Best Paint for Exterior Wood

Exterior wood paint faces conditions that interior paint never has to deal with: UV radiation, rain, temperature extremes, humidity, and biological growth. The best exterior wood paint protects the wood from all of these while maintaining its appearance for years. Here's what to look for and the top products that deliver lasting results.

What Makes a Great Exterior Wood Paint

The best exterior wood paints have excellent UV resistance (to prevent fading and chalking), strong adhesion to wood (to prevent peeling), flexibility (to expand and contract with the wood through temperature changes), mildewcide additives (to prevent mold and mildew growth), and good moisture resistance. 100% acrylic latex formulas are the current standard for exterior wood — they outperform oil-based paints in flexibility and mildew resistance.

Tools for the Best Exterior Paint Results

• Floetrol paint conditioner — improves flow and leveling for exterior application
• Mini foam roller kit — for smooth application on flat exterior surfaces
• Painter's tape 1-inch — for clean edges at trim and windows
• Krud Kutter deglosser — for cleaning and prepping exterior wood before painting
• Canvas drop cloth — to protect landscaping and hardscaping

Top Exterior Wood Paint Picks

Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior

The top-rated exterior paint for wood. Emerald Exterior is a 100% acrylic formula with exceptional UV resistance, flexibility, and mildew resistance. It maintains color and sheen for years longer than standard exterior paints. Self-priming on previously painted surfaces. Worth the premium price for siding, trim, and exterior doors that need to look great for a decade or more.

Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior

Benjamin Moore's top exterior paint, known for exceptional color retention and durability. Aura Exterior uses Color Lock technology to prevent fading and maintain vibrancy through years of UV exposure. Excellent adhesion and flexibility for wood that expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Behr Marquee Exterior

A more affordable premium exterior option available at Home Depot. Behr Marquee offers good UV resistance, mildewcide protection, and a one-coat coverage claim for many applications. A solid choice for most exterior wood painting projects at a lower price point.

Prep Is Everything for Exterior Wood

Exterior paint failure is almost always a prep failure. Clean the surface thoroughly with Krud Kutter to remove dirt, mildew, and chalking. Sand any peeling areas smooth. Apply a quality exterior primer to bare wood. The paint is only as good as the surface beneath it.

The best exterior wood paint is 100% acrylic latex in a premium formula — Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior are the top choices. Prep thoroughly, prime bare wood, and apply two coats for protection that lasts a decade or more.