On the most basic level, properly applied exterior acrylic paint will last 5-10 years, with latex and oil-based paints lasting slightly less.
“Acrylic paint lasts the longest and is also known for resisting all sorts of damage caused by weather and other natural variables. Acrylic paint is also excellent for resisting fading or damage caused by exposure to the sun, making it perfect for homes located in hot regions or climates.”
Unused latex and water-based acrylic paints last up to 10 years, and the shelf life of alkyd and oil-based can be as long as 15 years. Since unopened paint hasn't spent much time exposed to air, it still has the same ratio of liquids and semi-solids, although the ingredients have probably separated over time.
Q: How long does Sherwin Williams exterior paint last? A: Sherwin Williams exterior paint typically lasts about 5-7 years. Of course, this is just the standard assumption and does not, in a way, give you an accurate idea of how long your paint will last as it relates to your specific application.
Exterior paint can last 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of paint you use and the surrounding environment. Therefore, you can lengthen the time that a finish will last by prepping the surface properly and investing in a paint that matches the type of exterior that is being repainted.
The elasticity of acrylic paint makes it ideal for exterior painting projects. Durable and long-lasting, acrylic exterior paints are best to use on siding made from wood, aluminum or fiber cement. It also works well to cover stucco, plaster and drywall.
If the right steps are taken, you can usually expect your exterior paint on a wood sided home to last 6-9 years before repainting is needed. Aluminum and vinyl siding can last 20 years or more, stucco paint lasts an average of 7-10 years and fiber-cement siding lasts for 15 or more years.
Sherwin-Williams significantly outperform Behr in terms of durability. Sherwin-Williams holds up well against wear and strain overall. Plus, it is scratch, chip, and scuff resistant.
Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex
This is the more expensive option, but it is also the longest-lasting. You can expect 10-12 years from this product. Heritage Custom Painting provides a 3-year warranty for projects that choose Emerald.
Climates that have extreme temperature variations can be brutal on exterior home paint jobs. The constant cycling of hot and cold can lead to fading, chipping, and peeling. In these cases, 100% acrylic paint is going to be your best bet. 100% acrylic paint is durable and has a high adhesion to the surface of the home.
Behr's water-based paints should be good for two years, says Edrosa, while Sherwin-Williams' cans boast a three-year shelf life, says Fiorilli.
When stored correctly, latex paint can last between 2 and 10 years. If you live in a cold climate, it's best not to store latex paint in a garage or storage space that's not climate-controlled, since repeated freeze/thaw cycles can make your paint lumpy.
Acrylic paints are known for their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, resist other natural variables and maintain their pigment over a long period of time. Acrylic paints are a great choice if you're looking for a long-lasting paint for your exterior walls.
Valspar Duramax Exterior Paint + Primer
This all-in-one paint offers excellent coverage, protection against mold, mildew, and algae, and a flexible finish that won't crack or peel. Designed for low-temp applications. Available in flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes.
"You really want to avoid extremes, so ideal conditions can be 65 to 90 F. I've seen paint crack when it's really hot," says Winkles. Generally, this means that the spring or fall, when the temperatures are more moderate, will be the best time to paint your house exterior.
1. Satin/eggshell: Best for siding because it's a low-reflective finish that's good at hiding surface imperfections. It has a slight gloss, so it stays cleaner, is more easily washed, and stands up to abrasion better than flat or matte paints.
Oil-based paints are more durable than water-based (a.k.a. latex or acrylic) paints. Oil-based paints are best for high-traffic areas or exteriors.
Again, gloss or enamel paint are your best options. If you've ever had to try and strip one of these types off the wall, you can attest to how well they adhere. Their primary advantage for high traffic areas is that they're so easy to clean, though. We'd also advise priming the area before applying your paint.
Durability is where you really begin to see the differences between Sherwin Williams Superpaint vs Duration. Duration shows off why it's the higher-rated product, easily withstanding our rigorous testing circumstances.
When painting contractors seek out quality paint for their jobs, they often choose Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams – two of the best selling brands on the market. Professional painters the world over have used these paints to great success for many years.
For exterior trim, siding and brick use a mid-level sheen such as Resilience or Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior Low Lustre. Sherwin Williams Duration also has a mid-level sheen called Satin; their Low-Lustre is shinier. Front doors should be slightly shiner.
Overall, when comparing Sherwin Williams products and Behr products, Sherwin Williams comes out ahead on coverage, color consistency, in-store assistance, and long-term value.
Best for Longevity: Ceramic Paint
Lasting anywhere from 10 to 25 years, ceramic paint gives you a lot more durability than traditional exterior paint, which should last for between 5 and 7 years. If you're in an extreme climate, traditional paint can last even less time.
Use a primer: A high-quality tinted primer base coat beneath the color top coats can extend the life of your paint job by three to five years, helping smooth imperfections, improve paint adhesion, and reduce chipping, bubbling, and flaking.
If the old paint is in good condition, then painting over it should not be a problem. However, if the old paint is peeling or flaking, it is best to remove it before repainting. Sanding the old paint can also help the new paint adhere better to the surface.