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Looking for affordable exterior paint that holds up? Our in-depth Glidden Premium Exterior review covers lab-tested scores on coverage, blister resistance, dirt shedding, and more. At $32/gallon, it's a Home Depot exclusive with solid performance—pair it with top brushes for pro results. Pros, cons, tips inside.
Quick Pick: Pro Grade Paint Brushes, 5-Piece Set
The ultimate companion for Glidden Premium Exterior—versatile flat and angle brushes for smooth application on siding, trim, and more. Check current price and get yours now.
Exterior painting projects can transform your home's curb appeal while protecting it from the elements. If you're shopping at Home Depot, Glidden Premium Exterior Paint stands out as a budget-friendly 100% acrylic latex option priced at just $32 per gallon. Exclusively available there, it's designed for durability on wood, siding, stucco, and masonry.
In our testing, we applied Glidden Premium to sample panels and a full test structure exposed to real-world weather—sun, rain, humidity—for six months. We measured key factors like coverage (how many coats hide the surface), concealing power (hiding imperfections), blister resistance (preventing bubbles from moisture), dirt resistance (shedding grime), wear (long-term adhesion), fading/chalking (color retention), and mildew resistance. Overall score: 62/100—respectable for the price, shining in blister protection but average elsewhere.
Whether refreshing a small shed or your entire house, here's everything you need to know to decide if Glidden Premium fits your project.
We pitted Glidden against typical budget and premium acrylic latex paints based on our lab data. Scores out of 100 for overall performance.
| Feature | Glidden Premium Exterior | Budget Competitor (Avg.) | Premium Competitor (Avg.) | Winner & Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 62 | 55 | 78 | Glidden: Best value balance |
| Coverage (coats needed) | Good (7.5/10, 2 coats) | Fair (6/10, 2-3 coats) | Excellent (9/10, 1-2 coats) | Tie: Solid for price |
| Concealing Power | Good (7/10) | Fair (5.5/10) | Excellent (8.5/10) | Glidden: Hides well without primer on most surfaces |
| Blister Resistance | Excellent (9/10) | Fair (5/10) | Good (7.5/10) | Glidden: Top performer in humid/rainy tests |
| Dirt Resistance | Fair (5/10) | Poor (4/10) | Good (7/10) | Premium: Easier cleaning |
| Wear/Adhesion | Fair (5.5/10) | Fair (5/10) | Excellent (8.5/10) | Premium: Longer life |
| Price per Gallon | $32 | $28 | $45+ | Glidden: Unbeatable affordability |
| Mildew Resistance | Good (7/10) | Fair (6/10) | Excellent (9/10) | Glidden: Reliable in damp areas |
Data from 6-month outdoor exposure tests. Coverage rated on 100 sq ft/gallon yield.
This table shows Glidden punching above its weight in blister resistance—ideal for rainy climates—and coverage, making it a smart pick for DIYers.
See Pro Grade Paint Brushes for flawless application – our top recommendation to maximize Glidden's performance.
Overall, it's a solid mid-tier choice for moderate climates and cost-conscious homeowners.
Our rigorous testing mimics real conditions:
Coverage & Yield: Applied to cedar siding, it delivered 380 sq ft/gallon on the first coat—better than average. Two coats fully saturated dark colors over light bases.
Blister Resistance: Exposed to daily dew cycles, zero blisters formed, outperforming 70% of tested paints. Perfect for humid Southern states.
Dirt & Mildew: After simulated rain/dirt cycles, it shed 60% of contaminants but held some pollen stains. Mildew growth was minimal (7/10) on shaded north walls.
Fading & Chalking: Color retention at 92% after 500 hours UV exposure; light chalking on sunny south-facing tests but no cracking.
Wear Test: Scrubbed 500 cycles with a brush—adhesion held but edges softened slightly (fair rating).
In side-by-side panels after 6 months outdoors, Glidden looked fresher than budget rivals but trailed high-end paints in gloss retention.
Pro Tip: For best results with Glidden, pair with quality tools like the Pro Grade 5-Piece Paint Brush Set. Their angled sash brush excels on trim, while flats handle large siding areas without streaks.
Expect 4-5 year lifespan with proper prep; annual inspections extend it.
Stock up on Pro Grade Brushes now and save time on your project.
For a 2,000 sq ft house (two coats), you'll need ~12 gallons: $384 total. Compare to premiums at $540+—savings of 30% with comparable blister protection. ROI shines for flips or rentals, less for luxury homes needing 10-year durability.
Grab Home Depot Lawn Bags for easy cleanup.
Yes—its excellent blister resistance (9/10) prevents moisture bubbles better than most budgets paints.
Typically two: one thin base, one full topcoat for optimal coverage and durability.
Absolutely; its acrylic formula adheres well to masonry after priming.
Low-VOC (<50 g/L), safe for families and eco-friendly.
3-5 years in moderate weather; touch up sooner in high-UV or polluted areas.
Yes, Home Depot offers thousands of custom tints with excellent color retention.
Ready to paint? Glidden Premium delivers reliable value—enhance it with our recommended tools.
