Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Professional Painters Choice for Superior Interior Walls

Pro painter Noah Kanter has built his reputation on delivering flawless interior paint finishes year after year. Like many seasoned professionals, he relies on a stable of trusted products he can deploy in different circumstances. His go-to for interior walls is Benjamin Moore Regal Select, a premium waterborne acrylic paint that delivers the coverage, durability, and finish quality that professional painters and discerning homeowners demand.

Choosing the right paint is not just about color. It is about how the paint applies, how it hides the surface beneath, how it holds up to cleaning, and how it looks when the light hits it at different angles. In this article we explore what makes Regal Select a preferred choice among painting professionals and how you can achieve the same high-quality results in your own projects. Whether you are considering spray application methods versus brush and roller, the foundation of a great finish starts with the paint itself.

Why Regal Select Stands Out for Interior Wall Painting

Regal Select is not just another can of paint on the shelf. It is engineered specifically for interior wall and ceiling applications with a formulation that addresses the most common frustrations painters face: poor hide, uneven sheen, and difficult application.

Superior Hide and Coverage

One of the first things professionals notice about Regal Select is its exceptional hide. Hide refers to the paint’s ability to cover the previous color or substrate in fewer coats. With many economy paints, achieving full coverage requires three or even four coats. Regal Select typically delivers full hide in two coats, even when going from a dark color to a light one.

• One-coat coverage on similar colors and properly primed surfaces
• Two-coat coverage on most color change scenarios
• Reduced labor time and material consumption compared to standard paints
• Consistent color development across the entire painted surface

Flow and Leveling Characteristics

Flow and leveling describe how paint spreads and smooths out after application. Paints with poor flow leave brush marks, roller stipple, and lap marks. Regal Select uses advanced acrylic resin technology that gives the paint time to flow out before it sets, producing a smooth, uniform finish.

1. Apply paint with a high-quality 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch microfiber roller cover
2. Maintain a wet edge by working from wet paint into dry areas
3. Use a quality angled sash brush for cutting in around trim and ceilings
4. Avoid overworking the paint once it begins to set
5. Maintain consistent roller pressure throughout each pass

Available Sheen Levels for Different Applications

Surface Preparation for Professional-Grade Results

No paint, regardless of how advanced its formulation, can overcome poor surface preparation. Professional painters spend the majority of their time on prep work, and this is where Regal Select truly rewards careful attention to detail.

Cleaning and Repairing Walls

Before any paint touches the wall, the surface must be clean, dry, and sound. Dirt, grease, and oily residues prevent paint from bonding properly and can cause adhesion failure down the road.

• Wash walls with a mild trisodium phosphate substitute and rinse thoroughly
• Fill nail holes and small dents with spackling compound and sand smooth
• Repair cracks and damaged drywall compound before priming
• Remove all dust with a tack cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment

Priming Considerations

Regal Select performs best when applied over a properly primed surface. While the paint has good adhesion on its own, primer provides a uniform substrate that maximizes hide and sheen uniformity.

For previously painted walls in good condition, a coat of Benjamin Moore Fresh Start primer ensures optimal results. For new drywall, bare wood, or surfaces with stains, use a dedicated stain-blocking primer. If you are also repainting interior trim, the same discipline of cleaning, sanding, and priming applies for a finish that lasts.

Patches and Texture Matching

One of the most challenging aspects of interior painting is making repaired areas blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall texture. Regal Select’s consistent sheen across the surface helps minimize the visual difference, but the texture must be matched first.

• Use lightweight spackle for small holes and sand flush
• For moderate patches, apply multiple thin layers of compound, feathering edges
• Match knockdown, orange peel, or smooth finish using texture spray cans or a hopper gun
• Prime all patches before applying the finish coat

Application Techniques Used by Professional Painters

The way paint is applied has as much impact on the final result as the paint itself. Professional painters develop specific techniques that maximize the performance of premium paints like Regal Select.

Cutting In with Precision

Cutting in is the technique of painting the perimeter of walls where they meet ceilings, corners, and trim. This step requires a steady hand and the right tool.

1. Load the brush by dipping one-third of the bristle length into the paint
2. Tap off excess against the side of the bucket, do not wipe on the rim
3. Start 1/2 inch from the edge and brush toward the tape or trim line
4. Feather the edge of the cut-in band so it blends with the rolled area
5. Work in sections of 3 to 4 feet along each wall

Rolling Technique for a Smooth Finish

Rolling seems straightforward, but the difference between an amateur result and a professional finish comes down to technique.

• Use a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch microfiber roller cover for smooth walls
• Load the roller evenly by rolling in the paint tray until the cover is saturated
• Roll in a W pattern to distribute paint, then fill in with parallel passes
• Apply light, even pressure let the roller do the work
• Roll from the wet edge into unpainted areas to prevent lap marks

The same rolling principles apply whether you are painting large wall surfaces or smaller accent areas. Understanding color psychology in paint selection can help you choose sheens and hues that work together in open floor plans.

Maintaining a Wet Edge

Lap marks occur when paint is applied over a partially dried section of the same coat. Regal Select has an open time that is generous enough for most application scenarios, but maintaining a wet edge is still critical for flawless results.

1. Plan your work order so you complete entire walls without interruption
2. Roll full wall heights in one continuous motion from ceiling to floor
3. Work across the wall in 3-foot-wide sections
4. In hot or dry conditions, reduce section width to 2 feet
5. Have a helper cut in ahead of the roller if working on large rooms

Durability, Maintenance, and Long-Term Performance

One of the strongest arguments for choosing Regal Select over lower-cost alternatives is its long-term performance. Interior walls take abuse from daily life, and the ability to clean them without damaging the finish extends the time between repaints significantly.

Washability and Stain Resistance

Regal Select’s acrylic resin system creates a tough, flexible film that resists marking and cleans up well when marks do occur. The paint’s resistance to burnishing the shiny marks left by rubbing or scrubbing is notably better than standard interior paints.

• Most smudges and fingerprints wipe clean with a damp sponge and mild soap
• Crayon and pencil marks can be cleaned with gentle scrubbing
• Kitchen grease splatters require a mild degreasing cleaner
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrub pads that can dull the finish

Color Retention Over Time

Premium paints maintain their color longer than budget alternatives. Regal Select uses lightfast pigments that resist fading from both natural and artificial light. This is especially important in rooms with large windows or spaces that get direct sunlight for part of the day.

For homeowners planning multiple rooms, starting with a consistent product line ensures that colors remain true across the house and that touch-ups made years later will blend acceptably. The professional advice from experienced painters consistently points to using the same product line throughout a project for predictable results.

When to Repaint Interior Walls

Even the best paint eventually needs refreshing. Signs that walls need repainting include visible wear in high-traffic areas, fading or yellowing, and difficulty cleaning marks off the surface.

• High-traffic hallways and kids rooms typically need repainting every 3 to 5 years
• Living rooms and formal dining areas can go 5 to 7 years between repaints
• Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from repainting every 3 to 4 years due to moisture and grease
• Ceilings last longer, often 7 to 10 years, before they show discoloration

Touch-Up Feasibility

One practical advantage of Regal Select is that touch-ups are more likely to blend successfully than with lower-quality paints. Keep a record of the exact color formula and sheen for each room, and store leftover paint in a cool, dry location. When touching up, apply paint only to the damaged area and feather the edges. If the original paint has aged significantly, consider repainting the entire wall rather than spot-touching.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Regal Select is a waterborne acrylic paint, which means it has lower volatile organic compound levels than oil-based alternatives. This makes it suitable for occupied homes during painting and reduces the environmental impact of the project. Good ventilation during application and drying is still recommended, but the odor and off-gassing are minimal compared to traditional solvent-based paints.