Defining What Is Considered the Better House Paint
The needs for each older or newer home in Raleigh vary depending on surface type and condition. While we all face the same weather outside of wooded areas and where the home faces, homeowners and local painters who want durability all need quality paint to achieve the best long-term results.
Handbrushing damaged wood siding or trim on older homes in downtown Cary, Raleigh, or Wake Forest is where Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Satin and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior excel. But a thick coat that seals is not what you want to put on brick.
So, specialty situations call for a specific paint product. 80% of outdoor surfaces require a range of protections. This is where versatility comes in.
The High-Performance Needs for Homes
The best exterior paints in Raleigh, or for any home, provide increased protection for outdoor surfaces under various conditions. This resistance protects against fade, blistering, peeling, bubbling, and oxidation. Exterior paint qualities that offer the most versatile surface protection include moisture resistance to rain and humidity, and increased long-term durability during the spring and fall, when rain, drastic temperature changes, dirt, and organic growth really challenge these coatings.
Flexible exterior acrylic paints provide extra resistance to cracking, expansion, and contraction. Paint’s ability to expand and contract prevents surface cracks, reducing the risk of water intrusion, wood rot, and repairs. Exterior paints containing exceptional adhesion properties enable application on multiple surfaces. Additional features of quality paint include:
- Easy to Spread and Dries Flat
- Doesn’t Dry Too Quickly in Hot Conditions
- Won’t Drip or Dry Too Slowly Under Cold or Humid Conditions
- Convenient Purchasing and Plentiful Availability
Exterior Paint Performances
| Exterior Paint Product | Technical Features | Professional Performance Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Sherwin-Williams Latitude |
• Multi-surface application • Class-leading moisture resistance • Superior “Easy-Brush” flow |
The leading overall performer for preventing surfactant leaching; delivers excellent results in high-humidity climates. |
| Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior |
• Thick, brushable finish • Leading single-coat protection • Advanced weather resistance |
A top choice for advanced oxidation resistance. Offers optimal long-term protection against fading, blistering, and peeling. |
| Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior |
• Thick consistency • Low and high temperature stability • Flexible application chemistry |
Best-in-class high-build coating. Provides the highest level of hide and coverage while enabling easier application for heavy coatings. |
| Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior |
• Advanced multi-surface adhesion • Improved spreadability & dry time • High blister and peel resistance |
A high-performing trim paint that excels in providing deep-bond protection on varied substrates and intricate millwork. |
| Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior |
• Gen-X colorant technology • High-build film thickness • Extreme fade resistance |
The #1 ranked product for durability and color retention. The Gen-X platform makes it the best paint we have ever used for deep, vibrant hues. |
*Pro Tip: While these premiums are benchmark products, ensuring a stable “paint film” in the NC Piedmont requires technical substrate preparation before any application begins.
Best Exterior Paint Based on Surface Type
Using a single paint type is not always feasible when painting over multiple surfaces. However, the home’s primary surface must be considered first. In Raleigh, we have either Masonite, Fiber Cement, Wood, Vinyl, Brick, or Stucco. Choose your paint based on the surface you’re painting.
Siding Types
- Wood Siding: SW Duration (Flat)
- Aluminum Siding: SW Latitude (Satin)
- Vinyl Siding: Sherwin-Williams Super Paint (Satin)
Masonry Surfaces
- Stucco Brick: Behr Elastomeric & Stucco
Multi-Surface Performance
- Best Overall: Sherwin-Williams Latitude (Satin)
- Wood, PVC, & HardiePlank Trim: Sherwin-Williams Duration (Gloss)
- Best When on A Budget: Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec
- Old Homes/ Peeling Paint: Benjamin Moore Peel Bonding Primer
Porch & Floors
- Sherwin-Williams Armor Seal
- Benjamin Moore Floor & Patio Enamel
Exterior Steps
- Sherwin-Williams 2 Part Epoxy
- H&C 2 Part Epoxy
Note: The H&C Heavy Shield does not hold up, even the Heavy Shield Plus.
How We Compare Performance
We are expert Raleigh residential house painters with over 20 years in business and nearly 30 years of experience. Paint performance remains a top question among our clients, and we answer it based on real-world experience and long-term field tests.
Paints with the highest frequency of warranty claims fall off our list of recommendations. If the paint has lost its natural shine, adhesion, or elasticity, or has oxidized prematurely, we not only discontinue its use but also no longer recommend it.
Our research, experience, and ongoing assessments enable us to suggest exterior paints that we know will last the longest based on the surface and conditions.
Factors When Considering Exterior Paint
Raleigh climate affects exterior surfaces in so many ways. Caulk joints have to expand and contract more. Windows and doors flex more. While we all consider it a “mild climate,” it is always either hot, rainy, cold, or pollen-filled. So, the paint has to withstand something just about every month or season.
Then there is the push for cheaper estimates and to retain profits. By comparison, cheaper exterior Paints sell better than versatile coatings like Latitude, which is the most purchased exterior paint by volume for us. We order online from Justin, the manager at the SW Glennwood store, and have it delivered in the morning as the painters arrive
How many different surfaces does this one paint need to apply to?
More factors to consider:
- Paint Finish
- Horizontal vs. Vertical Surfaces
- Areas Subject to Standing Water
- Abrasion, Foot Traffic, & Direct Sunlight
Is There Really A Best?
No single paint brand or type is the best in every category. It’s essential to determine the primary protection required and select the best paint based on the primary function and need.
Call us if you live in The Triangle and need help with your exterior painting needs!
