Best Rated Outdoor House Paint

Choosing the right outdoor house paint is crucial for both the longevity of your home’s exterior and the overall curb appeal. Exterior paint protects your home from harsh weather conditions, such as rain, UV rays, snow, and extreme temperatures. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home’s color or provide protection from the elements, the right paint ensures your home will look its best while maintaining its structural integrity.

We’ll explore the best-rated outdoor house paints available today, providing details on the top products, their benefits, and considerations to make when choosing the perfect paint for your project.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Outdoor House Paint

Before diving into specific brands and products, it’s important to understand the essential factors that should guide your decision-making process when selecting exterior paint:

1. Durability

Outdoor paint needs to withstand the harsh elements. Look for paint that offers superior protection against weather, moisture, UV rays, and fading. Durable paint will keep your home looking fresh for years, even in extreme climates.

2. Finish Options

Exterior paint comes in different finishes, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. The finish you choose will affect the look and feel of your home’s exterior.

• Flat/Matte: Great for hiding imperfections, offering a smooth and non-reflective surface.
• Satin: Offers a slight sheen and is ideal for most exteriors as it provides moderate shine while still being easy to clean.
• Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Offers a shiny finish, which is durable and easy to clean. These finishes are excellent for trim, doors, and windows.

3. UV Protection

The sun’s UV rays can cause paint to fade over time. Opt for a paint with built-in UV protection to maintain its color and integrity.

4. Moisture Resistance

Especially for areas with high humidity or frequent rain, moisture resistance is key to preventing issues like peeling, cracking, and mildew growth.

5. Ease of Application

The best outdoor house paint should be easy to apply with minimal brush strokes or streaks. Paints that self-level or have good flow properties will make your job easier and provide a smoother finish.

6. Environmental Considerations

Look for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or no-VOC paints for a healthier and more eco-friendly option. These paints are less harmful to both the environment and your health.

Top Rated Outdoor House Paints

Here’s a list of some of the highest-rated outdoor house paints on the market, renowned for their performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

1. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint

Best For: Exceptional coverage, long-lasting durability, and color retention

Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior Paint is one of the most durable and popular options for home exteriors. Known for its rich color and long-lasting finish, this paint provides superior protection against the elements. It’s a high-end paint that boasts excellent coverage and can withstand harsh weather conditions without fading or cracking.

Key Features:

• Excellent coverage and easy application.
• Exceptional resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling.
• Low-VOC formula for a more eco-friendly option.
• Provides a mildew-resistant coating, which is ideal for humid areas.
• Fast-drying, reducing the time it takes to complete the job.

Why Choose Benjamin Moore Aura? This paint is perfect for homeowners looking for the highest quality in terms of durability and color retention. It’s ideal for areas exposed to harsh sunlight and moisture.

2. Sherwin-Williams Duration Home Exterior Paint

Best For: All-weather protection and superior durability

Sherwin-Williams Duration Home is a premium exterior paint that’s designed to stand up to the toughest weather conditions. It features advanced technology for resistance to moisture, dirt, and UV damage. This paint is known for its long-lasting finish and ability to resist mildew growth, making it perfect for both dry and humid climates.

Key Features:

• Self-priming formula for smooth application.
• High resistance to fading and mildew.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Available in a range of finishes, including satin and gloss.
• Built-in UV protection to prevent fading over time.

Why Choose Sherwin-Williams Duration Home? Sherwin-Williams Duration Home offers superior weather protection and is perfect for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, long-lasting finish that will keep their home’s exterior looking fresh year after year.

3. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint

Best For: Budget-friendly, all-around durability

Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint provides an excellent balance between affordability and performance. It combines paint and primer in one, reducing the need for additional coats and making it an excellent choice for DIY projects. The paint is designed to withstand the elements, offering protection against fading, cracking, and mildew.

Key Features:

• Paint and primer in one for easier application.
• Offers superior coverage with fewer coats.
• Excellent mildew resistance.
• Available in multiple finishes, including matte, satin, and semi-gloss.
• Low-VOC formula for a healthier application process.

Why Choose Behr Premium Plus Ultra? If you’re looking for a durable paint at a more affordable price, Behr Premium Plus Ultra is a solid choice. It delivers impressive results for those who want reliable protection without breaking the bank.

4. Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint

Best For: Maximum protection for high-traffic areas

Valspar Duramax is a high-performance exterior paint that offers exceptional coverage and durability. It’s designed to handle extreme weather conditions, making it perfect for regions with high humidity, intense sun, or heavy rain. Valspar Duramax is also known for its easy application and resistance to dirt and stains.

Key Features:

• Superior adhesion and durability.
• High resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling.
• Offers excellent UV protection and moisture resistance.
• Available in a variety of finishes, including flat, satin, and gloss.
• Mildew-resistant formula to prevent growth in damp conditions.

Why Choose Valspar Duramax? Valspar Duramax is ideal for homeowners looking for a paint that can endure heavy weather conditions. It’s great for homes located in areas with extreme climate fluctuations, providing robust protection against the elements.

5. PPG Timeless Exterior Paint

Best For: A highly versatile option with advanced UV and moisture resistance

PPG Timeless Exterior Paint is designed to provide a high level of protection and a long-lasting finish for homes. It features excellent color retention and exceptional resistance to fading, making it suitable for regions with intense sunlight. The paint is also designed to withstand moisture, cracking, and peeling, making it ideal for areas with high humidity.

Key Features:

• Excellent coverage and high resistance to wear and tear.
• UV protection prevents fading, even in direct sunlight.
• Mildew-resistant to keep your home exterior clean.
• Available in a variety of finishes, including flat, satin, and gloss.
• Low-VOC formula for a more eco-friendly option.

Why Choose PPG Timeless? For those who want long-lasting color and performance, PPG Timeless offers excellent value. It’s a versatile paint that combines ease of application with outstanding protection, making it an excellent option for all climates.

6. Zinsser Perma-White Exterior Paint

Best For: Mildew-resistant paint for humid or rainy climates

Zinsser Perma-White is specifically designed to resist mildew, making it an excellent choice for homes in humid or rainy areas. This paint provides a long-lasting, durable finish that resists fading, cracking, and peeling. It also contains a built-in antimicrobial agent to prevent mildew growth on painted surfaces.

Key Features:

• Mildew-resistant formula perfect for humid or coastal climates.
• Self-priming for easy application.
• Low odor and low-VOC formula for a healthier painting experience.
• Available in various finishes, including satin and semi-gloss.
• Designed to last for up to 5 years without fading or peeling.

Why Choose Zinsser Perma-White? Zinsser Perma-White is a great choice if mildew resistance is a top priority. It’s ideal for areas with high moisture levels and offers excellent protection against mold and mildew growth.

Summary of Top Picks:

• Benjamin Moore Aura: Premium quality, excellent color retention, and durability.
• Sherwin-Williams Duration Home: Superior weather protection and mildew resistance.
• Behr Premium Plus Ultra: Affordable and easy to apply with primer in one.
• Valspar Duramax: Maximum protection against fading, cracking, and moisture.
• PPG Timeless: Versatile, high-performance paint for all climates.
• Zinsser Perma-White: Mildew-resistant for humid and rainy environments.

When choosing the right outdoor paint for your home, ensure you select a product that meets your durability needs, aesthetic preferences, and local environmental conditions. With the right paint, your home will look beautiful and stay protected for years to come.

FAQs About Best Rated Outdoor House Paint

1. What is the best type of paint for exterior house walls?

Answer: The best exterior house paints are typically 100% acrylic latex. These paints are durable, flexible, weather-resistant, and adhere well to a variety of surfaces including wood, stucco, and fiber cement.

2. What are some of the top-rated outdoor house paint brands?

Answer: Highly rated brands include:

• Sherwin-Williams Duration or Emerald
• Benjamin Moore Aura or Regal Select
• Behr Marquee (Home Depot)
• Valspar Reserve or Duramax (Lowe’s)
  These are known for excellent coverage, weather resistance, and color retention.

3. How long should good exterior paint last?

Answer: High-quality exterior paint can last 8 to 15 years, depending on surface prep, weather conditions, and paint quality. Proper application and maintenance can extend lifespan.

4. What finish is best for exterior paint—flat, satin, or gloss?

Answer:

• Flat: Best for hiding imperfections; good for older homes or siding.
• Satin/Eggshell: Popular choice for most exteriors; balances durability and appearance.
• Semi-gloss/Gloss: Great for trim, doors, and areas needing frequent cleaning.

5. Does paint color affect durability?

Answer: Yes. Darker colors tend to fade faster under UV exposure, especially in sunny climates. Lighter colors typically hold up better over time and reflect heat more effectively.

6. Can I paint over old exterior paint?

Answer: Yes, but surface prep is essential. Clean, scrape off loose paint, sand glossy areas, and repair damage before repainting. Use a primer if you’re making a drastic color change or painting bare spots.

7. Is priming necessary for exterior painting?

Answer: Often, yes. Use exterior primer on bare wood, patched areas, or when switching from oil-based to latex paint. Some premium paints are self-priming, but primer still improves adhesion and coverage.

8. What is the best time of year to paint outside?

Answer: Spring and fall are ideal, with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F and low humidity. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, rain, or during extreme temperature swings.

9. How many coats of paint are needed for a house exterior?

Answer: Typically, two coats are recommended for even coverage and long-term durability. Some premium paints may cover in one coat, but two is safest for vibrant, long-lasting color.

10. Is it worth hiring a professional painter?

Answer: Yes, especially for multi-story homes or detailed trim work. Professionals ensure proper prep, even coats, and durable finishes—though it’s more expensive than DIY.

Conclusion

Selecting the best-rated outdoor house paint requires careful consideration of your home’s needs and the local climate. Whether you’re looking for outstanding durability, weather resistance, or a specific aesthetic finish, the brands listed above offer top-quality paints that are highly rated for their performance and longevity.