Choosing the right exterior house paint is more than just a matter of color—it’s a decision that impacts the longevity, curb appeal, and protection of your home. At Armored Painting, we’ve worked on countless exterior paint projects, and one thing has always been clear: not all exterior paints are created equal.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes an exterior paint “the best,” explore the top brands in the industry, discuss ideal finishes and formulations, and help you make an informed decision for your home. Whether you’re repainting an old house or finishing up a new construction, the right exterior paint can make a world of difference.
Key Takeaways
- Durability and weather resistance are critical for exterior house paint.
- Acrylic latex paints are a top choice for most homes due to their flexibility and longevity.
- Choosing premium paint brands like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore often pays off in the long run.
- The finish (flat, satin, semi-gloss) affects both appearance and durability.
- Proper surface preparation is just as important as the paint itself.
Why Exterior Paint Quality Matters
As professional painters at Armored Painting, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when homeowners cut corners on exterior paint. Peeling, fading, cracking—these are just a few of the problems that can arise from using low-quality paint or applying it incorrectly.
The exterior of your house is constantly exposed to UV rays, wind, rain, humidity, and sometimes even snow or extreme heat. Choosing the best exterior paint means ensuring it can stand up to all of these challenges while still looking fresh for years to come.
Top Qualities to Look for in Exterior Paint
Before you choose a brand or color, make sure your exterior paint has these essential characteristics:
1. Weather Resistance
Look for paint that can handle the climate in your area. In hot, humid environments like South Texas, paints that resist mildew, blistering, and fading are a must.
2. Durability
The best exterior paints should last 8–10 years or longer, even under tough conditions. Acrylic latex paints are typically the most durable and flexible option.
3. Adhesion Power
Good exterior paints adhere tightly to wood, stucco, vinyl, fiber cement, and other surfaces. Poor adhesion leads to premature peeling and flaking.
4. Fade Resistance
Paint exposed to sunlight must resist fading. High-quality paints have UV inhibitors that slow down color degradation over time.
Our Top Picks: Best Exterior House Paint Brands
At Armored Painting, we’ve tested and used many different brands over the years. Here are the ones we consistently recommend:
1. Sherwin-Williams Duration® Exterior Acrylic Latex
- Pros: Excellent durability, self-priming on most surfaces, mildew resistance, thick consistency.
- Best For: Homes exposed to harsh weather or UV rays.
- Finish Options: Flat, satin, and gloss.
Sherwin-Williams Duration is our go-to for clients who want a long-lasting, high-performance product. It’s more expensive, but the protection it offers is unmatched.
2. Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior Paint
- Pros: Outstanding fade resistance, excellent coverage, color retention, and quick drying.
- Best For: Premium results with bold or deep colors.
- Finish Options: Flat, low luster, satin, and semi-gloss.
Aura’s Color Lock® technology ensures your color stays rich for years. We often recommend it for homeowners who want vibrant, lasting results.
3. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint and Primer
- Pros: Good performance at a reasonable price, mold and mildew resistance, and wide availability.
- Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners.
- Finish Options: Matte, satin, and semi-gloss.
While not as long-lasting as Duration or Aura, Behr Premium Plus Ultra offers solid performance and can be a great choice for a quick refresh.
Oil-Based vs. Latex: Which One Should You Choose?
Most modern exterior paints are latex-based, and for good reason.
Acrylic Latex Paints
- Water-based, easy cleanup
- Flexible and breathable
- Long-lasting and environmentally friendly
- Ideal for siding, stucco, brick, and more
Oil-Based Paints
- Harder finish, better for high-traffic areas
- Excellent adhesion on chalky surfaces
- Slower drying and requires mineral spirits for cleanup
- Less commonly used due to VOC concerns
At Armored Painting, we almost always recommend 100% acrylic latex paint for residential exteriors. It offers the best blend of performance, flexibility, and safety.
Choosing the Right Finish for Exterior Paint
The finish you choose affects both the look and the longevity of your exterior.
Flat/Matte
- Hides surface imperfections
- Best for older homes or rough-textured surfaces
- Less durable, not ideal for high-traffic areas
Satin/Eggshell
- Slight sheen, balances appearance and washability
- Most popular exterior finish
- Works well on siding, trim, and doors
Semi-Gloss/Gloss
- High sheen, very durable
- Best for trim, shutters, doors
- Reveals surface flaws if not properly prepared
Our default recommendation? Satin or eggshell for siding, and semi-gloss for trim. This combo offers long-term beauty and resilience.
Color Considerations: Not Just About Aesthetics
Sure, color is personal, but it also affects your home’s energy efficiency and resale value.
- Lighter colors reflect sunlight, keeping interiors cooler in hot climates.
- Darker shades absorb more heat but can look more dramatic and modern.
- Always test swatches in different lighting before finalizing.
We offer color consultations at Armored Painting to help you choose shades that suit your home style, environment, and preferences.
Surface Preparation: The Real Secret to a Lasting Paint Job
You can have the best exterior house paint in the world, but without proper prep work, it won’t last. That’s why we take the time to:
- Pressure wash to remove dirt and mold
- Scrape away old, flaking paint
- Repair damaged surfaces (wood, stucco, siding)
- Prime bare spots or porous surfaces
- Caulk gaps for a sealed, finished look
Preparation is everything, and we never cut corners at Armored Painting.
Why Hire Professionals Like Armored Painting?
We know DIY can be tempting, but exterior painting is no small feat. From working at heights to choosing the right products, there’s a lot to consider. Our experienced team brings:
- Top-tier tools and equipment
- Brand partnerships with Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore
- Trained crews who know how to handle every exterior material
- Warranties and satisfaction guarantees
Most importantly, we save you time, stress, and money by doing it right the first time.
Final Thoughts: So, What Is the Best Exterior House Paint?
The best exterior house paint is the one that fits your climate, your home’s surface, your aesthetic goals, and your budget. At Armored Painting, we believe that premium quality products plus professional execution equals a finish that will turn heads—and last for years.
Whether you’re still choosing colors or ready to repaint your entire home, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Ready to Transform Your Home’s Exterior?
Let Armored Painting bring your vision to life with the best products, expert prep, and flawless finish.
📞 Call us today at 956-502-0617
Or email us to schedule your free estimate!
Your home deserves nothing less than Armored protection.
