Best Exterior Paints of 2024
We tested formulas from brands like Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin-Williams to find options that last the longest and resist grime the best
The best exterior paints last years without cracking or fading, which is why CR tests paint for a simulated nine-year period.
By Tanya A. Christian
Updated by Daphne Yao and Quentyn Kennemer
Looking for a surefire way to boost your home's curb appeal? Consider giving it a fresh coat of paint to enhance its beauty. Some real estate experts estimate that it can increase the value of your house by 2 to 5 percent.
Exterior paints have improved significantly in the last decade, going from cracking and fading in as little as five years to remaining aesthetically intact for more than a decade. Still, there are considerable differences among the options in Consumer Reports' exterior paint ratings .
Paints recommended by Consumer Reports resist cracking, fading, dirt, and mildew for nine years or more. "Cracking resistance is the critical attribute for exterior paints and stains because cracks expose a home's underlying siding or decking to water," says Li Wang, who oversees CR's paint testing. And freeze and thaw cycles could potentially cause serious damage.
For the vast majority of homeowners, exterior paint projects are handled by a qualified contractor. But it's important to know about the product your painter chooses. The formulas in this roundup all performed well in our tests, but that doesn't mean they're the only exterior paints in our ratings worth a look. Others may be a better fit for your area's climate.
Regions that are sunny, hot, and dry require paint that resists cracking and fading. Because of the high sun exposure, homes in these climates may be well suited for an acrylic-based formula with UV-resistant properties. Homeowners who experience ice and snow or stretches of warm, humid weather may want to prioritize mildew-resistant paint. Desert homes and urban dwellings need paint that resists dirt.
Oil-based paints are commonly used outdoors because they don't expand and contract the way latex and acrylic paints do. But they can eventually crack when exposed to UV light, and they can yellow and lose some of their luster over time. For environmental safety, take the empty cans to a hazardous waste collection site for disposal.
The paints we test cover a wide spectrum of prices, and performance doesn't necessarily correspond with cost. CR members can read on for our top picks for exterior paint.
Best Exterior Paints
The exterior paints highlighted below hold up well in our weathering tests and resist cracking. If you're looking to paint your front door, check out our picks for the best paints for your front door and trim .
Trendy Exterior House Colors
The white-and-black farmhouse trend is still going strong. That's according to Amber Shay, national vice president of design centers at the real estate development company Meritage Homes. "I've seen some more reinterpretations lately," she says. "One way is to go a little softer, using creamy tones with a dark bronze. You get the same style but with a unique spin."
This tracks with data collected by ASAP Restoration LLC , a home restoration company with locations across the U.S. "Over the past few years, it seems that more and more people are turning toward exterior paint colors that reflect as much light as possible," says Brandon Walker, a construction manager in the company's office in Mesa, Ariz. "It seems the main reason for this is that people are motivated to save money on their home cooling bills."
Lighter colors, such as off-whites, creams, and beiges, reflect more sunlight and thus keep the home cooler. This means people might spend less on their AC bills. Other factors to consider when choosing a paint color are the style of your house and the others in the neighborhood. And what will the color look like when the light hits it at different times of the day? Keep in mind that the color selected should also complement the roof.
How CR Tests Exterior Paint
To determine which paints are likely to last the longest, CR's test engineers paint pine panels, place them on the roof of our Yonkers, N.Y., headquarters, and let them sit there for three years. The panels are positioned to face south and tilted to intensify the effects of sun and weather. One year of this rugged testing is equivalent to about three years in real time. The results give you a sense of how paints are likely to look after nine years on your home. At the end of this test run, products like the ones listed here earn a very good rating for appearance. This suggests that they could last an additional three years or longer.
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