Eco Spec® is our “greenest” interior premium paint. With zero VOCs and zero emissions, Eco Spec® is the perfect choice when an environmentally responsible paint is required and is tinted with Benjamin Moore's proprietary Gennex® zero VOC colorant system.
A. Many Benjamin Moore paint formulas are zero VOCs and low odor.
Our commitment to research and innovation has led us to many industry firsts. And years before the federal government required it, we eliminated lead, formaldehyde and mercury from our paints and met VOC standards.
This high price paint is sold at independent hardware retailers and at Benjamin Moore Paint stores. It is environmentally friendly (Zero or low VOCs).
Eco Spec. Eco Spec® is our “greenest” interior premium paint. With zero VOCs and zero emissions, Eco Spec® is the perfect choice when an environmentally responsible paint is required and is tinted with Benjamin Moore's proprietary Gennex® zero VOC colorant system.
While Aura might have a slight edge in terms of overall durability, Regal Select's robust performance and resistance to weathering make it an equally compelling choice. Both paints offer excellent coverage and protection, ensuring that your walls look beautiful and stay protected, no matter where they are applied.
Harmony Flat, Eg-Shel, Semi-Gloss, and Primer are low-odor, zero-VOC acrylic latex paints. They come in 1- and 5-gallon sizes, covering approximately 400 square feet per gallon.
In addition to being safe for your nursery, there are other benefits of high-quality Benjamin Moore paints! Formulated with safer chemicals, this paint can reduce contaminants in groundwater and landfills. If you want the “greenest” option possible, Eco Spec is a great environmentally-friendly choice.
Benjamin Moore Aura Interior Acrylic Paint & Primer
That's why we love this paint for homeowners and pros alike. Per its safety data sheet, Benjamin Moore's Aura had one of the lowest concentrations of hazardous materials of all tested paints, including very low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Both brands are known for their excellent coverage, durability, and finish. However, Benjamin Moore is often recognized as having a slightly better quality than Sherwin Williams. Benjamin Moore paints tend to have better coverage with fewer coats needed to achieve the desired finish.
Compared to other brands like Sherwin William, the Benjamin Moore paint cost provides great value for your money, gives you an excellent coverage, and allows a smooth application without leaving brush marks.
If you are using a low-VOC, water-based paint with a “Green Seal” logo of any kind, it is also okay to sleep in the room the same day paint is applied. However, the paint will still smell for 24 hours or more. Typically the smell will lessen in 2-3 days if you keep a window open and/or a fan blowing.
The Eco Spec is an eco-friendly paint, with the lowest total emissions of any zero VOC option. Non-toxic, it is easy on allergy and asthma sufferers. Eco Spec comes in four different finishes: Flat, Eggshell, Semi-Gloss and Pearl.
Paint manufacturers are required to print the amount of VOCs on the paint can itself, so a little sleuthing at your local paint store will go a long way. The U.S. government now limits the amount of VOCs to 250 grams per liter for flat finishes and 380 for glossy finishes.
Look for water-based or natural paints
Water-based and natural paints are also less likely to cause allergic reactions. Water-based and natural paints are also safer for the environment. In addition, these paint types often carry a lower VOC level.
Additives/Toxicants
Any of Benjamin Moore paints featuring the “Green Promise” designation are APEs free. This includes Benjamin Moore Aura, Regal Select, ben, Eco Spec, and Ultra Spec. Ultra Spec is the only one confirmed to be PFAS-free based on the Declare Label.
Benjamin Moore Eco Spec vs.
Natura and Eco Spec are both non-toxic paints engineered by Benjamin Moore, but Natura was discontinued as of March 2021.
Acrylic paints are another type of water-based paint known for their versatility and durability. They typically have a low VOC content, especially when compared to traditional oil-based paints.
Benjamin Moore makes excellent products, and Regal Select and Aura are their very best interior paints. However, which one is best for your home interior project? While Aura is the highest quality paint Benjamin Moore has, Regal Select hits the sweet spot on durability and price.
Specifically for Aura, Benjamin Moore created a patented ColorLock technology, which integrates a proprietary resin with an exclusive waterborne colorant system. It was created without any added VOCs and contains no glycol, so the color is locked in, says Spillane.
While initial costs may be higher for Benjamin Moore paints, their longevity and the infrequency of needed touch-ups can provide better long-term value. Behr offers good quality for its price, especially for those looking for decent performance without the premium cost, but who is to say on how long the paint may last.