Best Exterior Paint Brands for California Homes

Walking into a paint store and facing hundreds of exterior paint options can feel overwhelming. Every brand claims superior durability, better coverage, and longer-lasting protection. Sales representatives have their favorites, online reviews conflict, and the price differences between products seem impossible to decode. For homeowners investing thousands of dollars in exterior painting, choosing the right paint matters significantly for both appearance and long-term protection.

After applying thousands of gallons of exterior paint across hundreds of Bay Area homes since 2003, we've developed clear opinions about which products perform best in Northern California conditions. We've seen how different paints hold up to coastal moisture in El Cerrito, how they resist fading under intense sun in Walnut Creek, and how they perform on everything from Victorian wood siding to modern stucco. This experience has shown us that while many paints claim to be premium products, only a handful consistently deliver exceptional results under our region's varied conditions.

This guide breaks down the best exterior paint brands available in California, explains what makes them different, and helps you understand which products make sense for your specific home and environment.

The Premium Tier: Products Worth the Investment

Several paint manufacturers produce genuinely exceptional exterior coatings that justify their premium pricing through superior performance. These products typically cost 40 to 60% more than mid-grade paints but can last twice as long and look better throughout their lifespan.

Sherwin-Williams Duration

Duration has become our most frequently specified exterior paint for Bay Area homes, and for good reason. This 100% acrylic product combines exceptional durability, excellent hide, and reliable performance across a wide range of conditions.

Key strengths include:

Moisture resistance. Duration's formulation resists water penetration extremely well, making it ideal for coastal areas like Richmond or Pinole and for homes with limited roof overhangs where walls take direct rain. The paint film remains flexible enough to handle wood movement while providing a robust barrier against moisture intrusion.

Color retention. The pigment system in Duration resists fading remarkably well, even on south and west-facing surfaces that receive intense afternoon sun. Dark colors maintain depth and richness for years longer than the same colors in lesser paints.

Self-priming properties. While we still recommend separate primer for bare wood, fresh stucco, and repairs, Duration adheres well to properly prepared previously painted surfaces without separate primer. This can save a coat in repaint situations where the existing surface is sound.

Mildew resistance. The mildewcide package in Duration is robust. We see significantly less mildew growth on Duration-painted homes compared to mid-grade products, even on north-facing walls and areas that stay damp.

Warranty. Sherwin-Williams backs Duration with a lifetime limited warranty when applied according to specifications. While warranty claims are rare, the coverage demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in the product.

Considerations: Duration costs $65 to $80 per gallon, making it expensive compared to $40 to $50 mid-grade paints. It also has a thick, heavy body that requires skill to apply smoothly. Inexperienced painters may struggle with brush marks or uneven texture, particularly in hot weather when the paint sets up quickly.

Best for: Homes in coastal areas, properties with challenging moisture conditions, homeowners who want maximum longevity, and situations where the longest possible time between repaintings justifies the higher cost.

Benjamin Moore Aura

Aura represents Benjamin Moore's top-tier exterior offering and competes directly with Sherwin-Williams Duration. Many professional painters consider Aura the finest exterior paint available, period.

Key strengths include:

Color Lock technology. Aura's proprietary color system delivers exceptional color accuracy and fade resistance. The paint maintains its appearance longer than any other product we've used, with colors looking fresh years after application.

One-coat hide. Aura provides genuinely impressive hide, often covering in one coat where other paints require two. This doesn't mean skipping proper two-coat systems, but it does mean better hide when doing so and the ability to achieve solid color in situations where other paints would remain blotchy.

Application properties. Aura flows beautifully from brush or roller, levels well, and maintains workability longer than Duration. This makes it somewhat more forgiving for application, resulting in smoother finishes with less effort.

Low-temperature performance. Aura can be applied in temperatures down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, making it useful for late fall or early spring projects when other paints would be unsuitable. This extended application window can be valuable when scheduling flexibility is important.

Moisture vapor permeability. While being highly water-resistant, Aura allows moisture vapor to pass through the paint film. This prevents moisture from being trapped behind the coating, reducing blistering and peeling problems.

Considerations: Aura typically costs $75 to $90 per gallon, making it the most expensive standard exterior paint on this list. Availability can also be limited, as some Benjamin Moore retailers don't stock the full Aura line. The premium pricing means the cost difference between a whole-house project using Aura versus a mid-grade paint can reach $500 to $1,000, though this typically represents just 10 to 15% of the total project cost when labor is included.

Best for: Homeowners who want the absolute best performance, challenging color-matching situations, projects where superior hide justifies the cost, and homes where the owner plans to stay long-term and wants maximum protection.

Dunn-Edwards Evershield

As a California-based company with deep understanding of regional conditions, Dunn-Edwards formulates products specifically for our climate. Evershield represents their premium exterior line and performs exceptionally well in Bay Area applications.

Key strengths include:

California-specific formulation. Evershield is designed for California's combination of intense UV exposure, low humidity, and temperature variations. This regional optimization shows in the product's real-world performance.

Excellent coverage and hide. While not quite matching Aura's exceptional hide, Evershield covers very well and achieves solid color in two coats even when making significant color changes.

Matte and satin finishes. Evershield's lower-sheen finishes look particularly good, providing a sophisticated appearance that flatters most architectural styles. The matte finish hides surface imperfections well while maintaining good cleanability.

Value proposition. At $55 to $70 per gallon, Evershield costs less than Duration or Aura while performing nearly as well in most applications. For many projects, it represents the sweet spot between performance and cost.

Local support. Dunn-Edwards has excellent local representation with knowledgeable staff who understand regional painting challenges. Color matching, product selection assistance, and technical support are all readily available.

Considerations: Evershield isn't as widely distributed outside California as national brands, which can be limiting if you move. The warranty, while solid, doesn't match the lifetime coverage of Duration. Some painters find that Evershield requires more frequent stirring during application to maintain consistency.

Best for: California homeowners who want premium performance at a slightly lower price point, projects where working with a knowledgeable local paint supplier adds value, and situations where California-specific formulation makes sense.

Benjamin Moore Regal Select

A step down from Aura in Benjamin Moore's lineup, Regal Select exterior still qualifies as a premium product and offers excellent value.

Key strengths include:

Proven performance. Regal Select has been a professional favorite for decades. The current formulation builds on that heritage while incorporating modern chemistry for improved performance.

Balance of features. While not matching Aura in any single category, Regal Select combines good hide, solid durability, reasonable moisture resistance, and reliable mildew protection in a well-rounded package.

Easier application. Some painters find Regal Select more forgiving than Aura, with a slightly thinner body that spreads easily and levels well without the premium required for Aura.

Better value. At $50 to $65 per gallon, Regal Select costs significantly less than Aura while delivering perhaps 80 to 85% of the performance. For many homeowners, this trade-off makes sense.

Considerations: Regal Select doesn't offer the same color retention as Aura or Duration, particularly for dark colors in full sun exposure. It also requires proper priming on bare surfaces and doesn't have the self-priming properties of higher-tier products.

Best for: Homeowners who want Benjamin Moore quality at a more accessible price, homes in moderate environments without coastal moisture or extreme sun, and situations where budget constraints make Aura impractical while mid-grade products don't provide adequate quality.

The Professional Mid-Grade: Solid Performance at Lower Cost

Not every home requires premium paint. For properties with good roof overhangs that protect walls, homes in moderate climates without extreme exposure, or situations where the owner plans to repaint in seven to eight years regardless of need, professional mid-grade paints offer good performance at reasonable cost.

Sherwin-Williams Emerald

Sherwin-Williams positions Emerald between Duration and their mid-grade products. It offers many of Duration's benefits at a lower price point.

Key strengths include:

Advanced stain resistance. Emerald resists dirt pickup and allows stains to wash away more easily than many competitors, keeping the home looking cleaner between washings.

Good hide and coverage. While not matching Aura, Emerald provides very good hide, typically achieving solid color in two coats even with significant color changes.

Moisture resistance. The formulation resists water penetration well, making it suitable for most Bay Area applications including homes in coastal areas, though Duration would be preferable for the most challenging coastal exposures.

Reasonable pricing. At $55 to $70 per gallon, Emerald costs less than Duration while offering perhaps 85 to 90% of its performance in many applications.

Considerations: The mildew resistance doesn't quite match Duration, and the paint film may not last as long under harsh conditions. The warranty is also more limited than Duration's lifetime coverage.

Best for: Homes in moderate environments, properties where budget constraints make Duration impractical, and situations where very good performance is adequate without needing the absolute best.

Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint

SuperPaint has been a reliable workhorse for decades. It represents the entry point to professional-quality exterior paint.

Key strengths include:

Reliability. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been painted with SuperPaint over the years. The product performs predictably, adheres well to properly prepared surfaces, and delivers solid seven to ten year performance in moderate conditions.

Value. At $45 to $55 per gallon, SuperPaint costs significantly less than premium products while performing adequately for many applications.

Availability. Every Sherwin-Williams store stocks SuperPaint in all colors and sheens, making it readily available for immediate project starts or color changes.

Ease of application. SuperPaint flows well and levels nicely, making it forgiving for less experienced applicators.

Considerations: SuperPaint doesn't offer the moisture resistance, mildew resistance, or color retention of premium products. It works adequately in moderate environments but struggles in coastal areas or under intense sun exposure. Expect repainting every seven to nine years rather than the ten to fifteen years possible with premium products.

Best for: Rental properties where cost control matters more than maximum longevity, homes with good architectural protection from weather, and situations where the owner plans to repaint frequently regardless of need to keep colors current.

Dunn-Edwards Evershield and Sparta

Dunn-Edwards offers both premium (Evershield, discussed earlier) and solid mid-grade (Sparta) options. Sparta competes with SuperPaint as a professional-quality product at moderate pricing.

Key strengths include:

California formulation. Even Dunn-Edwards' mid-grade products benefit from the company's regional expertise and understanding of California conditions.

Good value. Sparta typically costs $40 to $50 per gallon, positioning it as an affordable professional product.

Solid performance. While not matching premium paints, Sparta delivers reliable seven to ten year performance in moderate conditions with proper application.

Considerations: Like other mid-grade paints, Sparta shows limitations in harsh environments and doesn't provide the longevity or moisture resistance of premium products.

Best for: Cost-conscious projects where professional quality is still important, homes in protected environments, and situations where frequent repainting is planned.

Products to Generally Avoid

Not all paint marketed as exterior coating performs adequately. Several products available at big-box stores or budget paint outlets frequently disappoint.

Builder-Grade Paints

Products specifically marketed for new construction or as "contractor grade" typically represent the minimum acceptable quality. These paints may carry warranties of just three to five years and often begin showing wear within that timeframe.

While sometimes appropriate for rental properties or situations where cost absolutely must be minimized, builder-grade products rarely make sense for homeowner-occupied properties where the goal is long-term protection and appearance.

Big-Box Store Brands

Paint sold under big-box store private labels varies widely in quality. Some products perform reasonably well, while others fail quickly. The challenge is that formulations can change without obvious indication, making it difficult to know what you're buying.

If choosing big-box paint to save money, stick with name brands sold through these retailers (like Behr Premium Plus or Glidden) rather than store brands. Even better, purchase from dedicated paint stores where staff expertise helps with product selection.

Bargain Brands

Paint from discount stores, budget outlets, or unknown manufacturers almost always disappoints. While the per-gallon cost may be tempting, these products typically provide poor hide, limited durability, and short service life. The labor cost to apply paint is the same regardless of paint quality, so using products that fail quickly makes no economic sense.

How Much Does Paint Quality Affect Total Project Cost?

Understanding how paint selection affects overall project cost helps put pricing differences in perspective.

For a typical 2,500 square foot home exterior requiring 20 gallons of paint for two coats:

SuperPaint level ($50/gallon): $1,000 in paint cost Duration level ($75/gallon): $1,500 in paint cost Aura level ($85/gallon): $1,700 in paint cost

The difference between mid-grade and premium paint is $500 to $700 in materials. However, the labor cost for the project might be $4,000 to $6,000, making the total project cost $5,000 to $7,700 depending on paint selection.

In this context, upgrading from SuperPaint to Duration adds about 10% to the project cost while potentially adding three to five years to the paint's useful life. That represents excellent value for most homeowners.

Special-Purpose Products Worth Knowing About

Beyond standard exterior paints, several specialized products solve specific problems:

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere

Cashmere offers low-sheen finish options that look particularly elegant on certain architectural styles. While primarily an interior product, the exterior version works well for homes where a soft, sophisticated appearance matters as much as maximum durability.

Benjamin Moore Advance

Advance uses waterborne alkyd technology that provides some benefits of traditional oil-based paint in a water-cleanup formula. It's particularly useful for doors, trim, and other high-contact areas where harder film is beneficial.

Elastomeric Coatings

For stucco homes or properties with hairline cracking issues, elastomeric coatings like Sherwin-Williams Loxon or Dunn-Edwards Spartaflex provide thick, flexible films that bridge minor cracks. These specialty products cost more and require specific application techniques but solve problems standard paints cannot.

Solid Color Stains

For wood siding, quality solid color stains from Olympic, Cabot, or Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck often outperform paint by penetrating the wood surface rather than just coating it. They provide excellent moisture protection while developing more natural-looking patina as they age.

What About Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Claims?

California's strict air quality regulations mean most paints sold here already meet or exceed federal VOC limits. Terms like "low-VOC" or "zero-VOC" can be marketing language rather than meaningful distinctions in California where even standard products have reduced VOC compared to formulations sold in other states.

That said, some premium products like Aura, Duration, and Evershield do offer exceptionally low VOC formulations that go beyond California requirements. These ultra-low-VOC versions perform identically to standard formulations while reducing environmental impact.

For most exterior applications, VOC levels matter less than for interior painting since outdoor air dispersion prevents concentration buildup. Focus on performance characteristics rather than VOC numbers when selecting exterior paint.

The Bottom Line on Paint Selection

For most Bay Area homeowners painting their exterior, we recommend premium 100% acrylic paints: Duration, Aura, or Evershield for challenging conditions including coastal exposure, intense sun, or when maximum longevity is the goal; Emerald or Regal Select for moderate conditions where very good performance is adequate; and reserving mid-grade products like SuperPaint for protected homes or situations where budget constraints make premium products impractical.

The cost difference between mid-grade and premium paint represents a modest portion of the total project cost but can significantly affect how long the paint job lasts and how good it looks throughout its lifespan. Given that labor represents 70 to 80% of painting costs, investing in paint that lasts 40 to 50% longer makes excellent economic sense for most homeowners.

We've used all of these products extensively and have developed strong preferences based on real-world performance. After twenty years of painting Bay Area homes, we've settled on Duration as our standard specification for most projects, with Aura for situations where budget allows and maximum performance is desired, and Evershield when working with clients who prefer a California-focused company.

The best paint for your home depends on your specific situation: location, exposure conditions, budget, and goals for longevity. We're happy to discuss these factors and make recommendations based on your circumstances.

Contact Lamorinda Painting for a free estimate on your exterior painting project. We'll evaluate your home's condition, discuss product options appropriate for your situation, and help you choose the combination of preparation, primers, and topcoats that will deliver the results you want at a price that makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is expensive paint really worth the extra cost?

In most cases, yes. Premium paints typically cost 40 to 60% more per gallon than mid-grade products but can last 50% longer or more. Since labor represents 70 to 80% of painting costs, using paint that lasts longer reduces the total cost of ownership by spreading labor costs over more years. The exception might be rental properties or homes where you plan to sell soon and just need acceptable appearance for the shortest term.

Can I use interior paint outside or vice versa?

No. Exterior paints include UV inhibitors, mildewcides, and binders formulated to withstand weather exposure that interior paints lack. Using interior paint outside results in rapid failure, often within months. Exterior paints used inside can off-gas longer and may not provide the smooth, washable finish expected from interior products. Always use paints formulated for their intended location.

What's the difference between paint and stain for wood siding?

Paint forms a film on the wood surface, while stain penetrates into the wood. Solid-color stains provide similar appearance to paint but wear differently, gradually wearing away rather than peeling when they fail. Semi-transparent and transparent stains allow wood grain to show through and require more frequent reapplication but maintain a more natural appearance. For siding protection, either quality paint or solid stain works well, with the choice often coming down to aesthetic preference.

Do I need to use the same brand of primer and paint?

Not necessarily, but it can be beneficial. Paint manufacturers formulate primers and paints to work together, and using matched systems often provides optimal results. However, quality primers from one manufacturer work fine under quality paints from another. What matters more is using appropriate primer types for the substrate and condition rather than matching brands exactly.

How much paint do I need for my house exterior?

A rough estimate is one gallon per 350 to 400 square feet for most premium paints. For a typical 2,500 square foot home, you might need 18 to 20 gallons total for two coats, though this varies based on surface texture, color change, and specific product. Professional contractors measure the surface area and calculate based on the specific paint's coverage rate. Most paint stores also offer takeoff services where you provide dimensions and they calculate quantities.

Is there really a difference between paint from a paint store versus a big-box store?

Sometimes yes. Products sold exclusively through dedicated paint stores like Sherwin-Williams Duration or Benjamin Moore Aura aren't available at big-box retailers. These premium products generally outperform anything available at home improvement stores. However, some quality products like Behr Premium Plus or certain Glidden lines sold at big-box stores perform reasonably well. The expertise of staff at dedicated paint stores also adds value through better color matching, product selection assistance, and technical support.

Can I paint over any color with white or light colors?

Lighter colors have less hiding power than darker colors due to lower pigment concentrations. Going from dark brown to white may require three coats to achieve solid color, or using a gray-tinted primer first to help with hide. Professional painters often recommend primer tinted to match the finish color when making dramatic color changes. This approach provides better hide with fewer topcoats.

How long does exterior paint need to cure before rain?

Most premium exterior paints develop rain resistance within 4 to 6 hours under ideal conditions but benefit from 24 to 48 hours before heavy rain. Temperature and humidity affect curing time, with cooler or more humid conditions extending the period needed. Always check the specific product's technical data sheet for manufacturer recommendations, and err on the side of caution when forecasting weather.