Best Exterior Paint for Siding and Trim: My Picks

I get it! Trying to decide on the best exterior paint for siding can be daunting! It’s an EXPENSIVE decision to paint the exterior of your home and you want to get it right.

The cost to paint your home’s exterior (siding, trim, doors, shutters) STARTS at $8,000! This is not the time to buy the cheap paint to make you “feel” like you’re saving money. In the long run, you won’t!

I’m a paint expert with an ACT (Architectural Coating Technologist Certification) and a paint industry veteran.

You’ll learn everything you need to know about picking right exterior paint for your home.

When should you repaint the exterior of your home?

When your home is over 10 years old, things start to look worn on the exterior of your home.

My home is approaching 15 years old, has James Hardie fiber cement siding, plus had ALL of the signs was time to repaint my home.

4 signs it’s time to repaint siding and trim:

1. The color has faded more than 2 shades.
2. Algae and/or mold is growing on the north side of your house.
3. You see chalk like or white areas on the siding.
4. Your siding sheen looks dull and worn.

Take a walk around your home and look for these signs. If you have all 4, it’s time to get quotes from a professional house painter and it’s likely time to replace your roof too!

Easy Guide to Exterior Paints for Your Home

Just as a baker selects the perfect ingredients for the perfect cake, choosing the right exterior paint for your home’s exterior requires a careful balance of ingredients.

Each paint is a unique blend of resins, pigments, and additives, resulting in different performance levels and qualities. Like a cake batter—each ingredient changes the final product.

Think about what your home is exposed to from extreme weather conditions, to UV rays from the sun, and extreme temperature changes through the seasons.

You need to choose a paint that is BEST for your weather conditions.

What qualities are important in exterior paint?

1. High film build for long lasting durability.
2. UV protection to prevent fading.
3. Resistance to cracking during extreme temperature changes.
4. Anti-microbial to resist mildew and algae growth.
5. Easy cleaniblility.

Plus if you live in a extreme cold or hot environment, you may need a specialty exterior paint to address your weather conditions.

High-Performance Acrylic Latex Paint

Think of acrylic latex paint as your trusty sidekick in the world of exterior paint. They’re the best all-around choice being water based and low VOC.

Acrylic latex paint can be used on wood, vinyl, aluminum or fiber cement siding. Depending on the formula they come with perks like fighting off mildew, they expand and contract with temperature changes, and provide UV fade resistance.

There is a range in performance though and the higher quality acrylic latex paints will provide even more benefits.

You want a thicker paint with a higher film build so it lasts longer, is more durable, and withstands all that mother nature throws at your house!

Since acrylic latex paint is typically low-VOC, it’s better for the environment too with minimal emission of harmful fumes (volatile organic compounds) plus soap and water clean-up.

Oil Based Exterior Paint

Oil based paints are celebrated for their hard smooth finish and resistance to dirt. They’re tough, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like doors and trim work.

This is my PERSONAL opinion and my advice is to skip oil based exterior paint. They are high VOC and are solvent clean up. Not the best for the environment.

Most major paint manufacturers are phasing out oil based paint in favor of hybrid enamel formulas that PERFORM like an oil.

Hybrid enamels are lower VOC and water based, but dry to a hard finish giving you the tough finish you need for doors and trim.

Hybrid Exterior Paints: Urethane Enamel Paint

This is considered a hybrid paint that gives you the benefits of oil based paint, but without yellowing!

Urethane fortified enamel paint is water-based and creates a hard durable finish. It’s the best choice and longest lasting exterior paint on frequently cleaned and used areas.

It’s the ideal choice for the purest white paint colors and trim because of the hard finish it creates that resists yellowing.

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Right Exterior Paint Sheen for Siding and Trim

Each line of paint comes in specific sheens, so it is REALLY important to check before deciding which paint line you want for your home.

I’m going to give you my simple answer and if you want more guidance on paint sheen read this in depth explanation.

Best Sheen by Exterior Location

• Siding: Satin Sheen
• Trim: Semi-Gloss Sheen
• Shutters: Semi-Gloss Sheen
• Door: Semi-Gloss to Gloss

By using my guidance, it’s one less decision to make when you are choosing your paint for the job!

In my case, I ended up using two different paint lines from Sherwin Williams to get the sheen I wanted for the trim.

How Much Paint Do You Need?

Now that we’ve covered the types of paint, let’s talk about how much paint you’ll need for your exterior painting project.

This is where a bit of math comes in handy. Don’t worry I promise it won’t be too complicated!

Calculate Paint Needed

The good news is a professional painter will do this for you! Or you can use this handy paint calculator from Sherwin Williams.

But, if you are trying to budget for the paint before you ever get a quote for labor here’s some guidance.

To calculate the paint required for the exterior of your home, follow these steps and assume one gallon of paint covers 350 square feet:

1. Measure the height and width of each exterior wall to determine the square footage.
2. Sum these areas to get the total surface area that needs painting.
3. Adjust the total surface area calculated by subtracting 20 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each window.

Then, divide the adjusted total square footage by 90 percent of the paint’s coverage rate, and round up to determine the total gallons required.

Budget for Quality

While we’re on the topic of paint quantity needs, let’s talk about budgeting. The BIGGEST expense is paying for labor to paint the exterior of your home. Paint is usually only 10 to 15% of the total cost. Don’t use cheap paint to save money!

Investing in high-quality paint can lead to long-term cost savings, despite the higher initial cost. High-quality paint often requires fewer coats to achieve desired coverage, reducing the total amount of paint needed.

Plus high quality exterior paints can increase the intervals between paint jobs, saving money in the long run.

The Right Paint for Your Siding

Choosing the right paint isn’t just about color and longevity—it’s also about matching the paint to your home’s exterior materials.

After all, what works for wood may not be the best choice for vinyl. Surface type, drying time, paint durability, weather resistance, and color longevity are critical properties to consider when choosing exterior paint for different materials.

Best Exterior Paint for Wood Siding or Fiber Cement (HARDIE®)

If you have wood siding, acrylic latex paints should be your top pick. They’re flexible and breathable, helping to prevent peeling and blistering.

Plus, they offer excellent UV resistance and adaptability to temperature fluctuations, which minimizes the risk of expansion and contraction damage.

Can I paint vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is great for the least amount of maintenance, but what if you want to change the color? For vinyl siding you need to use special PAINT COLORS. YES! You can paint vinyl siding.

Most paint manufacturers offer colors specifically designed for vinyl siding. What that means is the colors are formulated WITHOUT using black pigments.

Use Sherwin Williams VinylSafe® Colors or Benjamin Moore’s Vinyl friendly colors. The colors are formulated specifically for vinyl siding, offering a broad range of colors (even deeper shades) while preventing warping or damage due to excessive heat.

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Best Exterior House Paint: My Picks

Now that we’ve walked through the different types of paints, I’ll share my picks for the longest-lasting exterior house paint.

In full disclosure, Sherwin Williams has been my go-to resource for paint and paint colors. They’ve supported me professionally and provided in-depth training on their products.

When I had to pick an exterior house paint, my first choice for the best exterior house paint is from Sherwin Williams 🙂

For reference, my home is close to 2,800 sq ft and has James Hardie Fiber Cement siding, higher than average trim with an upper and lower front porch, plus shutters.

Here’s how I needed for the paint job:

• Siding = 15 Gallons at $120 each
• Trim, Shutter, Doors = 15 Gallons at $110 each

Note: These are the FULL retail costs but with a PaintPerks account and sale prices the cost per gallon is greatly reduced.

I live in Charlotte, NC and the front of my home faces North. The back of my house faces South, so I have two opposite exposure needs.

Things I had to consider when choosing an exterior paint:

1. Paint that had a high film build to protect from UV exposure and high heat on the southern exposure.
2. Mold, mildew, algae and general dirt resistance on the northern exposure.

When my paint started to fail, it became almost impossible to remove dirt, algae and mildew from the white trim. The dusty blue siding on the southern exposure faded and chalked (white marks).

Best Exterior House Paint from Sherwin Williams

• Siding = Emerald Exterior Rain Refresh in Satin
• Trim = Emerald Exterior Urethane Trim Enamel in Semi-Gloss
• Door and Shutter = Emerald Exterior Urethane Trim Enamel in Semi-Gloss

Yes, I went with the PREMIUM exterior paint options from the Sherwin Williams Emerald line. Now that my home has been painted, I SEE the difference in quality!

The film build is superior and hiding surface imperfections. The colors are crisp and bright.

Siding Paint Choice: Sherwin Williams Emerald® Rain Refresh™

Alright I know, this paint is expensive BUT hear me out as to why it was the right choice.

I NEVER want to have to paint my home again (I don’t plan to live here more than 5 more years). Plus I regularly clean my white porch railings, so I needed a paint that was scrubbable!

It is the longest lasting exterior paint and one that addressed ALL issues related to having a due northern and southern exposure.

Benefits of Sherwin Williams Emerald® Rain Refresh™

• Self-cleaning technology. Dirt washes off with water contact: rain or hose!
• Premium film build for durability that lasts and UV fade protection.
• Self priming paint, so it saves time.
• Can be tinted into VinylSafe™ paint colors.

This paint is so “slick” that regular painter’s tape won’t stick to it! The rain will literally wash off dirt on contact.

For serious cleaning, you only need to hose off the siding. No pressure washer needed, which will preserve the durability of the paint.

Sheens Available in Sherwin Williams Rain Refresh: Flat, Satin, Gloss

This is where the planter was hanging where I showed you the fading. Now it is PERFECT!

Trim and Door Paint Choice: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

Your first question may be “Why didn’t you use Rain Refresh on the whole exterior?” Choosing the best exterior paint for siding and for trim is a little different.

Well my quick answer is..to save money. The other answer is related to sheen availability. Could use Rain Refresh on my trim, yes!

Plus the Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is rated specifically for TRIM. That means it’s perfect for windows, doors and shutters too and won’t yellow like an oil based paint.

Sheens Available in Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Enamel: Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss

Other Exterior House Paint Options

Depending on your geography and specific weather conditions and exposure, you may want to consider some other high quality exterior paints.

Sherwin-Williams Duration is considered one of the longest-lasting options on the market, according to Consumer Reports.

Duration Exterior is designed with PermaLast® technology. This self-priming exterior paint is acrylic latex-based and offers a coating that resists mildew.

The best part to me is it protects against rust and tannin bleed, so it’s perfect for bare wood (fencing too). Plus it can be applied down to 35ºF, if you live in a cold climate.

On the opposite end, if you live in a hot desert climate or wet climate what paint should you use?

Sherwin Williams Latitude Exterior Acrylic Latex offers rapid resistance to moisture, as quickly as 30 minutes, which is twice as fast than the standard for most exterior coatings.

The application spans across a wide temperature range, from 35ºF to 120ºF air, surface, and material.

FAQs About Exterior Paint for Siding

Can you paint over any type of siding?

Yes, you can paint over most types of siding, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiber cement. However, some may require specific types of paint or preparation for the best results.

What are the signs that it’s time to repaint my siding?

Look for faded color, algae or mold on the north side, chalking or white areas, and a dull, worn sheen. If you observe these signs, it might be time to repaint.

How often should I repaint my home’s exterior?

High-quality exterior paint can last for at least 10 years. However, factors like climate, exposure to the elements, and the type of siding can affect this timeframe.

What are the advantages of acrylic latex paint for siding?

Acrylic latex paint is water-based, low VOC, and offers good flexibility, UV protection, and resistance to temperature changes, making it suitable for various siding materials.

Why might oil-based exterior paint not be the best choice?

Oil-based paints are high in VOCs and require solvent cleanup, which is not environmentally friendly. They are also being phased out by many manufacturers in favor of more eco-friendly options.

What is urethane enamel paint, and when should it be used?

Urethane enamel paint is a water-based hybrid that provides a hard, durable finish similar to oil-based paint but without the yellowing. It’s excellent for areas that require frequent cleaning, such as trim, doors, and shutters.

How do I choose the right sheen for my exterior paint?

Satin sheen is recommended for siding, while semi-gloss to gloss is suitable for trim, shutters, and doors.

Avoid Flat sheens as they are the least cleanable and can burnish if rubbed leaving a shiny mark. High gloss paint will show imperfections.

Is it worth investing in high-quality exterior paint?

Yes, investing in high-quality paint can save you money in the long run. It often requires fewer coats for coverage and can extend the time between repaints.

Can vinyl siding be painted?

Absolutely! Most paint manufacturers offer vinyl-friendly colors. It’s crucial to clean the siding thoroughly and use 100% acrylic paint for the best adhesion and finish.

I hope you now feel MUCH more EDUCATED on how to choose the best exterior paint for your home!