Choosing the best exterior house paint is crucial for protecting your home from harsh weather, preventing mold and mildew, and enhancing curb appeal. The right paint should provide long-lasting durability, strong adhesion, and resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling.

This guide reviews the 7 best exterior paints on the market today, covering their features, pros, and cons, along with a buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
Contents
- What to Look for in Exterior House Paint
- Top 7 Best Exterior House Paints – Detailed Reviews
- 1. PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One – Best Overall
- 2. RUST-OLEUM 03101 Exterior Mildew Performance Paint – Best for Mildew Resistance
- 3. Valspar 3125-70 Barn and Fence Latex Paint – Best for Wood & Fences
- 4. EVOLVE Ultimate Paint & Primer in White – Best Eco-Friendly Option
- 5. Kompozit ONE Ultra Cover Interior/Exterior White 100% Acrylic Paint & Primer – Best for Multi-Surface Application
- 6. KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating – Best for Concrete & Driveways
- 7. Glidden Exterior Paint + Primer – Best Budget Option
- Final Thoughts
What to Look for in Exterior House Paint
1. Weather Resistance
Choose a paint that can withstand rain, snow, heat, and UV rays to prevent premature fading and damage.
2. Paint + Primer Combination
A paint and primer in one reduces prep time and improves adhesion to various surfaces.
3. Mildew & Mold Resistance
For homes in humid or rainy areas, opt for mildew-resistant paint to prevent fungal growth.
4. Durability & Longevity
Look for acrylic or latex-based paints with high durability to prevent chipping, peeling, and cracking.
5. Ease of Application
A paint with smooth coverage and quick drying time will make application easier and more efficient.
Top 7 Best Exterior House Paints – Detailed Reviews
- Best Overall → PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint & Primer
- Best for Mildew Resistance → RUST-OLEUM 03101 Paint
- Best for Fences & Barns → Valspar Barn and Fence Latex Paint
- Best Eco-Friendly Option → EVOLVE Ultimate Paint & Primer
- Best for Multi-Surface Use → Kompozit ONE Ultra Cover
- Best for Concrete & Driveways → KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating
- Best Budget Option → Glidden Exterior Paint + Primer
1. PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint and Primer In One – Best Overall
Features
- 100% acrylic latex formula
- Paint and primer in one
- Low VOC for a safer application
- Resistant to weather, mildew, and dirt
Review
PRESTIGE Paints offers a high-quality acrylic latex exterior paint that delivers excellent durability and color retention. Its paint-and-primer formula ensures better adhesion, reducing the need for multiple coats.
Pros
✔ Long-lasting, fade-resistant formula
✔ Easy to apply with a smooth finish
✔ Low VOC, making it safer for outdoor use
Cons
✖ Slightly expensive compared to competitors
✖ Might require multiple coats for darker colors
2. RUST-OLEUM 03101 Exterior Mildew Performance Paint – Best for Mildew Resistance
Features
- Advanced mildew-resistant technology
- Self-priming formula for better adhesion
- Fade-resistant with excellent coverage
- Oil-based paint for superior protection
Review
If you live in a humid or rainy climate, RUST-OLEUM 03101 is an excellent choice. This paint prevents mildew growth while providing long-lasting coverage. Its oil-based formula enhances durability, making it perfect for wood, metal, masonry, and more.
Pros
✔ Superior mildew resistance
✔ Ideal for humid and rainy environments
✔ Strong adhesion to various surfaces
Cons
✖ Takes longer to dry than latex paints
✖ Requires proper ventilation during application
3. Valspar 3125-70 Barn and Fence Latex Paint – Best for Wood & Fences
Features
- Acrylic latex formula for durability
- Weather and fade-resistant
- Designed for barns, fences, and siding
- Available in multiple colors
Review
Valspar’s Barn and Fence Latex Paint is a budget-friendly option designed for wood surfaces like fences, barns, and sheds. It provides a smooth finish and holds up well against weather and UV exposure.
Pros
✔ Great for wooden exteriors and fences
✔ Highly durable and fade-resistant
✔ Easy to clean up with soap and water
Cons
✖ Not ideal for metal or concrete surfaces
✖ May require a second coat for even coverage
4. EVOLVE Ultimate Paint & Primer in White – Best Eco-Friendly Option
Features
- Low VOC, non-toxic formula
- Paint and primer in one
- Durable, fade-resistant finish
- Suitable for both interior and exterior use
Review
EVOLVE Ultimate Paint is an eco-friendly choice that delivers high durability and smooth coverage. It is low in VOCs, making it safer to use, while the primer-infused formula reduces the need for extra coats.
Pros
✔ Eco-friendly and non-toxic
✔ Multi-surface use for interior and exterior
✔ Dries quickly with strong adhesion
Cons
✖ Not as thick as some other paints
✖ May require multiple coats for full coverage
5. Kompozit ONE Ultra Cover Interior/Exterior White 100% Acrylic Paint & Primer – Best for Multi-Surface Application
Features
- 100% acrylic formula for durability
- Paint and primer in one
- Resists cracking, peeling, and chipping
- Works on wood, brick, metal, and concrete
Review
The Kompozit ONE Ultra Cover Paint is an excellent all-purpose paint that can be used on various surfaces. Its 100% acrylic formula ensures long-lasting durability and prevents common paint issues like cracking and peeling.
Pros
✔ Works on multiple surfaces
✔ Durable, fade-resistant formula
✔ Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
✖ Limited color options
✖ Requires proper surface prep for best results
6. KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating – Best for Concrete & Driveways
Features
- Designed for concrete surfaces
- Slip-resistant finish for safety
- Weather-resistant and durable
- Thick coating for added protection
Review
If you need to paint a concrete patio, driveway, or sidewalk, KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating is the perfect solution. It provides excellent durability, slip resistance, and weather protection.
Pros
✔ Long-lasting finish for concrete surfaces
✔ Slip-resistant for added safety
✔ Withstands heavy foot traffic and harsh weather
Cons
✖ Limited to concrete and masonry surfaces
✖ Longer drying time compared to standard paints
7. Glidden Exterior Paint + Primer – Best Budget Option
Features
- Paint and primer in one
- Weather-resistant with strong adhesion
- Good coverage for the price
- Available in multiple colors
Review
For those on a budget, Glidden Exterior Paint + Primer offers great performance at an affordable price. While it might not be as durable as premium brands, it still provides good coverage and weather resistance.
Pros
✔ Affordable and budget-friendly
✔ Covers well with good adhesion
✔ Multiple color options available
Cons
✖ Not as long-lasting as higher-end paints
✖ May require more frequent touch-ups
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right exterior house paint depends on your needs, budget, and surface type. Here’s a quick summary of the best options:
🏆 Best Overall → PRESTIGE Paints Exterior Paint & Primer
🦠 Best for Mildew Resistance → RUST-OLEUM 03101 Mildew Performance Paint
🏡 Best for Fences & Barns → Valspar Barn and Fence Latex Paint
🌱 Best Eco-Friendly Option → EVOLVE Ultimate Paint & Primer
🛠 Best for Multi-Surface Use → Kompozit ONE Ultra Cover
🏗 Best for Concrete & Driveways → KILZ Decorative Concrete Coating
💰 Best Budget Option → Glidden Exterior Paint + Primer
Make sure to choose a paint that fits your home’s climate, surface, and durability needs for the best long-term results! 🎨🏠