12 years |
Aura isn’t just expensive – it’s strategically priced. You’re paying for longevity. Sherwin-Williams offers similar performance at a lower cost. Behr? Solid budget option, but don’t expect miracles.
Pro Tip: Don’t just look at price. Calculate long-term value. Cheaper paint might mean more frequent repaints. My recommendation? Aura for perfectionists. Emerald is for budget-conscious homeowners. Behr for quick fixes.
Choose wisely because your home’s exterior is its first impression.
Is Aura Exterior Paint by Benjamin Moore Worth the Higher Price?
Let’s talk money – the part that makes most homeowners sweat. Aura isn’t cheap. At $90 per gallon, it’s like the luxury car of the paint world.
| Expense Category | Aura Paint | Standard Paint | Savings with Aura |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $90/gallon | $40/gallon | -$50/gallon |
| Coats Needed | 1-2 | 2-3 | 1 less coat |
| Repainting Frequency | 15-20 years | 5-7 years | 8-13 years longer |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | High | Significant savings |
| Total 15-Year Cost | ~$300 | ~$600 | $300 saved |
And this is the truth bomb: Cheaper isn’t always less expensive. Those $40 paints look tempting until you’re repainting every 5-6 years. Aura? It’s a long-term investment.
Fewer coats mean less labor. Less maintenance means more weekend relaxation. Your time has value, too.
Who Should Buy?
- Homeowners planning to stay put
- Those who hate frequent repaints
- People who want zero compromise on quality
Who Should Skip?
- Planning to sell soon
- Tight budget
- DIY first-timers
Conclusion
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint stands out for its durability, coverage, and vibrant, long-lasting color.
If you’re working with light shades or bold, dark tones, this paint delivers excellent results with fewer coats and less effort.
Its self-priming formula, thick consistency, and smooth application make it a favorite for both professionals and DIYers.
I’ve seen firsthand how well it performs, even in challenging conditions. With multiple finish options and beautiful color depth thanks to Color Lock® technology, Aura doesn’t just protect your home, it enhances its look.
If you’re investing in a long-term paint solution that combines performance and style, Aura Exterior is a smart, high-quality choice worth every drop.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Alexander Martin has dedicated the last 18 years to enhancing outdoor living through thoughtful and robust structure design. His career kicked off in urban planning, giving him a unique perspective on integrating structures into diverse environments. In 2019, Alexander brought his expertise to our website, offering insights into creating versatile outdoor spaces. Since then, he has been the lead advisor for our outdoor design projects and is known for his ability to merge functionality with environmental consciousness. Alexander enjoys rock climbing outside of work and participates in community development projects, activities that reflect his passion for the outdoors and sustainable design.
