2022 Professional Review of BM Regal Flat

Is Regal Flat Paint Any Good?

In 1957 when Regal Satin paint first landed on the painting shelves it was a unique paint. I was touted as one of the easiest paints to apply ever. In the 50’s most paint was alkyd base which means it spread like honey and dried slowly.
No question, for many years Regal Satin and later the Regal Aqua Velvet (eggshell) where the easiest to apply and resilient paints on the market. However, how does Regal Flat compare with other premium paints in 2022?
Regulations and consumer demand has changed what is expected from a gallon of paint.
We will compare
1. Coverage
2. Washability
3. Durability
4. Workability
5. Touch-up
6. Price
Meet The Competition
For a detailed review of Sherwin Williams Flat Paint s, Hover here.
Marquee does not come in a flat finish. The closest sheen is a Matte finish.
For a detailed review of PPG Manor Hall Flat, hover here.
Prejudice and Preconceived Beliefs
To be completely honest, I have always liked using Regal Paints, but I typically bought PPG and SW products instead. I had good results with PPG and SW, and new their strengths and weaknesses. I only bought BM products when a customer insisted. In most cases I really liked using Ben Moore products but I didn’t like the price. BM products were always significantly more expensive than PPG and SW and I couldn’t justify the price.
In addition, It was my experience that most paint manufactures premium grade paints are all very good paints.
Therefore, there was no need to spend extra money on more expensive paints.


Regal Flat Coverage
Regardless of when I was using the product in the 1990’s or 2022 the coverage has never been an issue.
We painted at the Smithsonian for a several years. With each new exhibit, there were always dramatic color change. The required paint was Regal Flat or Eggshell. Whether we changed from dark colors to light colors, or vis-a-versa the paint covered in two coats.


Regal Flat Coverage score a 10
Selvin painting at the Smithsonian for Klappenberger & Son
Behr Marquee has significantly better coverage than Regal Flat
Flat Regal Washability
As recently as 5 years ago, premium flat paints did not have the washability of an average low sheen paint. So, paint manufactures cheated a little and created matte finish paints. Matte finish paints have a very slight sheen. But a slight sheen was necessary to give this almost flat paint excellent washability.
Today there are several premium flat paints that can handle tough stains such as catsup, mustard, wine, and coffee. A few years ago, this was not possible.
Regal flat paint was up for the challenge. In addition to the paint being very washable, it did not affect the overall finish. In other words, there was no burnishing.
Regal Flat Washability 10 out of 10
Durability
Flat paints typically get damaged after cleaning also known as burnishing.
Regal Flat paint showed no signs of burnishing where it was cleaned.

Durability of Regal Flat 10 out of 10
Workability Means Better Productivity
In 1957 when Regal applied on walls it was branded as an easy paint to apply. Back in those days most paint was alkyd and spread like cold butter or bread. Regal Satin was a cutting-edge acrylic paint that pleased homeowners and painters across the country.
Today Regal Flat is still easy to work with. It spreads much easier than most flat paints and the coverage is excellent.
The easier paint is to apply the faster and more productive you will be. Not only will Regal flat increase productivity but a single gallon of paint covers about 50 -75 square feet more than most paints.
Does Regal Flat Touch-up?
Whether you have to go back and spackle or fix a scuff mark, Regal Flat touches up very well. Most flat paints touch-up very well, in fact the cheaper quality paints are typically better.
Regal does cost more, but it is a true flat with great washability.
Is Regal Flat A True Flat
Yes, Regal Flat is considered a true flat. Paints are rated by viewing them at an 85-degree angle and gaging their reflectivity. For example, a wool sweater would have no reflectivity giving it a zero. However, a mirror would have 100% reflectivity giving it a grade of 100. Flat paint is supposed to be between 0 -2. Regal Flat has a reflectivity of 1-3.5 on a scale of 100.
What Is the Best Use For This Paint
Prior to Aura, Regal was Ben Moore’s Premium grade paint. It retails for about $60.00 a gallon. Due to the price alone, I would not recommend it on rental properties, restaurants, and other heavy traffic areas.
Instead, I recommend this paint when you want a flat paint that you will be cleaning from time to time. Do your walls have imperfections, yet you want a washable paint? Regal flat would be perfect. Do you have a tall foyer, and the walls are not straight? Again, Regal flat to the rescue.