When it comes to premium exterior paints that offer superior durability and long‑lasting finishes, two products that homeowners and professionals often compare are Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior High Build.
Both are designed to provide excellent performance on exterior surfaces, but they approach high‑end protection in slightly different ways. Whether you’re repainting a house exterior, trim, or other architectural elements, understanding the strengths of each paint can help you choose the right product for your project.
Overview of Each Paint
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior
Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex is a premium exterior paint formulated for exceptional weather resistance, adhesion, and longevity. It’s known for its ability to resist fading, cracking, and peeling, even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Emerald Exterior is designed to deliver a rich finish while providing protection against moisture, UV exposure, and temperature changes.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior High Build
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior High Build is a premium exterior paint formulated to provide superior hide, durability, and long‑term performance. It belongs to Benjamin Moore’s Regal lineup, which is known for excellent color retention and smooth application.
The “High Build” formulation specifically allows for improved film thickness, helping enhance durability and hide on exterior surfaces such as siding, trim, gutters, and doors.
Regal Select Exterior High Build is often chosen for projects where color depth, adhesion, and long‑lasting performance are priorities.
Coverage and Application
Both paints are designed for smooth application across exterior surfaces.
Emerald Exterior is engineered to level well, helping minimize visible brush and roller marks. Its formulation enables dependable coverage and a uniform finish when applied with brush, roller, or sprayer.
Regal Select Exterior High Build is known among painters for its strong hide and even coverage. The high‑build formula helps provide a consistent film with each coat, which can reduce the number of coats needed to achieve solid color and finish depth.
Both products can be applied with standard exterior tools, but many professionals appreciate the coverage characteristics and leveling performance of Regal high‑build paints.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Exterior paints, especially in places like New York, will see all the weather elements. The paints must handle sun, rain, freeze‑thaw cycles, and general wear.
Emerald Exterior is designed to provide strong resistance to peeling and blistering while offering long‑term protection from weather exposure. Its advanced acrylic formula is engineered for stability across a wide range of temperatures.
Regal Select Exterior High Build is formulated to deliver similar weather‑resistant performance with an emphasis on film thickness and durability. The high‑build component helps enhance protection against cracking and wear over time. Its weather resistance has made it a frequent choice among professionals for residential and commercial exterior applications.
Fade and Mildew Resistance
Color retention and mildew resistance are key exterior performance factors.
Emerald Exterior provides good resistance to fading and mildew under normal conditions, helping maintain color integrity over time.
Regal Select Exterior High Build also offers strong resistance to chalking and fading due to its acrylic blend. Benjamin Moore’s proprietary colorant system helps maintain color depth even after extended sun exposure. In addition, mildew inhibitors help protect exterior film in humid conditions.
This balance of fade resistance and film integrity makes Regal high‑build paints a durable contender in challenging climates.
Best Uses for Each Paint
Sherwin‑Williams Emerald Exterior is commonly used for:
- residential siding
- trim and fascia
- wood and fiber cement surfaces
- environments with wide temperature swings
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior High Build is frequently chosen for:
- homes where long‑term color retention is critical
- residential and light commercial exteriors
- architectural details that benefit from enhanced film thickness
- areas exposed to high weather stress
Both paints are suitable for large exterior projects, but professionals often turn to the high‑build formulation when durability and hide are top priorities.
Price and Value
Premium exterior paints like Emerald and Regal Select Exterior High Build typically sit in the upper price tier for exterior coatings.
Regal Select Exterior High Build is often considered a strong value due to its blend of hide, durability, and finish quality. Many painters and homeowners find that fewer coats and excellent coverage make it an excellent investment.
Which Paint Should You Choose?
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex and Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior High Build are both premium exterior paint options capable of delivering long‑lasting protection and beautiful finishes.
Emerald Exterior is a reliable choice with strong weather resistance and a history of solid performance.
Regal Select Exterior High Build provides excellent hide, color retention, and film durability, making it a compelling choice for homeowners and professionals who want a finish with enhanced longevity and film build.
If you’re planning a large exterior project, speaking with trained paint specialists at one of our paint shop locations can help you determine which product best suits your specific surface materials and climate conditions.