“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.”
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.
In particular, an unopened can of latex or acrylic paint lasts up to 10 years. For unopened paints that are oil-based or alkyd-based, the shelf life could be up to 15 years. Additionally, chalk paint has a shorter lifespan from 1-3 years, and milk paint only lasts 1-2 weeks after its mixed.
Rhino Shield of New England's elastomeric wall coatings are one of the longest-lasting paint products on the market. Our coatings feature only high-quality materials as ingredients, and they're applied 8-10 times thicker than traditional paint. This allows them to last much longer than traditional house paint.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Exterior gloss paint is durable and hard-wearing with a high sheen finish, making it perfect for high traffic areas like external doors. Exterior satin paint provides a softer, less glossy finish.
Weather Resistance
Oil-based paints are traditionally the best exterior paints since they easily repel water. However, all-acrylic paints are also a good choice for their weather-resistance qualities.
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.
Because of natural elements, exterior paint tends to wear more quickly and often needs to be repainted every 5 to 10 years.
Solvent-based paints have a 15-year shelf life. If you can stir it, it's probably okay to use (even if you have to remove the “skin” on the surface first). Latex has a shelf life of 10 years. If it has been subject to freezing, it may not be usable.
Most homes need painting about every 10 years, but expect to repaint more often in areas with severe weather. Once a can of paint has been opened, Benjamin Moore paint lasts about two years. Be sure the container is tightly sealed and stored in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees, not in a freezing garage.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Vibrant tones like reds, yellows, dark blues, and deep greens fade faster. In contrast, neutral tones like whites, greys, greiges, and beiges last longer. Not only will these paints stay color-true longer when they fade, but it will also look more natural.
Because cheap exterior paint is made to be lower-quality, it will not last very long or protect your home's exterior. A high-quality exterior paint with a professional application may be more expensive, but it will perform at a higher quality, protect your home, and last.
One of the worst home exterior paint colors is brown
Also, dark colors like black and navy blue should be avoided if you live in a warm climate and your home gets a lot of sun exposure, per Shoreline Painting & Drywall.
Oil / Alkyd – Good adhesion, excellent durability and stain resistance make Sherwin-Williams oil / alkyd-based paints excellent choices for exterior trim.
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.
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.
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.