20 Mar
Duration vs. Aura: The Lasting Impact of Quality Painting

Key Features

  • Premium Paint Brands Utilized: Lightmen Painting uses high-quality paint products, specifically Sherwin Williams' Duration and Benjamin Moore's Aura, known for their durability, vibrant colors, and superior finish quality, ensuring long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.
  • Expertise and Craftsmanship: Lightmen Painting is recognized for its skilled application of premium paints, merging durability with aesthetics to create spaces that are both beautiful and resilient, tailored to withstand Portland’s varied climate.
  • Reputation and Reliability: As a leading painting contractor in Portland, Oregon, Lightmen Painting has established a reputation for not compromising on quality, offering clients a unique blend of high-grade materials and meticulous craftsmanship in every project.


Duration?... Aura?...

What’s the Difference Between Duration and Aura Paint?

When comparing Duration and Aura, two premium paint products from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, it’s clear that both are designed to deliver high-quality finishes with durability in mind. But how do they stack up? Let’s explore the differences and figure out which paint is the right fit for your next project.

What Are the Key Features of Sherwin-Williams Duration?

Sherwin-Williams Duration is known for its exceptional durability and stain resistance. It’s a go-to product for homeowners looking for long-lasting results on both interior and exterior surfaces.

  • Advanced Durability: Duration has built-in technology that allows the paint to withstand high-traffic areas and extreme weather conditions for exterior surfaces.
  • Mildew Resistance: It’s formulated with antimicrobial agents that help prevent mildew and mold, which is ideal for humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
  • Washable Finish: Even in a flat or matte sheen, Duration offers a highly washable surface, making it easier to maintain over time.

Things to Know

  • Exterior Durability: Duration is built to withstand extreme weather conditions, making it a top choice for outdoor surfaces.
  • One-Coat Application: Aura’s Color Lock® technology often delivers full coverage with a single coat, saving time and effort.
  • Low VOC Levels: Aura’s low emissions make it a healthier choice for indoor spaces.
  • Mildew Resistance: Duration contains antimicrobial agents that help prevent mold growth, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Versatility: Both paints can be used together—Aura for vibrant indoor walls and Duration for weather-resistant exteriors.



What Makes Benjamin Moore Aura Stand Out?

Benjamin Moore Aura paint is all about color depth and coverage. It’s designed to provide an ultra-smooth finish with fewer coats, thanks to its Color Lock® technology. Aura is perfect for achieving rich, vibrant tones.

  • One-Coat Coverage: Aura often delivers full coverage with just one coat, saving time and effort.
  • Color Lock® Technology: This ensures that the paint retains its vibrancy even after years of cleaning and exposure to sunlight.
  • Low VOC and Eco-Friendly: It’s environmentally friendly, with low emissions, making it a healthier choice for indoor spaces.

How Do Duration and Aura Compare in Terms of Durability?

Both Duration and Aura excel in durability, but they shine in different ways. Duration’s strength lies in its stain resistance and ability to handle weather extremes, making it a top pick for exteriors or high-traffic areas. Aura, on the other hand, maintains its color and finish through multiple cleanings without losing vibrancy, which is perfect for interiors with bold color choices.


FeatureDurationAura
Best UseHigh-traffic interiors, exteriorsInterior walls, bold colors
WashabilityExcellent, even in flat finishExcellent, smooth finish
VOC LevelsModerateLow
Coverage2 coats recommended1-2 coats with full coverage
Mildew ResistanceYesNo


Which Paint Should You Choose for Your Next Project?

It ultimately depends on the surface and environment. If you’re working on an exterior project or painting a high-traffic area, Duration is the better choice. Its durability ensures that your paint job will withstand the elements and wear-and-tear. However, if you’re painting interior walls and want rich, deep color with fewer coats, Aura is the way to go.



Duration vs. Aura: The Lasting Impact of Quality Painting



In Our Experience

"Both Duration and Aura perform exceptionally well, but they shine in different ways. For exterior surfaces or high-traffic interiors, Duration is unbeatable in terms of durability. Meanwhile, Aura’s vibrant colors are perfect for creating bold, standout walls indoors. By using each paint strategically, you can balance performance and aesthetics in your home. "



How Does the Price Compare Between Duration and Aura?

Both Duration and Aura come with premium price tags, but Aura tends to be slightly more expensive due to its advanced Color Lock® technology. However, Aura’s ability to cover surfaces in fewer coats might offset the higher upfront cost. Duration offers excellent value by extending the life of exterior surfaces, reducing the need for frequent repaints.

Can You Use Duration and Aura Together?

Yes! You can use Duration for exterior walls or high-traffic areas, while Aura can be reserved for feature walls or spaces where color vibrancy is key. This way, you get the best of both worlds—durability where needed and rich color where desired.

Choosing Between Duration and Aura

When it comes to the Duration vs. Aura debate, it’s all about understanding the specific needs of your space. Both paints offer exceptional performance but cater to different priorities—Duration for durability and weather resistance, and Aura for vibrant, long-lasting color with easy application. Whichever you choose, investing in a quality paint like these ensures that your project will stand the test of time.

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People Also Ask:

Which is better for interiors, Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura?

Aura is better suited for interiors due to its Color Lock® technology, offering vibrant color and fewer coats. Duration excels in high-traffic areas needing extra durability.

How many coats do I need with Duration vs. Aura?

While Duration typically requires two coats for optimal coverage, Aura often provides full coverage in one coat, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects.

Is Aura or Duration better for exterior surfaces?

Duration is better for exteriors due to its advanced weather resistance and mildew protection. Aura is more suited for interior projects that demand rich, lasting colors.


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Definitions

  • Duration Paint: A high-performance paint from Sherwin-Williams known for durability and stain resistance.
  • Aura Paint: A premium Benjamin Moore paint offering vibrant, one-coat coverage with advanced technology.
  • Color Lock® Technology: A feature in Aura paint that ensures deep, lasting color.
  • VOC Levels: Volatile organic compounds in paints that can affect indoor air quality; low levels are preferred for health reasons.
  • Washable Finish: Paint surfaces that allow for easy cleaning without damaging the finish.
  • Mildew Resistance: A feature in Duration that helps prevent mold growth, especially in humid areas.
  • High-Traffic Areas: Spaces like kitchens and hallways that require durable paint to withstand wear and tear.
  • Exterior Paint: Paint designed for outdoor use, offering weather resistance.
  • Primer: A preparatory coating applied before painting to ensure better adhesion.
  • Sheen Levels: The finish of paint, ranging from flat to high-gloss, impacting appearance and durability.


Lightmen Painting Serving: Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, West Linn, Milwaukie, Sherwood, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham   -Trade Partners-

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