I’m standing in the paint aisle, overwhelmed by cans promising perfection, and I know you’ve been there too. But let me tell you, Royal paint from Ace Hardware is the one you should grab.
It’s not just about slapping color on your walls; it’s about transforming your space with quality that lasts. I’ve painted rooms, furniture, and even my front door with Royal, and it’s never let me down.
Affordable, vibrant, and easy to work with, it’s a game-changer for DIYers and pros alike. Trust me, Royal paint is your ticket to a stunning, durable finish.
My Journey With Royal Paint
I remember the first time I picked up a can of Royal paint.
It was a Saturday morning, and my living room was begging for a refresh.
The walls were a tired beige, screaming for personality.
I wandered into my local Ace Hardware, unsure of what I needed, but the staff pointed me toward Royal’s interior line.
They swore by its coverage and ease of use, and I figured, why not?
I chose a deep teal called Coastal Mist, hoping it would bring some life to my space.
Applying Royal paint was a revelation. The texture was smooth, almost creamy, gliding onto my walls with a roller like it was meant to be there. I’m no professional painter, but it made me feel like one.
One coat covered most of the beige, and after the second, it was like the old color never existed. The finish was flawless—no streaks, no patchiness. Even in my poorly lit living room, the color popped, giving the space a cozy yet modern vibe.
I also used Royal’s exterior paint for my front door a few months later. That bold red still looks fresh despite rain and sun beating down on it for over a year.
What struck me most was how approachable it was. The paint didn’t drip excessively, and cleanup was a breeze with just soap and water. I spilled a bit on my hardwood floor (oops), but it wiped right off without leaving a trace.
The smell wasn’t overpowering either—none of that headache-inducing chemical stench you get with some brands. By the end of the weekend, my living room felt like a whole new space, and I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve used Royal for my kitchen cabinets, a bathroom accent wall, and even a garden bench. Each project left me impressed with its consistency and vibrancy. If you’re looking for a paint that makes you feel like a DIY rockstar, Royal’s got your back.
What Makes Royal Paint Stand Out?
- Unpacking the Pros
Let’s talk about why Royal paint has earned my loyalty. First off, the coverage is phenomenal.
Whether you’re painting over a dark color or a light one, Royal’s formula gets the job done in one or two coats.
I painted my kitchen cabinets, previously a dark cherry, with Royal’s eggshell finish in a soft gray.
One coat of primer and two coats of paint later, you’d never know those cabinets weren’t born that color.
It’s thick enough to cover well but not so heavy that it feels like you’re wrestling with it.
The color selection is another big win. Royal offers a spectrum that’s both trendy and timeless. From muted neutrals to bold jewel tones, there’s something for every vibe.
I spent hours flipping through their color swatches at Ace, and the staff even mixed custom shades when I couldn’t find the perfect match. The pigments are rich, so the color you see on the swatch is what you get on the wall—no surprises.
Durability is where Royal really shines. My front door, painted over a year ago, still looks vibrant despite constant exposure to the elements. Indoors, my living room walls have held up against scuffs, fingerprints, and even a rogue crayon mark from my nephew.
A quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it’s like nothing happened. For families or anyone with a busy household, this is a lifesaver.
Price-wise, Royal is a steal. At around $45 a gallon, it’s not the cheapest paint on the market, but it’s far from the wallet-busting prices of premium brands. You’re getting near-professional quality without breaking the bank.
Plus, it’s low-VOC, so you’re not breathing in harmful fumes while you paint. I’ve got asthma, so this was a huge deal for me—no wheezing or irritation, even in a small bathroom with minimal ventilation.
The Cons You Should Know About
No paint is perfect, and Royal has a few quirks. The drying time can be a bit longer than some competitors, especially in humid conditions. When I painted my bathroom, it took nearly four hours for the first coat to dry enough for a second.
If you’re in a rush, this can feel like an eternity. Plan your project for a dry, breezy day if possible.
Another drawback is availability.
Royal is exclusive to Ace Hardware, which is great if you’ve got one nearby but a hassle if you don’t.
I’m lucky to live near an Ace, but if you’re ordering online or driving miles to get it, that’s something to consider.
The color selection, while vast, also feels slightly smaller than what you’d find at bigger brands like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. If you’re after a super niche shade, you might need to rely on their custom mixing.
Finally, the primer situation can be a bit tricky. For most projects, Royal’s paint-and-primer combo works fine, but for tough surfaces like stained wood or glossy finishes, you’ll need a separate primer.
I learned this the hard way when painting my kitchen cabinets—without a dedicated primer, the first coat didn’t stick as well as I’d hoped. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it adds an extra step (and cost) to some projects.
Keeping Your Royal Paint Looking Fresh
You’ve painted your space, and it looks amazing—now let’s keep it that way. Royal paint is durable, but a little care goes a long way. For interior walls, regular cleaning is key. I dust my painted walls every couple of months with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent buildup.
For tougher spots, like the smudges near my kitchen light switch, a damp sponge with a drop of mild dish soap works wonders. Just don’t scrub too hard—Royal’s finish is tough, but aggressive scrubbing can dull it over time.
For high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms, consider using a satin or semi-gloss finish. These are easier to clean than flat or matte finishes. I learned this after painting my hallway in a flat finish—every fingerprint showed, and cleaning was a nightmare.
When I repainted with Royal’s satin finish, it was a game-changer. A quick wipe, and it’s good as new.
Exterior surfaces need a bit more attention. My front door gets hosed down gently every few months to remove dirt and pollen. Avoid pressure washing, as it can chip the paint or force water into seams.
If you notice small scratches or chips, touch them up right away. I keep a small can of my door’s red paint for quick fixes—it blends seamlessly if you feather the edges with a small brush.
Humidity is Royal paint’s kryptonite, so ensure good ventilation during and after painting. I made the mistake of painting my bathroom on a muggy day with the window closed, and the finish took forever to cure properly.
A fan or dehumidifier can help speed things up. For exterior projects, check the weather forecast and aim for a dry day with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F.
Finally, store leftover paint properly. I seal my cans tightly and keep them in a cool, dry basement. If you’re like me and tend to forget what color you used, label the can with the room and date.
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you need to touch up a scuff a year later.
How Royal Paint Stacks Up Against The Competition?
- Behr: The Home Depot Darling
Behr is a go-to for many DIYers, thanks to its wide availability at Home Depot and budget-friendly price.
I’ve used Behr’s Premium Plus for a guest bedroom, and it went on smoothly with decent coverage.
But compared to Royal, it feels a bit watered-down. I needed three coats to fully cover a light blue wall, whereas Royal would’ve done it in two.
Behr’s color range is impressive, but the durability doesn’t match Royal’s.
My Behr-painted walls started showing scuffs after a few months, while Royal’s finish holds up like a champ. If you’re pinching pennies, Behr’s a solid choice, but Royal’s quality justifies the slightly higher price.
- Sherwin-Williams: The Pro’s Pick
Sherwin-Williams is the gold standard for professional painters, and I get why.
Their Emerald line, which I used for my dining room, offers incredible coverage and a luxurious finish. But it comes at a cost—literally.
At nearly $85 a gallon, it’s almost double Royal’s price.
The application is smooth, and the colors are rich, but I didn’t notice a huge difference in durability compared to Royal.
Sherwin-Williams also has more stores, which is convenient, but Royal’s exclusive Ace Hardware vibe feels more personal. If you’re a pro or have a big budget, Sherwin-Williams is great, but Royal gives you similar quality for less.
- Benjamin Moore: The Premium Contender
Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select is another heavy hitter I’ve tried.
I painted my office with their Aura line, and the coverage was top-notch—one coat hid a dark green wall.
The finish is buttery smooth, and the color depth is unreal.
But at $75 a gallon, it’s a splurge.
Royal matches it in coverage and durability for most projects, and I prefer Royal’s slightly thicker consistency, which feels less finicky when rolling.
Benjamin Moore’s color palette is slightly larger, but Royal’s custom mixing gets you close enough. Unless you’re dead-set on a specific shade, Royal’s a more budget-friendly alternative.
- Valspar: The Value Option
Valspar, found at Lowe’s, is another brand I’ve tested, mainly for a porch project.
It’s affordable, often under $40 a gallon, and the coverage is decent for the price.
But it lacks the vibrancy and durability of Royal.
My porch railing, painted with Valspar, started fading after a year, while Royal’s exterior paint on my door still looks fresh.
Valspar’s finish also felt thinner, requiring an extra coat for full coverage. If you’re painting a low-traffic area and want to save a few bucks, Valspar’s fine, but Royal’s longevity makes it worth the extra cost.
- PPG: The Innovation Leader
PPG, which owns Glidden, is known for cutting-edge formulas. I tried their Timeless line for a bathroom project, and the coverage was solid, with a nice, even finish. PPG’s colors are vibrant, and their low-VOC options are great for sensitive folks like me.
But Royal edges it out in ease of application—PPG’s paint felt a bit stickier, making it harder to avoid brush marks. Price-wise, PPG is comparable to Royal, but I found Royal’s finish more forgiving for DIYers.
If you’re after high-tech paint, PPG’s a contender, but Royal’s balance of quality and usability wins for me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Royal paint is a fantastic choice for both DIYers and professionals. Its coverage, durability, and vibrant colors make it a standout, especially for the price. I’ve used it across multiple projects, from interior walls to exterior doors, and it consistently delivers a professional-grade finish. The low-VOC formula is a bonus for health-conscious folks. While it’s not perfect—drying times can be slow in humid conditions—it’s a reliable, budget-friendly option that competes with pricier brands.
Royal paint is high quality, especially for its price point. It offers excellent coverage, often needing just two coats, and its durability stands up to scuffs, weather, and time. My front door, painted with Royal’s exterior line, still looks vibrant after a year of sun and rain. The only downside is that it may require a separate primer for tricky surfaces, but overall, it’s a top performer that rivals more expensive brands.
No, Royal paint and Benjamin Moore are distinct brands. Royal is Ace Hardware’s house brand, while Benjamin Moore is a premium, independent brand. Both offer high-quality paints, but Benjamin Moore’s lines, like Regal Select, are pricier and have a slightly larger color range. I’ve found Royal’s coverage and durability comparable to Benjamin Moore’s for most projects, making it a more affordable alternative without sacrificing much quality.
Royal paint is manufactured by Ace Hardware, sold exclusively at their stores. It’s their in-house brand, designed to offer quality at a lower price than premium competitors like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. I’ve spoken with Ace staff who say the paint is formulated to meet high standards, and my experience with its performance backs that up. It’s a solid choice for anyone shopping at Ace.
Wrapping It Up
I can’t recommend Royal paint enough. It’s transformed my home, from my cozy living room to my weather-beaten front door, without draining my wallet. The coverage, durability, and vibrant colors make every project feel like a win, whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned painter.
If you’re staring down a paint project, head to Ace Hardware and grab a can of Royal. You’ll thank me when your walls look like a million bucks without the million-buck price tag.