Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Exterior
- Siding
- Trim
- Deep colors
- Premium
A premium 100% acrylic latex with Color Lock resin delivering outstanding fade resistance and color retention, especially in deep, vivid shades, with hide strong enough to finish in two coats. It is one of the priciest exterior paints at about $75-90-plus a gallon, sold only through BM dealers, and hard to justify on low-visibility jobs.
Pros
- Outstanding fade resistance and color retention, especially with deep and vivid colors
- Excellent hide often lets you finish in two coats (or one over similar colors)
- Self-priming on most previously painted surfaces and backed by a lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- One of the most expensive exterior paints on the market (about $75-90+/gal)
- Only sold through Benjamin Moore dealers, not big-box stores, so shopping around is harder
- The high cost is hard to justify on large, low-visibility jobs like a back fence or shed
Specifications
| Type | 100% acrylic latex (Color Lock mineral-acrylic resin) |
|---|---|
| Sheens | Flat, Low Lustre, Satin, Soft Gloss |
| Coverage | ~300-400 sq ft/gal |
| Recoat | ~2-4 hrs (temperature dependent) |
| Cleanup | Soap and water |
| Use | Exterior siding & trim; self-priming on most existing coatings |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What justifies Aura Exterior's price?
- Fade resistance. Its Color Lock mineral-acrylic resin holds deep and vivid colors far longer than typical exterior paint, which is exactly where cheaper paints disappoint within a few seasons.
- Do you need to prime before Aura Exterior?
- Usually not — it is self-priming on most previously painted surfaces, and its hide often finishes in two coats or even one over a similar color. Bare or problem substrates still want a primer.
- Where is Aura not worth it?
- On large, low-visibility jobs like a back fence or a shed, where nobody will notice the color retention. At roughly $75-90 a gallon and sold only through Benjamin Moore dealers, it is a paint you target rather than default to.