What Makes a Good Exterior House Paint?
UV resistance. The sun bleaches and degrades paint over time. Quality exterior paints contain UV absorbers that prevent colour fading and resin degradation. Cheaper paints fade significantly faster — often within 3–5 years.
Flexibility. Wood and siding expand and contract with temperature changes. The paint must flex with the substrate without cracking. 100% acrylic resins are the most flexible and most durable for exterior use.
Moisture resistance. Exterior walls face rain, dew, and humidity. Quality paint repels water rather than absorbing it, preventing rot, swelling, and paint failure.
Mildew resistance. Exterior paint on north-facing or shaded walls is particularly susceptible to mould. Built-in mildewcides prevent mould growth on the painted surface.
Best Exterior Paint Picks for 2026
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior. The highest-rated exterior house paint in consumer and professional testing. Exceptional UV resistance, excellent coverage, and a 10-year fade and peel warranty. Best overall choice for most homes.
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior. Outstanding colour retention and excellent moisture resistance. Colour Lock technology maintains colour accuracy longer than standard exterior paints. Best for bold or saturated exterior colours.
Behr Marquee Exterior. Excellent performance at a mid-range price point. One-coat coverage claim is genuine in many applications. Available at Home Depot with good colour matching.
PPG Diamond Exterior. Very strong UV resistance and mildew resistance. Popular with professional painting contractors for its consistent results and easy application.
Dulux Weathershield (UK). The most popular exterior masonry paint in the UK. 15-year weather protection, excellent coverage on brick and render, and available in a wide colour range including custom tints.
How Much Exterior Paint for a House?
A 1,500 sq ft home typically needs 7–10 gallons for two coats on exterior siding. A 2,000 sq ft home needs 10–14 gallons. Rough surfaces like stucco and brick absorb significantly more — add 50–100% for these materials. Use the exterior paint calculator for precise estimates based on your home size and surface type.
Related Paint Calculators
- Exterior Paint Calculator →
- Whole House Paint Calculator →
- How Much Paint for a 2000 Sq Ft House? →
- Interior vs Exterior Paint — What is the Difference? →
- How Much Paint for Brick Wall? →
- How Much Paint for Stucco? →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of exterior paint lasts the longest?
100% acrylic latex exterior paint lasts the longest — up to 10–15 years with proper preparation and two coats over exterior primer.
What is the best exterior paint for wood siding?
A 100% acrylic exterior paint with good flexibility ratings. Sherwin-Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior are top choices for wood siding.
How often does exterior paint need to be redone?
Quality exterior paint lasts 7–15 years. Budget exterior paint may only last 3–5 years. Good surface prep before painting is the single biggest factor in longevity.
What sheen for exterior house paint?
Satin or low-lustre for main exterior walls — it resists dirt better than flat and does not look too shiny. Semi-gloss for exterior trim, doors, and fascia boards.
Do I need primer for exterior painting?
Yes — primer on bare wood, new or repaired surfaces, and areas where old paint has been removed is essential for adhesion and durability.
Can I paint the exterior of my house in winter?
Not in freezing temperatures — latex paint needs temperatures above 50°F (10°C) during application and for at least 24 hours after. Spring and autumn are ideal for exterior painting.