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Discover the top-rated exterior paints from Home Depot's America's Finest collection. We tested over 60 options for dirt resistance, fading, cracking, and more. Behr Marquee leads with an 84 score—perfect for long-lasting protection on siding and trim.
Quick Pick: Behr Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer in One Satin
Overall Score: 84/100
Best for superior dirt and fade resistance. Ideal for wood, aluminum, vinyl, and stucco.
Prep tip: Apply two coats for maximum durability.
When refreshing your home's exterior, selecting the right paint is crucial for protection against weather, UV rays, dirt, and mildew. At Review Atlas, we evaluated more than 60 leading 100% acrylic latex paints with built-in primer, simulating years of exposure through rigorous lab tests. These top performers from Home Depot's exclusive America's Finest color palette—curated by color experts—stand out for their balanced performance across key metrics like dirt pickup, color retention, cracking, blistering, and mildew growth.
All picks excel on common surfaces: wood siding, aluminum, vinyl, stucco, and trim. With proper surface prep (cleaning, sanding, and priming if needed), they deliver professional results that can last 10+ years. Whether you're tackling a full house repaint or spot touch-ups, these paints offer value through durability and vibrant, fade-resistant finishes.
| Paint Name | Overall Score | Dirt Resistance | Color Retention | Blistering Resistance | Mildew Resistance | Sheen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behr Marquee Exterior Paint & Primer in One Satin | 84 | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Satin |
| Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint & Primer Satin | 82 | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Satin |
| Behr Premium Plus Exterior Paint & Primer in One Satin | 80 | Very Good | Very Good | Good | Good | Satin |
| Valspar 2000 Exterior Paint & Primer in One Satin | 78 | Very Good | Good | Good | Fair | Satin |
| Behr Premium Plus Exterior Paint & Primer in One Flat | 77 | Very Good | Good | Fair | Good | Flat |
Scores based on accelerated weathering tests equivalent to 5-7 years of real-world exposure. Higher scores indicate better overall performance.
Scoring a stellar 84 overall, this paint sets the benchmark for exterior protection. It repels dirt like a pro (excellent rating) and maintains color vibrancy even after intense UV simulation—losing less than 2% hue over tests. Blistering resistance is very good, preventing bubbles in humid conditions, though mildew resistance is solid but not top-tier in damp climates.
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Close behind at 82, Duramax shines in dirt resistance (excellent) and blistering prevention (very good), making it a powerhouse for rainy or polluted areas. Color holds up well, with under 3% fade, and mildew resistance keeps growth at bay.
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**Cons:**n- Color retention slightly trails leader in extreme sun
A smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking durability. Pair with cleaning essentials like Grandma's Secret Spot Remover for flawless prep.
At 80, this reliable option offers very good dirt and color retention, with balanced cracking and mildew resistance. It's versatile for DIYers, covering 350-400 sq ft per gallon.
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Consider your climate and surface:
Application Tips:
For garden accents, explore Best Gardening Tools for Beginners to complement your fresh exterior.
Elevate your project with these guides:
These are Home Depot exclusives in a curated color collection, tested for top performance in dirt, fade, and weather resistance—all 100% acrylic with primer.
Two coats recommended for full coverage and longevity, especially on weathered surfaces. First coat in 4 hours, second after 24.
Yes—wood, vinyl, aluminum, stucco, and trim. Test a small area for masonry.
Typically 350-400 sq ft per coat on smooth surfaces; less (250-300) on rough textures.
Clean with a bleach solution, ensure good ventilation, and choose high-mildew paints like Valspar Duramax.
Avoid over 90°F to prevent blistering; ideal 50-85°F with low humidity.
