Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can damage the appearance of a home’s exterior fairly quickly. With so many exterior paints to choose from, how does one know which coverage and finish are best for their home’s exterior?
Here are the most durable exterior paints you can buy in 2024:
- Fast Drying (Oil-Based Exterior Paint): Rust-Oleum 249127
- Most Adhesive (Oil-Based Exterior Paint): Rust-Oleum 7792502
- Best For Railing (Oil-Based Exterior Paint): Diamond Brite Paint 32550-1
- Easy To Spread (Water-Based Exterior Paint): Jolie Paint - Dove Grey-32oz
- Paint & Primer (Water-Based Exterior Paint): THE ONE Paint & Primer
- Most Fade-Resistant (Water-Based Exterior Paint): Modern Masters 275270
| 6 Most Durable Exterior Paints | ||
|---|---|---|
Fast Drying | Rust-Oleum 249127
| |
Most Adhesive | Rust-Oleum 7792502
| |
Best For Railing | Diamond Brite Paint 32550-1
| |
Easy To Spread | Jolie Paint - Dove Grey-32oz
| |
Paint & Primer | THE ONE Paint & Primer
| |
Most Fade-Resistant | Modern Masters 275270
| |
Fast Drying: Rust-Oleum 249127
- Fast-drying – 20 minutes of dry time
- Able to hide surface imperfections - flat finish
- Offer even spraying – any-angle comfort spray tip
- A bit pricey for the price
The Rust-Oleum 249127 is an ideal choice for use on a variety of surfaces outside your home. But the best part is the paint dries to the touch in just 20 minutes, helping you to complete your projects faster.
The oil-based formula emits less unpleasant odors than other paint types, plus it's chip-resistant for long-lasting protection against color fading, corrosion, and rust.
The flat finish is perfect for keeping any surface imperfections unseen, the any-angle spray comfort tip makes it easy to apply, even in hard-to-reach places.
| Rust-Oleum 249127 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 12 Ounces |
Finish Type | Flat |
Paint Type | Spray |
Dry Time | 20 minutes |
Surfaces | Wood, Plastic, Metal, Ceramic, Furniture |
Highlight Features | 20 minutes of dry time flat finish any-angle comfort spray tip |
We highly recommend the Rust-Oleum 249127 for those seeking fast-drying oil-based exterior paint
Most Adhesive: Rust-Oleum 7792502
- Provide superior adhesion & chip resistance
- Ideal for large projects - 90 square feet of coverage
- Wish cleanup was easier
We love the Rust-Oleum 7792502 because it's good at self-leveling and absorbs well. Above all, the paint has excellent adhesion for better durability and chip resistance.
It's also resistant to rust, corrosion, abrasion, and discoloration on exterior surfaces like masonry, concrete, metal, wood, and more.
Each 1-quart paint bottle can cover up to 90 square feet and dries to the touch in 2-4 hours, making it ideal for large projects.
| Rust-Oleum 7792502 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 1 Quart |
Finish Type | High-Gloss |
Paint Type | Enamel, Mineral, Oil |
Dry Time | 2-4 hours |
Surfaces | wood, metal, concrete, masonry and more |
Highlight Features | Provide superior adhesion & chip resistance 90 square feet of coverage |
Compared to other oil-based exterior paints we tested, the Rust-Oleum 7792502 is the most adhesive.
Best For Railing: Diamond Brite Paint 32550-1
- Ideal for railings – great resistance to peels, cracks, color fading, and scuffs
- Easy to apply – able to be sprayed, rolled, or brushed
- Reliable - American-made
- Only work on metal and wood surfaces
- Long dry time
Looking for an oil-based paint that will provide a tough and durable surface for railings? Check out the Diamond Brite Paint 32550-1.
This American-made paint can resist peels, cracks, color fading, and scuffs, making it perfect for those high-traffic areas in your home, such as railings, kitchens, or bathrooms.
We also like this exterior paint because it's easy to apply; you can spray, roll, or brush it on with equal finish quality.
| Diamond Brite Paint 32550-1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 1 Gallon |
Finish Type | High-Gloss |
Paint Type | Enamel, Oil |
Dry Time | 10-12 Hr |
Surfaces | Wood, Metal |
Highlight Features | great resistance to peels, cracks, color fading, and scuffs able to be sprayed, rolled, or brushed American-made |
The Diamond Brite Paint 32550-1 is our favorite pick for those who want a great oil-based paint for outdoor railings.
Easy To Spread: Jolie Paint - Dove Grey-32oz
- Easy to spread with minimal prep work & Effortless to clean up
- Quick project completion – 30 minutes of dry time
- Efficient - 150 square feet of coverage per quart
- Only work on wood
The Jolie Dove Grey - 32oz seems to be born especially for DIY-ers with little exterior painting experience. The reason? This exterior paint is super-easy to apply with minimal prep work and effortless to clean up.
It provides superior coverage on wood surfaces outdoors to other water-based exterior paints we tested and dries out quickly, so you can complete your project in no time.
Each one-quart paint bottle of this can cover nearly 150 square feet, very efficient!
| Jolie Paint - Dove Grey-32oz Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 1 Quart |
Finish Type | Matte |
Paint Type | Decorative |
Dry Time | 30 minutes |
Surfaces | Wood |
Highlight Features | Easy to spread with minimal prep work & Effortless to clean up 30 minutes of dry time 150 square feet of coverage per quart |
The Jolie Dove Grey - 32 oz. is very easy to spread, so you don’t need to be a pro to DIY paint the exterior of your house.
Paint & Primer: THE ONE Paint & Primer
- Versatile – a paint-and-primer product
- Work well on multiple surfaces
- It’s a bit hard to get a really smooth finish
The ONE Paint & Primer 03107/250 also doubles as a primer, which offers unparalleled adhesion and durability than regular water-based exterior paints while reducing labor and time.
This versatile 2-in-1 paint is perfect for a variety of surfaces - such as stone, metal, plastic, and wood. Along with that, it comes with a lot of color options that ensure matching any existing exterior style.
Using an advanced formula, the paint is toxin-free and emits less odor, making it safe for both you and your family.
| THE ONE Paint & Primer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 8.5 Fl Oz |
Finish Type | Matte |
Paint Type | Premium Chalk Based Paint |
Dry Time | 1-2 hours |
Surfaces | Wood, Plastic, Metal, Stone |
Highlight Features | a paint-and-primer product Work well on multiple surfaces |
THE ONE Paint & Primer is a versatile 2-in-1 exterior paint, meaning that it’s a paint and a primer in just one product.
Most Fade-Resistant: Modern Masters 275270
- Most fade-resistant - the Never-Fade technology
- Easy to maintain - a smooth satin finish
- A bit expensive
Bring a touch of peace and serenity to your front door with the Modern Masters 275270.
This water-based formula utilizes the Never-Fade technology, which is tested to keep the paint color as new and beautiful as the first day you painted it.
It's also easy to maintain with a smooth satin finish that will make your guests feel welcome the moment they step through your door.
Note: Each 1-quart paint bottle provides excellent coverage up to 100 square feet.
| Modern Masters 275270 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 1 Quart |
Finish Type | Satin |
Paint Type | Enamel |
Dry Time | 1 hour |
Surfaces | Doors |
Highlight Features | the Never-Fade technology a smooth satin finish |
Of all the water-based exterior paints we tested, the Modern Masters 275270 is the most fade-resistant, making it a great choice for outdoor surfaces with high sun exposure.
How To Choose The Most Durable Exterior Paint?
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing exterior paint is durability. You want to choose a paint that will withstand the elements and protect your home for years to come.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a durable exterior paint:
Climate
The climate you live in will play a big role in how durable your paint needs to be. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, you'll need exterior paint that can withstand high winds, heavy rains, and extreme temperatures.
Material Of Your Home
The material your home is made of will also affect the type of paint you need. For example, if your home has stucco siding, you'll need a different type of paint than if your home is made of brick.
Paint Color
The color of your paint also matters. Darker colors will absorb more heat from the sun, which can cause the paint to fade over time. Lighter colors reflect more light and heat, making them more durable.
With so many factors to consider, it's important to consult with a professional painter or home improvement expert before making your final decision. They can help you choose the right type of paint for your home and climate and give you additional tips on how to prolong the life of your paint job.
Type Of Surface
Surface type is also important to consider.
Exterior paints work differently on different surfaces, so you'll want to make sure you choose a paint that is compatible with the type of surface you're painting.
For example, latex paints work well on wood and vinyl siding, but they don't adhere well to brick or stone.
Luckily, most exterior paints list out the types of surface they work well on and you can find this piece of information in the product description.
Finish Type
The three most common types of exterior paint finishes are flat, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.
Flat paints have little or no shine, which makes them good for hiding imperfections in surfaces. However, flat paints are more susceptible to dirt and staining than other finishes.
Semi-gloss paints have a slight sheen, which helps them resist dirt and staining better than flat paints. They're also easier to clean than flat paints.
High-gloss paints have a shiny finish that resists dirt and staining well. They're also the easiest to clean of the three finishes. But high-gloss paints can accentuate imperfections in surfaces.
Which Brands Make The Most Durable Exterior Paint?
Rust-Oleum
Founded in 1917, Rust-Oleum is the world's leading producer of protective paints and coatings.
They manufacture and sell a wide variety of products in several categories, and maintain their largest market share in the small-project paint segment in North America (US/Canada).
Diamond Brite Paint
Established in 1990, Diamond Brite Paint has a rich history in the paint industry. They started out as RDL Marketing, Inc., and their goal has always been to offer a quality product at an affordable price. Their factory is located in Ohio and is ISO9002 certified, meaning they have met strict international standards for quality products.
FAQs
What is the difference between oil and water-based exterior paint?
The difference between oil- and water-based exterior paint is:
Water-based exterior paints leave and remain a mild sheen finish on the surface for a very long time. Plus, they are easy to clean up.
Meanwhile, oil-based exterior paint leaves a higher sheen finish but it gets duller with time. Besides, they’re a bit challenging to clean up.
Is oil or water-based paint better for exterior?
Water-based paints are better than oil-based ones because of their UV resistance properties. Plus, this type of exterior paint can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations.
How long does oil-based paint last outdoors?
Oil-based paints can last up to 15 years or longer outdoors if preserved well.
Is expensive exterior paint worth it?
Yes, it is. Expensive exterior paints last nearly 2x longer outdoors than less expensive ones.
Can I paint without primer?
It’s not compulsory to apply paint after priming. However, priming helps reduce the risks of peeling, chipping, and cracking of the paint in harsh weather conditions. Besides, priming makes it easier to clean months after the paint has dried already.
Conclusion
There you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to find the most durable exterior paints on the market today. Now that you know what to look for, you can make an informed decision when it comes time to repaint your home. With any luck, you'll be able to find a paint that will last for years to come. Thanks for reading!
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
