Benjamin Moore Advance Paint vs Scuff X

Wondering about the difference between Benjamin Moore Advance and Benjamin Moore Scuff-X?

Both promise a durable finish that is easy to clean and are intended for interiors. These paints have a low-VOC formula, no matter how much colorant is used thanks to the patented Gennex color technology from Benjamin Moore. However, there are some key differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between these products and which one to use for which applications. 

Advance Specs 

Oil-based paint was once common for trim, baseboards, and doors. It was durable and dried to a smooth, hard finish. However, there are environmental concerns that have made oil-based paints far less common than they once were – plus, oil-based paint has a strong odor. 

Luckily, you can get similar effects with today’s waterborne alkyd paints such as Benjamin Moore Advance. It has many of the qualities of oil-based paint, but it’s eco-friendly and easier to clean up. You don’t need paint thinner or solvents like you would need with oil paint. Advance is a great, innovative product that is especially popular for painting trim.

Here are some of the features of Advance:

• Good for wood trim, doors, cabinets, furniture, etc. 
• Available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes
• Easy to clean up brushes, rollers, etc. after painting 
• Excellent impact resistance – can stand up to slamming doors and other forms of impact
• Durable even with frequent cleaning and lots of use 

However, Advance may not be perfect for every project.

• Has a noticeable odor when it is still wet 
• Longer dry time
• Not available in an eggshell finish
• Not designed for foot traffic, so it’s not the best for floors, despite its durability 
• Trickier to cover a large surface area – not great for walls

The key aspect separating Advance from Scuff-X is its dry time. The longer dry time has benefits, though: you can take your time painting and not worry about the paint drying too soon. It also makes the paint more self-leveling, which reduces the chance of brush marks or texture left behind from your painting tools.

When using Advance, remember that it takes time to cure and fully set. You can get dings and dents for a few weeks after painting because it will take up to a month to harden fully. But once it cures, you will have a highly durable finish for years to come!

Scuff-X Specs

Perhaps you have children or pets who make it difficult to keep your house clean. Maybe you want to paint your home a light color, but you know it will get smudged and marked. No worries – Benjamin Moore Scuff-X is a scuff-proof paint that will make your worries a thing of the past. 

Whether you’re worried about wear and tear due to frequent cleaning or you’re concerned about your walls getting bumped, scratched, marked, and scuffed, Scuff-X is a great choice. It’s not just for homes, either – Scuff-X works well in commercial or public spaces that get a lot of use. You can even use it to paint gymnasiums, schools, offices, and more. 

Here are some of the features of Scuff-X:

• Versatile—use for walls or trim, doors, etc.
• Available in matte, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss – no high-gloss 
• Low odor 
• Dries quickly
• Easy cleanup with just soap and water
• Will last for years, even with frequent cleaning and heavy use
• Easy to touch up

Despite its benefits, Scuff-X isn’t the perfect choice for every project.

• Not available in high gloss finish
• Not quite as self-leveling as Advance, so may show brush strokes or texture
• Not designed for foot traffic, so it’s not good for floors or stairs

Scuff-X is a great scuff-proof paint for walls, especially in messy areas that need to be cleaned often. It’s good for homes and commercial spaces alike. It’s very versatile, so you can use it on your drywall, cabinets, baseboards, and more. The fast-drying time is a great bonus as well. 

Paint for high-traffic areas 

If you are searching for paint for high-traffic areas, either Advance or Scuff-X will work beautifully. Again, if you are painting walls, go with Scuff-X. Alternatively, you can use either Scuff-X or Advance if you are painting woodwork; cabinets, doors, or furniture. 

Paint for cabinets 

When it comes to painting cabinets and cabinet doors in the kitchen or bathroom, Advance may be a better choice. It dries to a hard, smooth finish that will hold up to dents slightly better than Scuff-X will. Scuff-X is good for cabinet doors as well, since it’s durable and easy to clean, but it may not look quite as smooth, depending on how you apply it.

Paint cure time 

For some people, paint cure time is the top priority. If you want a project that can be done in a weekend, choose Benjamin Moore Scuff-X instead of Advance. Scuff-X will dry much more quickly. You will be able to do a second coat in just a few hours. 

When you use Advance, you are advised to wait 16+ hours before starting a second coat. If drying time isn’t a concern for you, either paint is fine. 

How to know which paint to choose

Here’s a quick guide to Benjamin Moore Advance paint vs. Scuff-X:

• If you’re painting drywall in high traffic areas, choose Scuff-X.
• If you’re painting baseboards, trim, doors, or cabinets, either one will work.
• If you want an eggshell finish, choose Scuff-X.
• If you want a high-gloss finish, choose Advance.
• If you want high impact resistance, choose Advance.
• If you want quicker drying time, choose Scuff-X.
• If you’re painting an exterior surface, neither product is suitable. Go with an exterior paint instead. 

Stop your local paint supply Kahului store with Da Kine Paints  to get all the paint and supplies you need for your home improvement project! We carry both Benjamin Moore Advance paint and Benjamin Moore Scuff X. If you still aren’t sure which paint is best for your needs, we would be glad to help.