Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Find the best exterior paints tested for weather resistance, fading, cracking, and one-coat coverage. Our ratings reveal top performers like Clark+Kensington and Behr Marquee, plus expert tips on prep and application to protect your home year-round.
Quick Pick
For professional results on any exterior paint job, start with our top-rated Pro Grade 5-Piece Paint Brush Set. These flat and angle brushes handle latex, oil paints, and stains perfectly for interior or exterior projects. Check current price
Choosing the right exterior paint can transform your home's curb appeal while shielding it from harsh weather, UV rays, dirt, and mildew. At Review Atlas, we rigorously test popular brands to rate them on key factors like durability, coverage, and ease of use. Our 2024 ratings draw from real-world exposure tests, accelerated weathering simulations, and hands-on application trials. Whether you're refreshing siding, trim, or fences, these insights help you pick a paint that lasts 5-10 years or more.
We've evaluated over a dozen leading exterior paints, scoring them out of 100 across categories like blistering resistance, cracking prevention, dirt shedding, color retention, and mildew resistance. Prices range from $40-$80 per gallon, depending on sheen and retailer.
| Paint Name | Overall Score | Weather Res. | Blistering Res. | Cracking Res. | Dirt Res. | Fading Res. | Mildew Res. | Coverage | Application | Price/Gal. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark+Kensington Exterior Paint & Primer In One (Satin) | 88 | 92 | 90 | 89 | 87 | 91 | 85 | 95 | 92 | $50 |
| Behr Marquee Advanced Stain-Blocking (Satin) | 85 | 89 | 88 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 82 | 93 | 90 | $55 |
| HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Showcase (Satin) | 83 | 87 | 86 | 85 | 88 | 86 | 80 | 91 | 88 | $48 |
| Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Acrylic Latex (Satin) | 81 | 85 | 84 | 83 | 86 | 84 | 82 | 89 | 87 | $52 |
| Valspar Duramax (Satin) | 79 | 83 | 82 | 81 | 84 | 82 | 78 | 87 | 85 | $45 |
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior (Flat) | 82 | 86 | 85 | 84 | 85 | 87 | 81 | 90 | 86 | $60 |
| Dutch Boy Porch & Floor Enamel (Satin) | 77 | 80 | 79 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 76 | 85 | 83 | $42 |
| KILZ2 All-Purpose (Flat) | 75 | 78 | 77 | 76 | 80 | 78 | 75 | 83 | 82 | $40 |
| Olympic Elite (Tinted) | 80 | 84 | 83 | 82 | 83 | 85 | 79 | 88 | 84 | $47 |
| PPG Manor Hall Exterior Latex (Satin) | 78 | 81 | 80 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 77 | 86 | 81 | $44 |
| Behr Marquee (Satin) | 84 | 88 | 87 | 86 | 89 | 87 | 83 | 92 | 89 | $54 |
| Sherwin-Williams Duration (Satin) | 86 | 90 | 89 | 88 | 87 | 89 | 84 | 94 | 91 | $58 |
Scores out of 100 based on 2-year outdoor exposure, UV testing, and lab washability trials. Higher is better.
See our top brushes for these paints to ensure smooth application.
This all-in-one formula excels in one-coat coverage (95% rating), blocking stains effectively while resisting blistering in humid climates. We applied it to cedar siding panels exposed to Connecticut winters and summers, noting minimal cracking after 24 months.
Pros:
Cons:
Ideal for wood or vinyl siding. Pair it with Pro Grade Paint Brushes for pro-level results.
Behr's premium line shines in dirt resistance (90) and application ease, self-leveling to hide imperfections. Our tests showed 88% fading retention after 1,500 hours of UV exposure.
**Pros:**n- Superior stain blocking for cedar or previously painted surfaces
**Cons:**n- Pricier upfront
Great for coastal homes. Grab these brushes for even coats.
A durability champ with 90 weather resistance, it held up against 50 mph wind-driven rain simulations without peeling.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Higher cost
Perfect for brick or stucco. Enhance your project with our recommended brush set.
Our process mirrors real homeowner use: We purchase paints retail, apply two coats to 4x4 ft grooved plywood and aluminum panels using standard brushes and rollers. Panels weather outdoors for 2 years in varied conditions, plus lab tests for:
This yields precise, repeatable scores. Application tests use 400 sq ft/gallon yield benchmarks.
Prep is 80% of success: Power wash, scrape loose paint, prime bare spots, caulk gaps. Allow 48 hours dry time before painting.
For trim protection, consider Stoner Car Care Trim Shine to restore plastic or vinyl elements.
Pro tip: Pro Grade Brushes reduce fatigue on large jobs with ergonomic handles.
Top paints last 7-12 years. Annual hose-down prevents dirt buildup. Touch up cracks yearly. In harsh climates, recoat every 5 years.
Explore home essentials deals for ladders and drop cloths.
Related Guides:
Paints scoring 85+ in mildew and blistering resistance, like Clark+Kensington or Sherwin-Williams Duration, excel here. Add a mildew inhibitor if needed.
5-15 years, depending on prep, exposure, and quality. Our top scorers average 10+ years.
Not always—paint & primer combos like our top pick cover in one coat on most surfaces. Prime bare wood or metal.
Satin balances washability and low glare; flat for windy areas, semi-gloss for trim.
Avoid below 50°F. Use temperature-flexible paints and follow labels.
Measure square footage, subtract 20% for waste. One gallon covers ~350 sq ft per coat.
Updated 2024. Prices and availability vary.
