Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec Vs Regal: The Definitive Winner

For most homeowners and DIY projects, Benjamin Moore Regal Select is the definitive winner. While Ultra Spec is a dependable contractor-grade paint, Regal Select offers far superior durability, one-coat coverage, and a richer, more washable finish. For high-traffic areas and projects where quality is key, investing in Regal Select pays off every time.

Hello, friends! Md Meraj here, your guide in the workshop and for all things DIY. Walking into a paint store can feel overwhelming. You see walls of paint cans, each promising the best results. Two names you’ll almost always see from Benjamin Moore are Ultra Spec and Regal Select. They both look great on the shelf, but which one is right for your home project? It’s a common question, and I’ve seen many folks get stuck here.

Don’t worry. Choosing the right paint is simpler than you think. You just need to know what to look for. Today, we’re going to break down the differences between Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec and Regal Select in plain, simple terms. No confusing jargon, I promise. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which paint to grab for your next project and feel confident in your choice. Let’s get started!

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What is Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500?

Think of Ultra Spec 500 as the workhorse of the Benjamin Moore family. It’s what professionals and contractors often use for big jobs, like new construction, commercial buildings, or apartment complexes. Why? Because it’s reliable, easy to apply, and offers good value for its price.

It’s designed for speed and efficiency. When a crew needs to paint hundreds of walls quickly and make them look fresh and clean, Ultra Spec is a fantastic choice. It goes on smoothly, dries fast, and touches up well. This means painters can get the job done without a lot of fuss. For a homeowner, this might be a good option for a low-traffic area, a basement, or a ceiling where you need solid, basic coverage without breaking the bank.

Key Features of Ultra Spec 500

Good Coverage: It covers surfaces well, though it might sometimes need two coats over darker colors.
Easy Application: This paint is very forgiving. It rolls on smoothly and doesn’t spatter much, which is great for beginners.
Quick Drying Time: Ultra Spec dries to the touch in about an hour and can be recoated in about two hours. This helps speed up your painting day.
Good for Touch-Ups: Its flatter sheens blend in nicely when you need to fix a scuff or a mark later on.
Variety of Finishes: It comes in a wide range of sheens, from Flat all the way to a durable Gloss finish.

Pros and Cons of Ultra Spec 500

Pros:

Affordable: It is significantly less expensive than premium paints like Regal Select. This is a big plus for large projects or tight budgets.
User-Friendly: Its smooth application makes it a good choice for those new to painting.
Great for Ceilings: The flat finish is perfect for ceilings as it hides imperfections and provides a non-reflective look.
Zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Like most modern paints, it’s low-odor and better for indoor air quality.

Cons:

Lower Durability: This is the biggest trade-off. It doesn’t stand up to scrubbing and cleaning as well as Regal Select. It can scuff and mark more easily.
Less Rich Finish: The final look is good, but it doesn’t have the depth and richness of a premium paint. It can look a little “flatter” in comparison.
May Require a Primer: On new drywall or drastic color changes, you will likely need a separate primer for the best results, adding a step and cost.

What is Benjamin Moore Regal Select?

Now, let’s talk about Regal Select. This is Benjamin Moore’s iconic, premium paint. It’s the one that has built their reputation for quality over decades. Think of it as an investment in your home. Regal Select is designed for homeowners who want a beautiful, long-lasting finish that can handle the realities of daily life.

This paint is packed with advanced technology. It has what Benjamin Moore calls “proprietary stain-release technology,” which is a fancy way of saying it’s incredibly easy to clean. Spills, fingerprints, and crayon marks wipe away without a trace. It also contains high-quality pigments and binders, which give it that gorgeous, rich color and one-coat coverage that people love. For living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and kids’ rooms, Regal Select is tough to beat.

Key Features of Regal Select

Exceptional Durability: This is its superpower. It resists scuffs, scratches, and stains. You can scrub the walls without worrying about the paint fading or coming off.
Paint-and-Primer in One: For most jobs, you can skip the separate primer step. It sticks well to existing paint and covers beautifully, saving you time and effort.
Superior Coverage: In many cases, one good coat of Regal Select is all you need, especially if you’re not making a dramatic color change. This can save you paint and time.
Rich, Beautiful Finish: The colors look deeper and more vibrant. The finish is smooth and uniform, giving your walls a truly professional appearance.
Excellent Mildew Resistance: The formula is designed to prevent mildew from growing, making it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. You can learn more about what causes mildew and how to prevent it from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Pros and Cons of Regal Select

Pros:

Incredibly Durable and Washable: It’s perfect for high-traffic areas and homes with kids or pets.
Saves Time: The paint-and-primer and one-coat coverage features can cut your project time in half.
Stunning Appearance: It gives a high-end, luxurious look that enhances the beauty of your home.
Long-Lasting: You won’t have to repaint as often, which saves you money and work in the long run.

Cons:

Higher Price Point: It is one of the more expensive paint options. The upfront cost is higher than contractor-grade paints.
Can Be Thicker to Apply: Because it’s so thick and rich, some beginners might find it takes a little getting used to. Using a high-quality roller and brush is key.

Head-to-Head: Ultra Spec vs. Regal Select Comparison

Seeing the features side-by-side makes the choice much clearer. Let’s put these two paints in the ring and see how they match up across the most important categories for a DIYer.

Durability and Washability

This is where the difference is most dramatic. Regal Select is built for life. You can scrub away marks from crayons, dirty hands, or food splashes, and the paint will look as good as new. The finish won’t wear down or become shiny in the scrubbed spot. Ultra Spec, on the other hand, is not made for aggressive cleaning. If you scrub it, especially in flatter sheens, you can “burnish” the paint, which means you’ll see a shiny spot where you cleaned. For a busy hallway or kitchen, Regal is the clear winner.

Coverage and Application

Both paints are easy to apply, but Regal Select has the edge on coverage. Its thick, high-hiding formula often covers in a single coat. Ultra Spec is thinner and will almost certainly require two coats when painting over a dark or vibrant color. While Ultra Spec is very forgiving for a beginner, the time saved by applying only one coat of Regal can be a huge advantage for a weekend project.

Color and Finish

A gallon of Regal Select and a gallon of Ultra Spec tinted to the exact same color will look different on the wall. Regal’s superior pigments and binders give the color more depth and life. It just looks richer. Both lines offer a full range of sheens, from flat to gloss, but the finish on the Regal Select product will have a smoother, more uniform appearance when it cures.

Price

There’s no contest here: Ultra Spec 500 is the more budget-friendly option. A gallon of Ultra Spec can cost significantly less than a gallon of Regal Select. If you’re painting a huge area or a space where premium durability isn’t necessary (like a garage interior or a seldom-used guest room), the cost savings of Ultra Spec can be very attractive.

Table: Ultra Spec vs. Regal Select at a Glance

Feature	Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec 500	Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Best For	Large projects, new construction, low-traffic areas, ceilings, budget-conscious jobs.	High-traffic areas, living rooms, kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, projects needing maximum durability.
Durability	Moderate. Not recommended for repeated scrubbing. Can scuff and mark.	Excellent. Highly washable and scrubbable with superior stain resistance.
Coverage	Good. Typically requires two coats for best results, especially over dark colors.	Excellent. Often covers in a single coat, functioning as a paint and primer in one.
Finish Quality	Good, uniform appearance. Standard quality.	Premium, rich color depth and a smoother, more luxurious finish.
Price per Gallon	$$ (Lower)	$$$$ (Higher)
VOC Level	Zero VOC	Zero VOC

So, Which Paint Should You Choose?

The “best” paint truly depends on your specific project. Let’s walk through a few common scenarios to help you decide.

You should choose Ultra Spec 500 if:

You’re on a tight budget. If cost is your number one priority, Ultra Spec provides good quality for a much lower price.
You’re painting a low-traffic area. For guest rooms, formal dining rooms that are rarely used, or closets, the premium durability of Regal may be overkill.
You’re painting ceilings. The flat finish of Ultra Spec is perfect for ceilings because it hides imperfections and prevents glare. You don’t need scrubbability on a ceiling!
You’re a landlord painting a rental property. Its affordability and good touch-up ability make it a practical choice for refreshing a unit between tenants.

You should choose Regal Select if:

You’re painting a high-traffic area. This is the paint for hallways, entryways, family rooms, and playrooms. Its washability will be a lifesaver.
You have kids or pets. The stain-release technology makes cleaning up life’s little messes incredibly easy and stress-free.
You want the best possible look. For your main living spaces where you want colors to pop and the finish to look flawless, Regal Select delivers that premium result.
You value your time. The paint-and-primer and one-coat coverage can save you hours or even an entire day of work on your project. According to the American Coatings Association, proper surface preparation is key, but a good paint like Regal helps ensure that prep work pays off.
You want a long-term investment. You might pay more upfront, but you’ll be repainting far less often. The durable finish will look fresh for many years to come.

The Definitive Winner for Most Homeowners

After laying it all out, for the vast majority of DIY projects inside your home, Benjamin Moore Regal Select is the definitive winner. While Ultra Spec has its place, the extra cost of Regal Select is a worthy investment in performance, appearance, and peace of mind.

Painting is hard work! You put in the time to prepare your surfaces, tape your trim, and carefully apply the paint. The last thing you want is for that hard work to be ruined by a scuff mark that won’t come out or a finish that looks dull. Regal Select protects your effort. Its durability means your walls will look freshly painted for years, not just for a few months. The superior coverage saves you time, and the rich finish gives you a result that you can truly be proud of.

The Definitive Winner for Most Homeowners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Benjamin Moore Regal paint really worth the extra money?

Yes, for most situations in a home, it is absolutely worth it. The superior durability, washability, and one-coat coverage save you time during the project and save you from having to repaint sooner. It’s an investment in a longer-lasting, better-looking finish.

2. What is a “contractor-grade” paint like Ultra Spec?

Contractor-grade paint is designed for professionals who need a product that is affordable, easy to apply quickly over large areas, and has good touch-up qualities. It prioritizes efficiency and value over long-term durability and washability, making it ideal for new construction or commercial jobs.

3. Can I use Ultra Spec 500 in a bathroom or kitchen?

You can, but it’s not the best choice. These high-moisture, high-traffic rooms need a very durable, scrubbable, and mildew-resistant paint. While Ultra Spec has some mildew resistance, Regal Select is far superior and will hold up much better to the cleaning and humidity common in kitchens and baths.

4. Does Regal Select really cover in one coat?

In many cases, yes! When painting over a similar or lighter color that’s in good condition, one coat of Regal Select is often enough to get full, beautiful coverage. However, if you are making a dramatic color change (like painting white over a dark red), you should plan on two coats for a perfect finish.

5. Do I need to use a primer with Regal Select?

Usually, no. Regal Select is a “paint and primer in one,” which means it has excellent adhesion properties. You can apply it directly over previously painted surfaces in good condition. You should still use a dedicated primer on bare wood, new drywall, or when covering very glossy surfaces or stubborn stains.

6. Which finish should I choose for my project?

It depends on the room. Use Flat for ceilings and very low-traffic walls to hide imperfections. Use Matte or Eggshell for most walls in living rooms and bedrooms for a soft look with good washability. Use Satin or Semi-Gloss for trim, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms, as these sheens are highly durable and easy to clean.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Paint Awaits

Choosing between Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec and Regal Select doesn’t have to be a puzzle. By thinking about your project’s specific needs—your budget, the room’s traffic level, and the quality of finish you want—the right choice becomes clear.

Ultra Spec 500 is a solid, reliable paint that offers great value, especially for large, low-traffic areas or when the budget is the main concern. But for the heart of your home—the spaces where life actually happens—Regal Select stands in a class of its own. It’s a paint that works as hard as you do to keep your home looking beautiful.

I hope this guide has cleared things up and given you the confidence to walk into that paint store and choose the perfect can for your project. Happy painting, and remember, a great paint job starts with a great paint!