Best Exterior Paint for DIYers
Exterior paint fights sun, rain, and temperature swings, so quality decides how many years you get before redoing it. Better paint usually covers in fewer coats, which saves the bigger cost: labor.
What to look for
- ·Premium exterior lines resist fading and last longer, often a decade-plus. The higher price can be cheaper over time.
- ·Prep is most of the job: clean, scrape, and prime bare or chalky spots, or no paint will last.
- ·Match sheen to the surface: flat or low-sheen hides siding flaws, satin or semi-gloss for trim and doors.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior | Editor's pick | $80 to $95 per gallon | The longest-lasting premium finish |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior | Editor's pick | $90 to $100 per gallon | Pro-grade durability and coverage |
| Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior | Editor's pick | $75 to $90 per gallon | Premium durability with sale pricing |
| Behr Marquee Exterior | Best value | $48 to $58 per gallon | Top coverage from the home center |
| Behr Dynasty Exterior | Best value | $50 to $60 per gallon | Durable value at the home center |
| PPG Timeless Exterior | Best value | $40 to $52 per gallon | Dependable mid-priced coverage |
| Behr Premium Plus Exterior | Budget pick | $35 to $45 per gallon | Budget repaints and outbuildings |
| Valspar Duramax Exterior | Budget pick | $40 to $48 per gallon | Value repaints from Lowe's |
| Glidden Premium Exterior | Budget pick | $28 to $38 per gallon | The lowest-cost exterior refresh |
Editor's pick
Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
$80 to $95 per gallon
A top-tier exterior paint with outstanding color retention and coverage. Rich pigments and a durable finish that holds up for years. The pick when you want the best and longest-lasting result.
Best for: The longest-lasting premium finish
Typically available at Benjamin Moore.
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior
$90 to $100 per gallon
A premium line with excellent durability, washability, and fade resistance that pros lean on. Smooth application and strong hide, often one coat over similar colors.
Best for: Pro-grade durability and coverage
Typically available at Sherwin-Williams.
Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior
$75 to $90 per gallon
A thick, durable paint-and-primer with a strong track record on siding. Slightly less than Emerald but still a long-life premium choice, and it goes on sale often.
Best for: Premium durability with sale pricing
Typically available at Sherwin-Williams.
Best value
Behr Marquee Exterior
$48 to $58 per gallon
Behr's top exterior line with strong one-coat color in many shades and good durability, all from Home Depot. A premium result without a paint-store trip.
Best for: Top coverage from the home center
Typically available at Home Depot.
Behr Dynasty Exterior
$50 to $60 per gallon
A durable, stain and dirt-resistant line that holds color well for the price. A strong value step up from standard exterior paint, easy to grab at Home Depot.
Best for: Durable value at the home center
Typically available at Home Depot.
PPG Timeless Exterior
$40 to $52 per gallon
A solid mid-priced exterior with good coverage and fade resistance, sold at Home Depot. A dependable choice for a whole-house repaint on a sensible budget.
Best for: Dependable mid-priced coverage
Typically available at Home Depot.
Budget pick
Behr Premium Plus Exterior
$35 to $45 per gallon
A serviceable everyday exterior at a fair price. Expect to use two coats and to prep well, but a fine choice for sheds, fences, and budget repaints.
Best for: Budget repaints and outbuildings
Typically available at Home Depot.
Valspar Duramax Exterior
$40 to $48 per gallon
A budget-friendly exterior from Lowe's with decent weather resistance for the price. A reasonable pick for a value repaint where you watch the cost.
Best for: Value repaints from Lowe's
Typically available at Lowe's.
Glidden Premium Exterior
$28 to $38 per gallon
About the cheapest exterior worth using, fine for low-stakes surfaces and quick refreshes. Plan on a second coat and more frequent redos, but the price is right.
Best for: The lowest-cost exterior refresh
Typically available at Home Depot, Walmart.
Frequently asked
How many coats of exterior paint do I need?+
Plan on two coats for durability and even color, even with one-coat-rated paints, especially over a color change or older siding. A quality paint may truly one-coat over a similar color on sound siding.
What is the best temperature and season to paint outside?+
Most exterior paints want roughly 50 to 85 degrees F and a dry stretch, with no rain for a day or two after. Spring and early fall are ideal in most regions. Avoid painting in direct hot sun.
Do I need to prime before exterior paint?+
Prime bare wood, repaired spots, chalky or stained areas, and big color changes. Over sound, similar-color paint, a quality self-priming exterior paint is usually enough. Prep matters more than the brand.
Is premium exterior paint worth the cost?+
Often yes. Premium lines fade less and last years longer, and they frequently cover in fewer coats. Since labor is most of an exterior job, saving a coat and a re-do can make the pricier paint the cheaper choice.
What sheen should I use on siding versus trim?+
Use flat or low-lustre on siding to hide imperfections, and satin or semi-gloss on trim, doors, and shutters where you want durability and a slight shine. Semi-gloss also wipes down more easily.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Exterior Painting project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
Open the Exterior Painting guide →