When you live in Austin, your home’s exterior is constantly under siege. Between the punishing UV rays of the Texas summer, the sudden humidity spikes, and those unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms, your paint job has a lot of work to do. As the Athlete Manager at BLS Painting, I’ve seen firsthand how the wrong product can fail in as little as two years, leaving homeowners with peeling trim and faded siding.
That is why we don’t just grab whatever is on sale. At BLS Painting, we curate our product selection to ensure your investment lasts. For our high-end residential repaints, we consistently turn to three heavy hitters from Benjamin Moore: Aura Exterior, Regal Select High Build (MoorGlo), and Element Guard.
Each of these products serves a specific purpose in the Austin landscape. Whether you are looking for the absolute peak of luxury color or a coating that can withstand a surprise rainstorm, understanding the differences between these three will help you make the best choice for your property.
The Gold Standard: Aura Exterior Paint
If you want the absolute best of the best, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior is the undisputed champion. This is the product we recommend for Austin’s most prestigious homes where color depth and longevity are the top priorities.
Unmatched Color Lock Technology
The standout feature of Aura is Benjamin Moore’s proprietary Color Lock technology. Unlike traditional paints where the pigment is merely mixed in, Aura microscopically bonds the pigment to the resin. For an Austin homeowner, this means your "Naval Blue" or "Iron Ore" front door stays that exact shade for years longer than it would with standard paint. It resists the "chalking" and fading that usually happens when the Texas sun beats down on dark pigments.
Superior Durability and Coverage
Aura Exterior is a high-solids formula. This means it is thicker and provides more "build" on the surface of your home.
- Single-Coat Potential: While we almost always recommend two coats for maximum protection, Aura’s hide is so exceptional that it often covers dark colors in fewer passes.
- Extreme Weather Resistance: It provides a breathable film that allows moisture to escape without causing blisters or cracks.
- Self-Priming: On most surfaces, Aura acts as its own primer, streamlining the application process while maintaining a high-end finish.
If you are looking for a restoration painting project that restores your home to its original glory, or better, Aura is the way to go.
The Designer’s Choice: Regal Select Exterior (MoorGlo)
Regal Select has been a staple in the professional painting industry for decades. Specifically, the "MoorGlo" finish (Soft Gloss) is a favorite for Austin homeowners who want a classic, sophisticated look on their trim, shutters, and siding.
The Perfect Sheen
Regal Select High Build offers a beautiful, smooth application that hides minor imperfections in the substrate. If your home has older wood siding or masonry that isn't perfectly smooth, Regal Select is incredibly forgiving.
- Lustrous Finish: The MoorGlo finish provides just enough shine to reflect light and highlight architectural details without looking "plastic."
- Excellent Adhesion: This paint sticks to almost anything. Whether we are painting over old oil-based coatings or new wood, its bond is legendary.
- Mildew Resistance: Austin’s humidity can lead to unsightly growth on the shady sides of houses. Regal Select is formulated with additives that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the paint film.
For many interior and exterior painting projects, Regal Select hits the "sweet spot" of price and premium performance. It offers a luxury feel that is more accessible than Aura while still outperforming 90% of the products on the market.
The Humidity Hero: Element Guard
Austin weather is notoriously fickle. One minute it’s 95 degrees and sunny; the next, a humidity-laden storm rolls in from the Gulf. This is where Element Guard shines. This is our "Go To" product when the forecast is uncertain or when we are dealing with high-moisture environments.
Rain-Ready in One Hour
The most impressive feature of Element Guard is its rapid moisture resistance. It can be rain-ready in as little as 60 minutes after application.
- Tackles Humidity: Many paints struggle to dry properly when the humidity is over 80%. Element Guard is specifically engineered to perform in these damp conditions.
- Low-Temperature Application: While we don’t get many freezes in Austin, Element Guard can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F, allowing us to keep your project on schedule during the winter months.
- Exceptional Adhesion on Multiple Surfaces: It works beautifully on wood, fiber cement, and even stucco repainting projects.
Element Guard is the practical choice for homeowners who want a durable, high-quality finish but don't want their project delayed by the "Wait and See" game of Texas weather.
Comparing the Three: Which One is Right for You?
To help you decide, let's break down how these products stack up against each other in the specific contexts of an Austin repaint.
| Feature | Aura Exterior | Regal Select (MoorGlo) | Element Guard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Maximum Fade Resistance | Classic Aesthetic & Trim | Humid/Unpredictable Weather |
| Price Point | Ultra-Premium | Premium | Professional Grade |
| Key Tech | Color Lock Technology | High Build Formula | Early Rain Resistance |
| Austin Climate Fit | High UV/Direct Sun | General All-Purpose Luxury | High Humidity/Rain Zones |
When to Choose Aura
Choose Aura if you are painting your home a dark, dramatic color or if your house has very little shade. The UV protection is second to none. It is also the best choice for new construction painting where you want the highest possible resale value.
When to Choose Regal Select
Choose Regal Select if you want that "Soft Gloss" look on your trim and want a product with a proven 20-year track record of reliability. It’s the perfect all-rounder for most residential neighborhoods in the Austin area.
When to Choose Element Guard
Choose Element Guard if your home is surrounded by heavy foliage (which traps moisture) or if we are painting during the rainy season. It offers peace of mind that your investment won't wash away in a sudden downpour.
Why Professional Application Matters
Even the best paint in the world will fail if the surface isn't prepared correctly. At BLS Painting, we don't just "slap on a coat." Our team at the BLS Painting Academy (BPA) is trained specifically in the application nuances of these high-end Benjamin Moore products.
Our Process Includes:
- Meticulous Cleaning: We begin with power washing to remove dirt, chalking, and pollutants.
- Surface Preparation: Scraping, sanding, and caulking are essential to ensure the paint adheres to the substrate, not the old failing layer.
- Specialized Tools: We use specific roller naps and brush types designed for high-solids paints like Aura to ensure a factory-smooth finish.
- Climate Monitoring: We track humidity and temperature to ensure we apply the product during the optimal "window" for curing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aura worth the extra cost?
In Austin, yes. Because Aura lasts longer and resists fading, you can often go 2–4 years longer between repaints compared to standard paints, saving you money in the long run.
Can I use these paints on my deck?
While these are excellent for vertical surfaces (siding and trim), for horizontal walking surfaces, we recommend our deck and fence staining services using products specifically designed for foot traffic.
How long does a typical exterior repaint take?
Most residential projects take between 3 to 7 days, depending on the size of the home and the amount of prep work required. We pride ourselves on experience you can trust and keeping a clean job site.
Which finish is best for Austin heat?
Lighter colors in a Satin or Soft Gloss (like MoorGlo) tend to reflect more heat than flat, dark colors, which can actually help with your home's thermal regulation.
Transform Your Home with BLS Painting
Choosing the right paint is the first step toward a beautiful home, but choosing the right partner to apply it is what guarantees success. Whether you want the unmatched luxury of Benjamin Moore Aura or the weather-ready resilience of Element Guard, BLS Painting is here to guide you.
Ready to revitalize your home’s curb appeal? Contact us today for a professional consultation and see why we are Austin’s "Go To" for high-end residential painting.
BLS Painting is Austin's Painting Contractor for Luxury Residences:
We proudly service the elite neighborhoods of Old Enfield, Tarrytown, Barton Creek, Pemberton Heights, and Spanish Oaks. Our expert crews also provide luxury estate services in Westlake, Rollingwood, Lakeway, Bee Caves, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Spicewood, and Buda, as well as other premier residential areas surrounding Austin, Texas.