Sico

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; one coat possible in many colors; two coats deliver full color depth.

Application: Thick but smooth; strong leveling; self‑priming on most surfaces.

Washability: Outstanding; withstands repeated scrubbing without color rub‑off, even in matte.

Durability: Premium; scuff‑resistant; built for high‑traffic and long‑term performance.

VOC/Odor: Zero VOC (Gennex); virtually no odor during application.

Best Use: Living spaces, hallways, kids’ rooms, color‑critical projects, premium interiors.

Pros: Superior hide; Color Lock technology; washable in every sheen; self‑priming.

Cons: Premium price (~$100 USD/gal); thicker formula requires even rolling technique.

Verdict: Benjamin Moore’s top interior line — unmatched color, durability, and washability; worth the premium.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; self‑priming on most surfaces; one‑coat coverage achievable in many colors.

Application: Smooth and forgiving; strong flow and leveling; low spatter; pro‑friendly feel.

Washability: Very good; stain‑release technology resists household marks and cleans easily.

Durability: High; scuff‑resistant; built for hallways, stairs, family rooms, and busy interiors.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; minimal odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Family homes, high‑traffic walls, kitchens, kids’ rooms, commercial interiors.

Pros: Stain‑release tech; excellent hide; self‑priming; trusted by pros for decades.

Cons: Not zero‑VOC like Aura; slightly thinner feel than Aura’s dense formula.

Verdict: A premium, pro‑grade interior line delivering excellent performance and durability — positioned just below Aura while offering outstanding value and reliability.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for full, even color.

Application: Smooth and easy; low spatter; very forgiving for DIY users.

Washability: Moderate; cleans well in eggshell and above; matte less scrub‑resistant.

Durability: Solid for everyday living spaces; not as tough as Regal or Aura.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Bedrooms, living rooms, rentals, budget‑friendly repaints, DIY projects.

Pros: Easy application; good hide; affordable; reliable Benjamin Moore color accuracy.

Cons: Lower washability and durability than Regal and Aura; two coats almost always needed.

Verdict: A dependable, budget‑friendly interior line offering good performance and smooth application — ideal for cost‑conscious projects without sacrificing color quality.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent for a contractor line; two coats standard for uniform color.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; reliable flow and leveling; not self‑priming.

Washability: Good; eggshell and higher sheens handle routine cleaning well.

Durability: Commercial‑grade; built for turnover units, offices, and high‑volume repaints.

VOC/Odor: Zero VOC (Gennex); low odor during application.

Best Use: Rentals, commercial interiors, offices, hallways, production painting.

Pros: Excellent hide; fast dry; dependable performance; strong value for contractors.

Cons: Not self‑priming; lower washability than Ben, Regal, and Aura.

Verdict: A reliable, cost‑efficient workhorse for commercial and rental projects — optimized for speed, coverage, and consistency.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for uniform color and coverage.

Application: Smooth, low odor; easy rolling; not self‑priming.

Washability: Moderate; eggshell and satin clean acceptably for commercial use.

Durability: Designed for offices, schools, healthcare, and low‑odor environments; not as tough as Ultra Spec 500.

VOC/Odor: Zero VOC; extremely low odor; meets strict green‑building requirements.

Best Use: Hospitals, schools, offices, senior living, odor‑sensitive interiors.

Pros: Zero VOC; very low odor; compliant with LEED/green standards; easy application.

Cons: Lower durability and washability than Ultra Spec 500, Ben, Regal, and Aura.

Verdict: A clean‑air, zero‑VOC commercial paint ideal for odor‑sensitive spaces — best where environmental standards matter more than maximum durability.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong coverage with two coats for full uniformity.

Application: Smooth, controlled roll; fast dry; low spatter; pro‑friendly feel.

Washability: Outstanding; resists marks, stains, and repeated scrubbing.

Durability: Exceptional; engineered for scuff‑prone areas and heavy commercial use.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Schools, hospitals, hallways, gyms, retail spaces, high‑traffic residential areas.

Pros: Industry‑leading scuff resistance; fast dry; excellent durability; easy application.

Cons: Premium price; not zero‑VOC; matte less scuff‑proof than higher sheens.

Verdict: A top‑tier commercial coating delivering unmatched scuff resistance and long‑term durability — ideal for demanding, high‑traffic interiors.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for full, even coverage.

Application: Smooth and easy; low spatter; brush, roller, or sprayer friendly.

Washability: Fair; eggshell and above offer basic cleanability; flat for low‑touch areas.

Durability: Basic; suited for ceilings, rentals, commercial repaints, and new construction.

VOC/Odor: Zero VOC (Gennex); low odor during application.

Best Use: High‑volume repaints, rental units, ceilings, commercial interiors, production work.

Pros: Good hide; quick dry; budget‑friendly; consistent finish.

Cons: Not self‑priming; lower durability and washability than Ultra Spec 500, Ben, Regal, and Aura.

Verdict: A dependable, cost‑driven interior line built for speed and volume — ideal for contractors needing reliable coverage at the lowest price point.

Spread Rate: ~350–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Very good; two coats recommended for full, even color.

Application: Smooth and controlled; low spatter; strong leveling in higher sheens.

Washability: Excellent; resists common kitchen and bathroom stains; cleans easily.

Durability: High; mildew‑resistant finish designed for humid, moisture‑prone spaces.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, utility rooms, humid interiors.

Pros: Mildew‑resistant; durable finish; easy to clean; strong performance in humidity.

Cons: Not as premium as Regal or Aura; matte less moisture‑resistant than eggshell/satin.

Verdict: A reliable, moisture‑resistant interior coating built for kitchens and baths — durable, washable, and designed to perform where humidity is constant.

Spread Rate: ~350–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for uniform color and protection.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; dries to a hard, durable film; brush, roller, or spray friendly.

Washability: Excellent; withstands repeated cleaning and routine maintenance.

Durability: High; abrasion‑resistant; designed for foot traffic, light commercial use, and seasonal wear.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild odor; interior/exterior latex formula.

Best Use: Basement floors, porches, patios, steps, utility areas, light‑duty commercial floors.

Pros: Durable finish; good adhesion; scuff‑resistant; interior/exterior versatility.

Cons: Not suitable for garage floors or heavy vehicular traffic; requires proper surface prep.

Verdict: A tough, versatile floor coating built for foot‑traffic durability — ideal for porches, patios, basements, and utility spaces needing a long‑lasting enamel finish.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; two coats standard for full, uniform enamel coverage.

Application: Smooth, long open time; levels exceptionally well; brush, roller, or spray friendly.

Washability: Excellent; hard, scrubbable enamel finish after full cure.

Durability: High; resists wear, moisture, and repeated cleaning; ideal for cabinetry and trim.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; mild odor; waterborne alkyd formula.

Best Use: Cabinets, trim, doors, built‑ins, furniture, high‑touch surfaces.

Pros: Outstanding leveling; durable enamel finish; water cleanup; long open time.

Cons: Longer dry and cure time; not for walls; requires proper prep for adhesion.

Verdict: A premium waterborne alkyd delivering a smooth, durable, furniture‑grade finish — ideal for cabinets and trim where leveling and hardness matter most.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; ultra‑flat finish masks minor surface imperfections.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; long open time; designed for easy, uniform ceiling coverage.

Washability: Limited; intended for ceilings where cleanability is not a priority.

Durability: Good for ceilings; non‑yellowing; resists flashing and roller marks.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Interior ceilings, especially large areas needing uniform, non‑reflective finish.

Pros: Ultra‑flat sheen; hides imperfections; minimal spatter; consistent finish.

Cons: Not for walls; limited washability; not suitable for high‑moisture ceilings.

Verdict: A purpose‑built ceiling coating delivering a smooth, ultra‑flat, uniform finish — ideal for clean, professional ceiling results with minimal effort.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; flat finish helps minimize minor surface imperfections.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; easy rolling; designed for fast production work.

Washability: Limited; intended strictly for ceilings with minimal cleaning needs.

Durability: Basic; suitable for standard residential and commercial ceilings.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; contractor‑friendly formula.

Best Use: Rental units, production repaints, standard residential ceilings, commercial ceilings.

Pros: Budget‑friendly; easy application; consistent flat finish; good coverage.

Cons: Not for walls; limited washability; less uniform than Waterborne Ceiling Paint.

Verdict: A dependable, cost‑effective ceiling coating built for speed and volume — ideal for everyday ceilings where affordability and ease of use matter most.

Spread Rate: ~400–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Very good; pink tint ensures full coverage before drying white.

Application: Smooth, low spatter; pink color helps track missed spots; dries to a uniform flat finish.

Washability: Limited; intended strictly for ceilings with minimal cleaning needs.

Durability: Good for ceilings; non‑reflective finish minimizes flashing and roller marks.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; waterborne acrylic formula.

Best Use: Ceilings where visibility during application matters — bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, rentals.

Pros: Pink‑to‑white color change; excellent visibility; low spatter; consistent flat finish.

Cons: Not for walls; limited washability; not ideal for high‑moisture ceilings.

Verdict: A smart, user‑friendly ceiling coating that goes on pink for perfect coverage and dries white for a clean, uniform finish — ideal for DIY and pro ceiling work.

Spread Rate: ~250–350 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong coverage with two coats for full color depth.

Application: Thick, smooth body; superb leveling; fast dry; self‑priming on most surfaces.

Washability: Excellent; resists dirt pickup and cleans easily.

Durability: Exceptional; long‑term fade resistance, mildew resistance, and weather protection.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Siding, trim, doors, fascia, high‑exposure exteriors, premium residential projects.

Pros: Color Lock technology; extreme durability; superior fade resistance; self‑priming.

Cons: Premium price; thicker formula requires consistent technique.

Verdict: Benjamin Moore’s highest‑performing exterior coating — unmatched color retention, durability, and weather resistance for premium exterior work.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong coverage with two coats for full, even color.

Application: Smooth, consistent flow; self‑priming on most surfaces; low spatter.

Washability: Excellent; resists dirt pickup and cleans easily.

Durability: High; long‑lasting finish with strong mildew resistance and color retention.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Siding, trim, doors, fascia, premium residential exteriors.

Pros: Durable finish; excellent hide; mildew‑resistant; self‑priming; strong value.

Cons: Not as thick or fade‑resistant as Aura Exterior.

Verdict: A high‑performing premium exterior coating offering excellent durability, coverage, and weather resistance — ideal for homeowners wanting top‑tier results without Aura’s price.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Very good; two coats recommended for full, even color.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; moisture‑tolerant formula reduces early‑washout risk.

Washability: Excellent; resists dirt pickup and cleans easily.

Durability: High; engineered for humid, coastal, and variable‑weather environments.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Coastal homes, humid climates, shaded exteriors, areas prone to dew or early rain.

Pros: Rain‑ready in 60 minutes; strong adhesion; mildew‑resistant; reliable in tough weather.

Cons: Not as thick or fade‑resistant as Aura; sits below Regal Select Exterior in overall premium tier.

Verdict: A weather‑tough, moisture‑tolerant exterior coating built for unpredictable conditions — ideal for coastal, humid, or variable‑weather environments needing dependable protection.

Spread Rate: ~250–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Good; two coats recommended for uniform color and coverage.

Application: Smooth, predictable flow; low spatter; fast dry; production‑friendly.

Washability: Good; resists routine dirt pickup; cleans acceptably for commercial use.

Durability: Solid; designed for commercial exteriors, repaints, and maintenance cycles.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; Gennex colorant system.

Best Use: Commercial buildings, rental properties, maintenance repaints, budget‑driven exterior work.

Pros: Reliable performance; good adhesion; economical; consistent finish.

Cons: Less fade‑resistant and less durable than Element Guard, Regal, and Aura.

Verdict: A dependable, cost‑efficient exterior coating built for commercial and high‑volume work — ideal when reliability and value matter more than premium longevity.

Spread Rate: ~150–350 sq ft/gal depending on opacity and wood porosity.

Hide: Varies by opacity; transparent shows full grain, solid provides full color coverage.

Application: Smooth, even flow; fast dry; minimal lap marks; brush, roller, pad, or spray friendly.

Washability: Not applicable; exterior stain designed for weather exposure, not scrubbing.

Durability: High; advanced acrylic resin resists UV, mildew, peeling, and fading.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; water cleanup.

Best Use: Decks, siding, fences, shakes, outdoor furniture; ideal for cedar, pine, fir, and pressure‑treated lumber.

Pros: Fast dry; low odor; excellent color retention; strong UV and mildew resistance; easy cleanup.

Cons: Less grain‑enhancing than the oil version; shorter open time in hot weather.

Verdict: A premium, durable water‑based stain delivering strong UV protection, rich color, and easy application — ideal for homeowners wanting long‑lasting performance with low odor and fast dry.

Spread Rate: ~150–350 sq ft/gal depending on opacity and wood porosity.

Hide: Varies by opacity; transparent shows full grain, solid provides full color coverage.

Application: Long open time; deep penetration; smooth, even flow; brush, roller, pad, or spray friendly.

Washability: Not applicable; exterior stain designed for weather exposure, not scrubbing.

Durability: High; oil formula penetrates deeply for strong water resistance, UV protection, and reduced peeling.

VOC/Odor: Higher odor than water‑based; compliant oil‑based formula.

Best Use: Decks, siding, fences, shakes, outdoor furniture; ideal for softwoods like cedar, pine, fir, and pressure‑treated lumber.

Pros: Deep wood penetration; rich grain enhancement; long open time; excellent water resistance.

Cons: Slower dry; higher odor; requires mineral‑spirit cleanup.

Verdict: A premium, deeply penetrating oil‑based stain delivering rich color, strong water resistance, and long‑lasting protection — ideal for decks and siding where natural grain and durability matter most.

Spread Rate: ~350–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hide formula blocks uneven color and improves topcoat uniformity.

Application: Smooth, easy brushing and rolling; strong adhesion on most surfaces.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces and improves long‑term paint performance.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; waterborne acrylic formula.

Best Use: New or previously painted drywall, wood, masonry, vinyl, aluminum, and lightly chalky surfaces.

Pros: Strong adhesion; high hide; versatile interior/exterior use; fast dry.

Cons: Not a stain‑blocking specialist; for heavy stains, use a dedicated blocker.

Verdict: A reliable, high‑hide, multi‑surface primer that improves adhesion and topcoat performance — ideal for everyday interior and exterior prep work.

Spread Rate: ~350–450 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; strong stain‑blocking and high‑hide coverage for uniform topcoat results.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; sands easily; ideal for leveling trim and sealing problem surfaces.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces, blocks stains, and improves long‑term paint adhesion.

VOC/Odor: Higher odor; compliant oil‑based formula.

Best Use: Trim, doors, cabinets, woodwork, glossy surfaces, tannin‑bleeding woods, problem substrates.

Pros: Strong adhesion; excellent stain blocking; sands to a smooth finish; reliable on difficult surfaces.

Cons: Longer dry time; higher odor; requires solvent cleanup.

Verdict: A dependable oil‑based primer delivering strong adhesion, stain blocking, and a smooth, sandable base — ideal for trim, cabinets, and problem surfaces needing maximum holdout.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hide formula blocks most common stains and evens out surface color.

Application: Smooth, easy brushing and rolling; strong adhesion on most substrates; fast dry.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces and improves long‑term topcoat performance.

VOC/Odor: Low VOC; low odor; waterborne acrylic formula.

Best Use: Drywall, wood, masonry, plaster, previously painted surfaces, light‑to‑moderate stains.

Pros: Strong adhesion; excellent hide; blocks many stains; interior/exterior versatility; fast dry.

Cons: Not as aggressive as Prime Lock for heavy stains; not as specialty‑bonding as Stix.

Verdict: A reliable, high‑hide acrylic primer offering strong adhesion and stain blocking — ideal for everyday interior and exterior prep where versatility and performance matter.

Spread Rate: ~300–400 sq ft/gal.

Hide: Excellent; high‑hide formula blocks heavy stains and uneven color.

Application: Smooth, controlled flow; strong sealing; sands acceptably for an oil primer.

Washability: Not applicable; primer designed for topcoating, not cleaning.

Durability: High; seals porous surfaces, blocks stains, and improves long‑term adhesion.

VOC/Odor: Higher odor; compliant oil‑based formula.

Best Use: Water stains, smoke damage, tannin bleed, knots, graffiti, problem substrates.

Pros: Powerful stain blocking; strong adhesion; reliable on difficult surfaces; interior/exterior use.

Cons: Longer dry time; higher odor; requires solvent cleanup; not as bonding‑specialized as Stix.

Verdict: A heavy‑duty oil primer delivering strong adhesion and aggressive stain blocking — ideal for problem surfaces needing maximum sealing and holdout.