The Best Exterior Paint for Every Outdoor Surface

Painting the outside of your house may not be your idea of a good time. But, if you use the right house paint, you can expect the results to look fresh for a decade on a stucco surface and as long as 7 years on siding. The best exterior paint, be it latex- or oil-based, forms a durable bond on siding, decks, or whatever else you’re painting outdoors and offers protection from the elements while giving it a fresh, new look. Using the wrong paint, however, can lead to cracking and peeling within a year.

Because outdoor surfaces can be subjected to extreme weather conditions, including harsh UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and battering storms, the best protection comes from a quality paint designed for the material you’re painting. Keep reading to learn what makes an excellent exterior paint and why the following formulas made the list as some of the best for particular outdoor projects.

1. BEST OVERALL: Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Semi-Gloss
3. BEST FOR BRICK OR STUCCO: Valspar Duramax Flat Masonry and Stucco Paint
4. BEST FOR WOOD SIDING: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex
5. BEST FOR PORCH FLOORS: BEHR Premium Low-Luster Interior/Exterior Porch Paint

Photo: istockphoto.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Exterior Paint

A home’s exterior is the foundation for creating pleasant curb appeal, which makes choosing the right exterior paint essential. The best exterior paints stand up to weather conditions, resist moisture, and protect wood surfaces, while providing a low-maintenance surface. No matter the outdoor project, consider the following factors before purchasing paint.

Durability

Top-of-the-line latex and acrylic paints usually contain higher-quality ingredients, such as more acrylic solids and pigments. They’re often thicker and more viscous (sticky) than lower-quality paints. This does not hold true, however, for oil-based paints, which are typically thinner and runnier. In general, oil-based paints are more durable than either acrylic or latex paints, but they tend to yellow more quickly. Also, due to their high VOC levels (see Low VOCs section below), they’re becoming less popular. The quality of both acrylic and latex paints has been dramatically improved in the past couple of decades.

Durability also relates to the number of coats applied; more coats will render a more durable surface. Well-mixed paint also affects durability, since ingredients can settle to the bottom of the can over time. If it’s been a while since the paint was purchased, stir it thoroughly before use. Also, applying paint with a paint roller or brush instead of a sprayer can leave a thicker, more durable coating on a surface.

Sheen also is an indicator of durability; the higher the gloss, the more washable and durable. Paint finishes range from a low-sheen, eggshell finish to a high-gloss enamel for trim or exterior furniture. Be aware, however, that high-gloss sheens will show flaws in the surface, such as rough patches, whereas flat or matte sheens can help camouflage minor discrepancies.

Low VOCs

Chemicals and solvents found in paint products can emit toxic fumes known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon-containing substances create noxious fumes during the painting process. These compounds have long been added to oil-based paints to improve their hardness and increase drying time. Many acrylic and latex paints also contain VOCs to a lesser degree, although the trend is toward reducing or eliminating the compounds to offer a healthier painting experience.

These malodorous fumes can cause headaches and nausea if inhaled and, while less likely to bother you when painting outdoors, you may still wish to choose a paint labeled as “Low-VOC” or “Zero-VOC.” Of the two types of exterior paints—oil and latex—oil paint is higher in VOCs. The amount of allowable VOCs varies by state, but in general, a “low VOC” label indicates the paint contains fewer than 50 grams of VOCs per liter. For those seeking minimal fumes, look for No-VOC or Zero-VOC paint, which contains fewer than 5 grams of VOCs per liter.

Dry Time

Different paints have different dry times, and waiting until the first coat is dry before applying a second coat is key to achieving a quality finish. Most latex paints dry to the touch within a couple of hours, and a second coat can be applied in 4 to 6 hours. Oil paint, however, dries to the touch in 6 to 8 hours and may require up to 24 hours before a second coat can be applied. Dry times are usually listed on the paint can.