Top Exterior Paints Stand Out from Harsh Weather Tests

Exterior paint can shield a home's siding from harsh weather conditions, but its durability matters just as much as its color. A recent test by Consumer Reports found that three exterior paints stood out for their resistance to cracking and fading after nine simulated years of weather exposure.

The top pick was Behr Marquee Exterior, which held off dirt and mildew and resisted cracking and color change in testing. The paint's finish looked like new after the equivalent of three years outdoors, with only minor weathering at six and nine years. A gallon of the satin sheen costs around $54 at Home Depot.

Another top pick was Valspar DuraMax Exterior, which also performed well against cracking, color change, and mildew. However, Consumer Reports noted that it had a weak spot in resisting dirt, which may be an issue for homes in desert or urban settings.

The third top pick was Behr Ultra Exterior, a self-priming paint that worked well in warm, humid regions and sunny, dry ones alike. Its finish looked nearly flawless after three simulated years, with reasonable performance against cracking, fading, and mildew by the nine-year mark.