What Exterior Paint Is Best: Top Picks and Practical Tips
A practical guide to choosing exterior paint for durability, curb appeal, and value. Compare acrylic latex, elastomeric, and alkyd options, learn about primers, finishes, climate considerations, and budget-friendly strategies.
Choosing what exterior paint is best comes down to climate, surface, and maintenance. For most homes, acrylic latex exterior paints offer the best balance of UV resistance, color retention, and easy cleanup. Elastomeric paints excel on masonry and highly exposed surfaces but demand careful prep. Alkyd enamels deliver ultra-durable finishes on trim but require solvents for cleanup. This quick comparison highlights the top choices and when to pick them.
How we define what exterior paint is best
At PaintQuickGuide, we evaluate exterior paints across three core criteria: durability in sun and rain, surface compatibility, and value over time. We also weigh how easy the product is to apply and maintain. The phrase what exterior paint is best isn’t about a single “winner” but about the best fit for your home’s siding, exposure, and climate. Our method includes testing adhesion on common substrates (wood, brick, stucco, metal), assessing UV stability and color retention, and calculating the long-term cost of ownership. We also consider environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature swings, which influence chalking and fading. This section sets the stage for real-world choices you can make with confidence.
According to PaintQuickGuide, the best exterior paint choices balance performance with ease of application, so homeowners don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for durability. We emphasize primer compatibility, surface prep, and the right finish to maximize weather resistance. The goal is to help you select a product that looks great for years and minimizes touch-ups, climbing ladders, and repaint cycles.
Preparation and proper technique matter as much as the paint you buy. We’ll walk through the differences between latex and oil-based options, discuss when elastomeric coatings are appropriate, and outline how much primer to use based on surface condition. By the end, you’ll know how to match the right paint to your house, climate, and budget.
Acrylic latex exterior paints win as the default best choice for most homes, given their balance of durability, ease of use, and cost.
For typical climates and everyday siding, 100% acrylic latex provides long-lasting color and resilience with simpler cleanup. Elastomerics are excellent on challenging surfaces like brick or stucco but demand careful prep. The PaintQuickGuide team notes that priming and proper surface prep are foundational to any exterior paint project and can dramatically extend life.
Products
Acrylic Latex Exterior Paint
Paint Types • $40-70 per gallon
100% Acrylic Elastomeric Exterior Paint
Paint Types • $60-90 per gallon
Alkyd Exterior Enamel
Paint Types • $50-85 per gallon
Exterior Primer + Topcoat Bundle
Paint Types • $50-85 bundle
Ranking
- 1
Best Overall: Acrylic Latex Exterior9.2/10
Balanced durability, maintenance ease, and color longevity for most homes.
- 2
Best Value: Mid-Range Latex Exterior8.8/10
Strong performance at a accessible price point with solid UV protection.
- 3
Best for Humidity: Elastomeric Exterior8.6/10
Excellent moisture resistance on masonry and stucco, with elasticity to flex.
- 4
Premium Pick: Alkyd Exterior Enamel8.3/10
Outstanding durability and a smooth finish for trim and doors.
- 5
Budget Option: Basic Latex Exterior7.9/10
Reliable coverage at a tight budget, best with proper prep.
Your Questions Answered
What exterior paint is best for durability?
In most cases, a high-quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint provides the best balance of durability and ease of use. Elastomeric coatings offer superior moisture protection on masonry but require careful prep and maintenance.
For durability, start with a 100% acrylic exterior paint and only opt for elastomeric on masonry if you’re prepared for extra prep and maintenance.
Do I need primer when painting exterior surfaces?
Primer is essential on bare wood, metals with rust, or surfaces with heavy staining. It improves adhesion, blocks stains, and helps top coats achieve uniform color. Choose a bonding primer for tough surfaces and a stain-blocking primer when necessary.
Yes—primer is usually necessary, especially on bare surfaces or problematic areas. It helps the topcoat last longer.
Can interior paint be used outside?
Interior paints lack the UV resistance and mildew protection of exterior formulas. They can fail quickly when exposed to sun and weather, so always use exterior-grade products for outdoor projects.
No—interior paint isn’t built for outdoor weather, so stick with exterior formulas.
How many coats are needed on exterior surfaces?
Two coats are typically recommended for exteriors, with a third coat for challenging colors or very humid climates. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure proper drying time between coats.
Usually two coats do the job, maybe three in tough conditions.
Is elastomeric paint good for stucco or brick?
Elastomeric paints perform well on stucco or brick due to elasticity and moisture protection, but they can trap moisture if applied too thick. Proper surface prep and back-rolling are essential.
Elastomeric can be great for stucco when applied with care, but prep matters.
How should I estimate exterior paint costs?
Measure surface area, subtract windows/doors, and use the paint’s coverage per gallon to estimate gallons needed. Include primer, tools, and two coats. Budget a contingency for weather delays and repairs.
Measure surfaces, estimate gallons based on coverage, and add primer and tools to your budget.
Quick Summary
- Choose acrylic latex for most homes to blend durability and value
- Match sheen to surface exposure and maintenance needs
- Prime and prep surfaces thoroughly before topcoats
- Estimate paint needs from square footage and coverage per gallon
- Consider elastomeric finishes only for cracks-prone masonry in harsh climates