What is the Best Exterior Paint?: Benjamin Moore's Aura® vs. Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh®

Choosing the right exterior paint is pivotal for safeguarding your home against Kansas City's unpredictable climate. Today, we're comparing two top contenders: Benjamin Moore's Aura® and Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh®. Renowned for their durability and lasting beauty, these paints are at the forefront of innovation, albeit at the top end of the cost spectrum. Here's a detailed look to help you decide the best option for your painting project:

Color Retention and Technology:

• Benjamin Moore's Aura®: Celebrated for its exceptional color retention and durability, Aura® Featuring Gennex Color Technology, it ensures long-term durability against fading, making it perfect for Kansas City's diverse climate.

• Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh®: Notable for its self-cleaning properties, Emerald Rain Refresh® sheds dirt and grime with each rainfall, reducing maintenance and keeping the exterior looking fresh. This is particularly advantageous for lighter colors.

Resistance to Environmental Factors:

• Benjamin Moore's Aura®: Engineered to resist mold, mildew, and algae, Aura® is a reliable choice for the humid Kansas summers and variable weather conditions, ensuring a cleaner and more durable exterior.

• Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh®: Also formulated with additives to prevent mold, mildew, and algae, Emerald Rain Refresh® is less susceptible to common environmental challenges, including insects, thanks to mild insecticidal properties.

Application and Maintenance:

• Benjamin Moore's Aura®: Known for its smooth application and excellent coverage, Aura® often requires fewer coats to achieve a professional finish, making the painting process quicker and more efficient. Its robust formulation reduces the need for frequent touch-ups, easing long-term maintenance.

• Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh®: This paint offers excellent flow and leveling during application, and its slick surface aids in the self-cleaning process. Although it may require careful handling during masking, its durability against blistering, peeling, and fading under harsh conditions makes it a strong candidate for high-exposure areas.

Titanium Content and Importance:

• Both Benjamin Moore's Aura® and Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh® contain a higher proportion of titanium compared to standard paints. Titanium dioxide is a key ingredient used in paints as a pigment. It enhances opacity, brightness, and whiteness, improving the paint's ability to cover surfaces effectively and resist discoloration over time. Additionally, titanium dioxide contributes to the paints' durability and resistance to UV radiation, further protecting the substrate from weathering and degradation.

Conclusion: While both Benjamin Moore's Aura® and Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh® are premium options at the top end of the cost spectrum, their innovative features and durable formulations justify their value. Whether you prioritize minimal maintenance with self-cleaning properties or require protection against environmental factors, both paints offer excellent solutions tailored to Kansas City's climate. Choose wisely to ensure your home not only looks beautiful but remains well-protected for years to come.

At Mission Painting, it's worth noting that these two paints, Benjamin Moore's Aura® and Sherwin-Williams' Emerald Rain Refresh®, are the exclusive options included in our Forever Warranty™ package. We stand behind these products for their exceptional quality and performance, ensuring our customers receive lasting satisfaction and peace of mind with every paint job.