The best Benjamin Moore exterior paints for Minnesota homes deliver exceptional durability, color retention, and protection against our state''s extreme weather conditions. Benjamin Moore has been a trusted name in premium paint for over 130 years, and their exterior product line includes several outstanding options for Minnesota homeowners. At Weatherguard Construction, our family-owned team has applied Benjamin Moore products on thousands of homes across Stillwater, Woodbury, and Minneapolis over the past 25+ years. Here is our expert guide to choosing the right Benjamin Moore exterior paint for your project.
Why Benjamin Moore for Minnesota Exteriors?
Benjamin Moore paints are manufactured using proprietary Gennex colorant technology that produces richer, more accurate colors with superior fade resistance compared to conventional colorant systems. Their exterior products are formulated with 100 percent acrylic resins that provide the flexibility needed to withstand Minnesota''s dramatic temperature swings from -30 degrees in winter to 95 degrees in summer without cracking or peeling.
Benjamin Moore also maintains higher quality control standards than many competitors, with paint manufactured in company-owned facilities rather than outsourced to third-party producers. This consistency translates to reliable performance across batches and product lines.
Top Benjamin Moore Exterior Products
Aura Exterior Paint
Aura Exterior is Benjamin Moore''s premium exterior offering and our top recommendation for Minnesota homes. It features Color Lock technology that delivers the most fade-resistant formula in the Benjamin Moore lineup. Aura provides exceptional coverage, often achieving full hide in fewer coats than competitive products, and its thick, creamy consistency makes application smooth and efficient.
Key benefits for Minnesota include outstanding flexibility in extreme temperature ranges, superior adhesion to properly prepared surfaces, excellent resistance to mildew and algae, low-VOC formula for reduced environmental impact, and lifetime limited warranty. Aura Exterior is available in flat, low lustre, satin, and semi-gloss sheens. We typically recommend flat or low lustre for body surfaces and satin or semi-gloss for trim.
Regal Select Exterior Paint
Regal Select Exterior offers premium performance at a more accessible price point than Aura. It uses Benjamin Moore''s proprietary resin technology for excellent durability and weather resistance. Regal Select provides great coverage, color depth, and long-term performance that makes it an outstanding value for Minnesota homeowners who want quality without the premium price tag.
Regal Select is our go-to recommendation for budget-conscious homeowners who still demand quality. It typically delivers 8 to 12 years of performance on properly prepared surfaces in Minnesota, slightly less than Aura but still excellent by any standard.
Ben Exterior Paint
Ben Exterior is Benjamin Moore''s most affordable exterior line and still outperforms many competitors'' premium offerings. It uses 100 percent acrylic resin for good adhesion and durability, though its pigment load and resin quality are lower than Aura and Regal Select. Ben is a solid choice for rental properties, outbuildings, and budget-sensitive projects where good performance at a lower cost is the priority.
Ultra Spec Masonry Elastomeric Coating
For stucco, concrete block, and masonry surfaces, Benjamin Moore''s Ultra Spec Masonry Elastomeric Coating is an exceptional product. This thick, flexible coating bridges hairline cracks, provides outstanding waterproofing, and protects masonry from Minnesota''s damaging freeze-thaw cycles. It is our preferred product for stucco homes and commercial masonry buildings.
Benjamin Moore Color Resources
Benjamin Moore offers excellent color selection tools that help Minnesota homeowners choose with confidence. Their Color Portfolio fan deck contains over 3,500 colors organized by color family, making it easy to compare options. The Benjamin Moore website and app feature a virtual color tool that lets you visualize colors on photos of your actual home. And their color consultants at authorized Benjamin Moore retailers can provide personalized guidance.
At Weatherguard Construction, we also offer free color consultations where we bring large-format color samples to your home and evaluate them against your roof, stone, brick, and other fixed elements in natural lighting.
Where to Buy Benjamin Moore Paint
Unlike many major paint brands, Benjamin Moore is sold exclusively through independent retailers and authorized dealers, not big box stores. This specialty distribution model means you get expert advice from knowledgeable paint professionals at the point of purchase. Minnesota has numerous Benjamin Moore dealers, and our team at Weatherguard Construction has established relationships with authorized dealers throughout the Twin Cities metro.
Application Tips for Benjamin Moore Exterior Paints
Proper Thinning
Benjamin Moore exterior paints are formulated to be applied at package consistency in most conditions. Avoid thinning unless temperatures are unusually high and the paint is drying too quickly. If thinning is necessary, use only water and add no more than the manufacturer''s recommended maximum.
Recoat Windows
Follow Benjamin Moore''s recommended recoat times, which vary by product and weather conditions. Applying the second coat too soon can trap solvents and cause adhesion problems. In Minnesota''s variable humidity, recoat times may differ from what is printed on the can, so our experienced painters adjust timing based on actual conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Benjamin Moore exterior paints generally require air and surface temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during application and for 24 hours after. Some products like Aura Exterior can be applied at temperatures as low as 40 degrees, extending Minnesota''s painting season into late fall and early spring.
Ready to paint your home with the best Benjamin Moore products? Book your free estimate with Weatherguard Construction or call (651) 439-4320. We serve homeowners across Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benjamin Moore paint worth the higher price?
Yes. Benjamin Moore paints cost more per gallon than big box store brands, but their superior coverage, durability, color accuracy, and fade resistance mean fewer coats needed and longer intervals between repaints. When factored over the full lifecycle of a paint job, Benjamin Moore typically offers better value than cheaper alternatives.
Which Benjamin Moore exterior paint is best for siding?
For most Minnesota homes, Aura Exterior in flat or low lustre sheen is our top recommendation for siding. Regal Select is an excellent alternative at a lower price point. Both provide outstanding durability and color retention in Minnesota''s demanding climate.
Can I use Benjamin Moore interior paint outside?
No. Interior paints lack the UV stabilizers, mildew inhibitors, and flexible resin systems needed for exterior exposure. Always use products specifically formulated for exterior use. Benjamin Moore''s exterior product line is engineered for the demands of outdoor exposure including Minnesota''s extreme weather.
How does Benjamin Moore compare to Sherwin-Williams for exteriors?
Both are excellent premium paint brands. Benjamin Moore''s Gennex colorant system provides slightly superior color accuracy and fade resistance, while Sherwin-Williams offers wider retail availability. At Weatherguard Construction, we are experienced with both brands and can recommend the best product for your specific project and budget.
