When choosing a premium interior paint, two popular options homeowners and contractors often compare are Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint.
Both paints are designed to deliver excellent coverage, durability, and a smooth finish, making them strong contenders for high-quality interior projects. Understanding how these two products compare can help you decide which paint is the better fit for your space.
Overview of Each Paint Line
Sherwin-Williams Emerald
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex is Sherwin-Williams’ premium interior wall paint. It is designed for excellent washability and stain resistance, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas in the home.
Emerald is often chosen for projects where homeowners want a long-lasting finish that can withstand cleaning and everyday wear.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint is one of Benjamin Moore’s flagship interior paints. Known for its excellent coverage and smooth application, Regal Select has long been a favorite among professional painters and homeowners alike.
The paint uses Benjamin Moore’s proprietary resin technology, which helps deliver strong hide, rich color, and a durable finish.
Coverage and Application
Both paints are considered premium products, but they have slightly different strengths during application.
Regal Select is widely known for its strong hiding ability, which often allows painters to achieve full coverage in fewer coats—especially when making moderate color changes.
Emerald, on the other hand, is formulated to provide a smooth finish and strong leveling, helping minimize visible brush or roller marks.
Both paints apply well with brush, roller, or sprayer, making them suitable for DIY homeowners and professionals alike.
Durability and Washability
Durability is one of the main reasons homeowners invest in premium paint.
Emerald is known for its excellent washability and stain resistance, which makes it well suited for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and family rooms.
Regal Select also performs very well in terms of durability. Its washable finish allows most common household marks to be cleaned without damaging the paint film at all.
Both paints are strong performers for everyday residential use.
Finish Options
Each paint line offers a range of finishes designed for different surfaces and lighting conditions.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Paint finishes include:
- Flat
- Matte
- Satin
- Semi-gloss
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint finishes include:
- Flat
- Matte
- Eggshell
- Satin / Pearl
- Semi-gloss
This variety makes both paint lines flexible enough to use throughout the home, from walls to trim and accent areas.
Best Uses for Each Paint
Both paints are versatile, but homeowners sometimes choose one over the other depending on the project.
Emerald is commonly used for:
- high-traffic rooms
- kitchens and hallways
- spaces that require frequent cleaning
Regal Select is often chosen for:
- living rooms and bedrooms
- whole-home repaint projects
- spaces where smooth application and strong coverage are important
Price Comparison
Pricing can vary by retailer and location, but both paints sit within the premium interior paint category.
In many markets:
- Emerald tends to be slightly more expensive
- Regal Select typically falls a bit lower in price while still offering premium performance
Because of this, some homeowners see Regal Select as offering strong value within the high-end paint category.
Which Paint Should You Choose?
Both Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint are excellent choices for interior painting projects.
Ultimately, the best paint for your project will depend on the room, the surface being painted, and your performance priorities.
If you’re deciding between premium paint options, visit one of our paint stores throughout NYC to get help from our team members. Speak with our trained paint professionals and viewing color samples in person can make it easier to choose the right product for your project.