What Is the Best Rated Exterior House Paint for Long-Lasting Protection?
Choosing the right exterior house paint is more than just picking a color—it’s about protecting your home’s structure, enhancing curb appeal, and ensuring long-lasting beauty against the elements. With countless options on the market, finding the best rated exterior house paint can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re planning a fresh makeover or a routine maintenance project, understanding what sets top-quality paints apart is essential for making an informed decision.
Exterior paints must withstand sun, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations while maintaining their color and finish over time. The best rated products combine durability, ease of application, and environmental considerations to deliver superior performance. Homeowners and professionals alike rely on trusted brands and expert reviews to navigate the variety of formulations, from acrylics to elastomerics, that cater to different surfaces and climates.
In the following sections, we’ll explore key factors that influence paint quality, discuss the criteria used in rating exterior paints, and highlight what makes certain products stand out in terms of longevity, coverage, and overall value. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a contractor, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect exterior paint for your home’s unique needs.
Top Brands and Their Standout Exterior Paints
When selecting the best rated exterior house paint, brand reputation and product performance are critical factors. Several manufacturers consistently receive high marks from professional painters and homeowners alike due to their durability, finish quality, and weather resistance. Below is an overview of some of the top brands and their flagship exterior paints.
Benjamin Moore is renowned for its premium quality paints, and its Aura Exterior line stands out for exceptional coverage and long-lasting color retention. This paint uses a proprietary resin that enhances adhesion and resists peeling, cracking, and blistering in harsh climates.
Sherwin-Williams offers the SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex as a highly rated option. It balances affordability with durability, providing mildew resistance and excellent hide power. Its acrylic formula is flexible enough to withstand temperature fluctuations without losing integrity.
Behr’s Premium Plus Ultra Exterior paint is widely praised for its two-in-one primer and paint formulation, which simplifies application and improves coverage. It also incorporates advanced resin technology to resist fading and cracking.
Other notable mentions include PPG’s Timeless Exterior Paint, which is known for its high solids content that delivers a thicker, more protective coating, and Valspar’s Duramax Exterior Paint, which is favored for its excellent adhesion and resistance to dirt and mildew.
Key Features to Consider in Exterior Paints
When comparing exterior paints, several technical attributes should be considered to ensure the paint will perform optimally over time:
- Durability: The paint must withstand weather extremes such as rain, sun exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind without peeling or cracking.
- UV Resistance: Effective UV blockers help prevent fading and color degradation from sunlight.
- Mildew and Mold Resistance: Exterior surfaces can be prone to biological growth; paints with antimicrobial agents inhibit this growth.
- Adhesion: Good adhesion ensures the paint firmly bonds to various surfaces including wood, stucco, vinyl, and masonry.
- Ease of Application: Paints with self-priming properties or thicker consistency can reduce the number of coats and labor required.
- Environmental Considerations: Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints minimize harmful emissions and are preferable for health and environmental impact.
Comparison Table of Popular Exterior House Paints
| Brand & Product | Finish Options | Key Features | Durability (Years) | VOC Level (g/L) | Average Price (per gallon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior | Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss | Excellent adhesion, UV resistance, mildew resistant | 10-12 | 50 | $70-$80 |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex | Flat, Satin, Gloss | Good hide, mildew resistance, flexible finish | 8-10 | 70 | $55-$65 |
| Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior | Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss | Self-priming, stain and mildew resistant | 7-10 | 50 | $50-$60 |
| PPG Timeless Exterior Paint | Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss | High solids, excellent coverage, fade resistant | 10-12 | 60 | $65-$75 |
| Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint | Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss | Durable, dirt and mildew resistant, good adhesion | 8-10 | 60 | $45-$55 |
Specialized Exterior Paint Types
Certain exterior paints are formulated for specific conditions or surface types, and these specialized products can provide enhanced performance when used appropriately.
- Elastomeric Paints: Designed for masonry surfaces, these paints have a thick, flexible coating that bridges hairline cracks and prevents water intrusion. They are ideal for stucco, concrete, and brick exteriors in areas with freeze-thaw cycles.
- Low Sheen and Matte Finishes: These finishes minimize surface glare and can help mask surface imperfections, making them popular for older homes or textured surfaces.
- High Gloss Finishes: While less common on exterior walls due to their reflective nature, high gloss paints are often used on trim, doors, and shutters to provide a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
- Eco-Friendly Exterior Paints: Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints reduce environmental impact and indoor air pollution. Brands such as Benjamin Moore’s Natura and Sherwin-Williams Harmony offer these options without compromising durability.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Exterior Paint
Selecting the best exterior paint extends beyond brand and features; application environment and maintenance also influence performance:
- Assess the local climate carefully—paints with enhanced UV resistance are essential in sunny regions, while mildew-resistant formulas are crucial in humid or rainy areas.
- Consider the substrate: wood requires paints with good flexibility, while masonry benefits from breathable, elastomeric coatings.
- Always factor in the surface preparation needed; some paints perform better with a dedicated primer, while others include primer in
Top-Rated Exterior House Paints for Durability and Finish
Selecting the best rated exterior house paint involves evaluating several key factors including durability, weather resistance, color retention, ease of application, and eco-friendliness. Industry experts and consumer reviews consistently highlight a handful of brands and product lines that excel in these areas, making them the preferred choices for homeowners and professionals alike.
Here is a detailed comparison of the top-rated exterior paints based on performance and value:
| Brand & Product Line | Key Features | Finish Options | Durability (Years) | VOC Level | Price Range (per gallon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior |
|
Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss | 10+ years | Low VOC | High ($70–$80) |
| Sherwin-Williams Duration |
|
Flat, Satin, Gloss | 10+ years | Low VOC | High ($60–$75) |
| Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior |
|
Flat, Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss | 8–10 years | Low VOC | Moderate ($40–$50) |
| PPG Timeless Exterior |
|
Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss | 10+ years | Low VOC | Moderate to High ($50–$65) |
| Valspar Duramax |
|
Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss | 8–10 years | Low VOC | Moderate ($40–$55) |
Factors That Influence Paint Ratings and Selection
When choosing the best exterior paint, several critical factors impact the product’s effectiveness and longevity:
- Climate Compatibility: Paints formulated to withstand specific environmental conditions such as high humidity, intense sun exposure, or freezing temperatures perform better and maintain their appearance longer.
- Surface Preparation and Adhesion: The ability of paint to bond well to the surface is essential. Self-priming paints reduce labor and improve durability.
- UV Resistance and Color Retention: High-quality pigments and UV inhibitors prevent fading and chalking over time.
- Mildew and Mold Resistance: Exterior paints often include agents to inhibit fungal growth, especially in damp or shaded areas.
- VOC Content and Environmental Impact: Low or zero VOC paints contribute to better air quality and are safer for both applicators and occupants.
- Ease of Application and Coverage: Paints that provide good coverage with fewer coats and are easy to apply save time and reduce costs.
Recommended Finishes for Exterior Walls
The finish of exterior paint affects both the aesthetic and functional performance. Below is an overview of common finishes and their suitability:
| Finish | Appearance | Durability | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte |