The Best Exterior Paints in 2023

Whether it’s the outer wall, fence, deck, or flooring, choosing the best exterior paint is crucial to achieving a beautiful and lasting result.
Exterior painting can help increase the value of your home. It may seem like a small home improvement project, but it can go a very long way if you’re planning to sell your house in the future.
Adding a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home will not only boost its curb appeal but also provide a layer of protection to your property. This is mostly essential if you have a wood exterior that’s exposed to harsh elements like rain and snow. The best exterior paint for wood siding can also add a few years to the lifespan of your siding.
Therefore, you need to choose an exterior paint that can withstand different kinds of weather conditions, from UV rays and salty sea breezes to changing temperatures and storms. Pick the right type of paint for your project, as there are different ones available on the market including oil and acrylic paint.
Not all exterior paints are suited to all surfaces and while it is tempting to use your leftover paint for bathrooms, you shouldn’t use interior paint outside. If you want to get started, this guide explores the best exterior house paint and seeks to help you choose the right product for your project.
Best Exterior Paints
Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Latex Paint
The Best Exterior Paint for Wood

- Non-toxic formula
- Ideal for wood and other materials
- Flat white
- Indoor and outdoor use
- 946ml
With a lot of possible uses, Rust-Oleum Painters Touch Latex Paint is an extremely versatile paint that can give your home an uplift. Whether you have a huge renovation project or simply working on various outdoor tasks, this will make painting a lot easier for you.
One of the best things about this paint is its water-based acrylic formula that provides long-lasting protection and resists chips. This means that you don’t have to worry about flaking or peeling on your painted surface. What’s more is that it offers a stunning glossy finish that can be useful not only on wood but also on metal, plaster, canvas, ceramic, and glass.
A can of Painter’s Touch Latex Paint can cover up to 120 square feet and dries fast for a quick completion of your project. After thirty minutes of application, you can resume your day-to-day activities without worrying about getting paint all over your clothes.
- Easy cleanup with soap and water
- Lasts long
- Low-odor
- Not ideal for walking surfaces
- Wood surfaces require sanding before application
Behr Premium Plus Ultra Pure White Semi-Gloss Enamel Exterior Paint
Multi-purpose 2-in-one Exterior Paint

- 100% acrylic finish
- Ultra-pure white color
- Semi-gloss sheen
- 5 galloon
- Washable
This Ultra-Pure White Semi-Gloss Enamel is a 2-in-1 product that not only works as a quality exterior paint but also as a primer. With a semi-gloss finish, it provides a radiant sleek appearance to give your walls, doors, fence, or any exterior area a fresh look. It takes pride in its unique formula that resists stains, fading, and moisture.
Depending on the surface porosity, color, and application, this 5-gallon paint can cover up to 2,000 square feet. This makes it a stunning option for those who wish to cover large painting areas. It is 100 percent acrylic and formulated to withstand harsh conditions and common wear.
As an exterior paint and primer, it offers exceptional value and works great in beautifying your outdoor furniture or any exterior surfaces. Any surface imperfection and flaws will not be visible with the use of this exterior semi-gloss paint. It also combines impressive washability, exceptional hide, and superior durability, making it a great investment as it lasts for a long time.
- Little to no odor
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Dries quickly
- Spot priming might still be required
Glidden Premium Satin Latex Exterior Paint
The Best Exterior White Paint for Various Surfaces

- 350 sq. ft. coverage
- 1 gallon
- White color
- Satin finish
- Dries in 60 minutes
If paint peeling and cracking are your main challenge when painting, then you won’t have to deal with those issues anymore with Glidden Premium Satin Latex Exterior Paint. It features a 100% acrylic formula that resists flaking and fading or any damage due to constant weather changes and UV rays.
As a paint and primer in one, you can save both time and money when you use this product. It can be applied to exterior siding, downspouts, and eaves. It is also mildew-resistant and can be applied to low temperatures, thus allowing extended painting sessions.
One of the best things about this paint is its fast-drying formula, so you can quickly get back to your job and finish your project in no time. Since it’s a heavy-duty exterior paint that won’t be easily damaged by harsh weather conditions, you can always enjoy a newly painted look with low maintenance.
- Washable with soap and water
- Easy to apply
- Covers evenly
- Not ideal for aged wood siding
Prestige Exterior Paint and Primer In One
Ultra-Strong Exterior Paint

- White color
- Exterior semi-gloss
- Low VOC
- Coverage area of 250-400 sq. ft/gallon
- 1-2 hours of drying time
Prestige paints is a 2-in-one paint that works effectively as a premium paint and primer. It can be used on a wide range of exterior surfaces including metal, wood, aluminum, vinyl, and even masonry surfaces. When you buy this product, you’ll get one gallon of quality paint that comes in an easy-to-carry, no-spill box.
The use of Prestige paints is mess-free. You will find that washing afterward with this acrylic latex paint is easy using soap and water. It is also suitable for rolling, padding, and brushing. But if you want to use it in a paint sprayer, then you will have to dilute it with water.
When applied on a properly prepared surface and according to label instructions, this 100% acrylic exterior latex paint and primer will last for a long time. Therefore, it is important to properly prepare the surface prior to application by removing dirt, old peeling paint, and mildew. It’s also a good idea to sand glossy surfaces to achieve the best result.
- Good coverage area
- Ideal for high-humidity areas
- Smooth application
- Takes longer to dry than other exterior paints
- Has a strong odor
Behr White Satin Enamel Masonry, Stucco and Brick Interior and Exterior Paint
Great for Concrete, Masonry and Stucco

- 20-year satisfaction guarantee
- 250-400 sq. ft./gl.
- Self-priming paint
- For interior/exterior use
- White color, satin finish
The BEHR White Enamel Interior/Exterior paint is a high-quality, versatile acrylic latex paints with a satin finish. It also has an excellent hide, great coverage, and impressive water repellency, as well as great adhesion to ensure the longevity of the paint.
This product is the best paint for exterior brick and ideal for use on other vertical surfaces including concrete and concrete blocks, masonry, and stucco. Each galloon your BEHR White Satin Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint can cover is up to 400 square feet of surface area with just one coat.
However, just like with any other paints, making sure that each surface is prepared properly to maximize its durability by removing debris, dust, dirt, or any drilling and cutting compounds. While the product is designed to bond well with any surface, surface preparation ensures better paint adhesion.
- Resistant to mildew
- Stain cleans up with water and soap
- Looks rich and smooth when dries up
- Not ideal for wood or metal
KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint
The Best Exterior Paint for Ultimate Protection

- White color
- Coverage of 200-500 sq. ft./gallon
- Oil-based
- Livestock-safe paint
- 1 gallon
If you’re in the market for a highly durable paint that can protect your home and other exterior valuables against harsh elements, then KILZ Exterior Siding, Fence, and Barn Paint is a good product to buy. It features an impressive water/oil-based formula for longevity, versatility, and exceptional adhesion while giving your outdoor structures an aesthetic upgrade.
This exterior paint works best when used on vertical exterior wood surfaces like fences and sidings, but it can also be used on stucco, masonry, and sanded glossy surfaces. It’s an all-purpose exterior paint that resists blistering, peeling, and cracking. This means that you can use the product with peace of mind knowing that it will last for a long time while adding a layer of protection to your exterior surfaces.
Just like any other exterior paint, you will need to prepare the surface well before application by getting rid of any rust, peeling paint, or dirt to get the most out of the product. For those who are sensitive to very strong odors, you won’t need to worry as KILZ exterior paint doesn’t have an overpowering smell.
- Mildew resistant film when cured
- Resists fading, peeling, and cracking
- Easy to clean and apply
- Slow drying of up to 3 hours
- Not recommended for filling cracks on wood
How to Choose an Exterior Paint
Painting the exterior structures of your home isn’t always a small task. The job also takes money, time, and hard work, so you want your paint to last as long as possible. That way, you don’t have to deal with the same process too soon. This is why it’s vital to choose the best exterior paint to ensure the longevity of your paint job.
Types of exterior paints
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, appropriate surface preparation is important. Furthermore, the type of paint matters as well. So, here’s your guide to the different types of exterior paints that you can buy, as well as the right type of surface each of them should be painted on:
Acrylic paint
In essence, acrylic paints are water-based paints but with added acrylic that works as a binding agent. This type of paint is known for its durability and versatility. It is long-lasting, flexible, and best used on porch floors, drywall, plaster, stucco, and siding, whether it’s wood, aluminum, or fiber cement. When you shop for acrylic paint, you’ll also find a few varieties including acrylic latex enamel, acrylic enamel, and acrylic latex.
Latex paint
There is actually no latex in latex paint as it only refers to the water-based paint. It is very easy to work with and dries more quickly than oil-based paints, although not as durable. But the best exterior latex paint has undergone many improvements and can be used outdoors like your porch or fences. When used with a paint sprayer, it can deliver an even, smooth finish.
Oil-based paint
The most durable among the three, oil-based paints create a strong and long-lasting finish, making it an ideal option for a variety of exterior projects. For years, oil-based paints have been the get-go choice for many exterior paint jobs, but the only downside is that they take longer to dry than water-based ones.
Although it isn’t actually paint, a primer is also worth mentioning as it’s an essential component of the painting process. It is very similar to paint in terms of consistency and the application is the same. You wouldn’t use a primer as a final coating but applying it as the base coat is important because it acts as an adhesive for added longevity and durability of your paint.
Best exterior paint finishes
Exterior paint comes in a number of finishes, including flat, satin, and gloss. In contrast to what many think, the paint’s finish is not just about aesthetics. It’s important to note that it also plays an integral role in how paint performs.
Flat Finish
The most porous among the three is the flat finish. It does not reflect light, which makes it an excellent choice for old houses as it can help hide those imperfections and flaws on the surface. However, if your paint has a flat finish, it may not be the best paint for exterior doors, floors, railings, and windows as it’s not a very durable finish due to its porosity. For best results, just reserve its use to exterior walls that aren’t often touched.
Satin finish
The most popular paint finish among homeowners is the satin finish due to its subtle sheen. It’s not too shiny but isn’t dull and boring either. Plus, it’s very easy to keep clean and maintain. A satin paint finish is more robust than a flat finish and is perfect for painting walls.
Glossy finish
If you want a paint finish to be used for high-traffic areas like the doors, windows, outside furniture, handrails, etc., a glossy paint finish is a great option. Glossy paint can also be a great deck paint with a shiny finish that reflects light and can magnify every detail of your exterior structure. So if you want to draw attention to any architectural details on your house, then painting it with a glossy finish will achieve this end.
In Summary
Everyone will have to paint their exterior home and structures at one time or another. That’s why it’s always worth your time and effort to remain informed of the best exterior paint available and the factors to consider when buying one. Using the right, quality paint for your project will not only help increase the value of your home but also boost its overall look.