Best Exterior Paint for Doors and Trim
Here's why semigloss is your best betāplus, the top four exterior paints from CR's tests
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Painting your front door can be a big decision, with several color and finish options to choose from. The aesthetics of the main entryway are so important, in fact, that studies have found when the front door is painted the right hue, homes can fetch upward of $6,000 more in resale value. But despite the shade you ultimately select to heighten your homeās curb appeal, thereās only one real option for the finish.
It has to be semigloss.
The same goes for exterior trim. Semigloss paint gives you a smoother surface than lower-sheen finishes and has a degree of shine, providing a visual contrast.
āSemigloss finishes are usually easy to clean, so theyāll continue to look good for years,ā says test engineer Rico de Paz, Consumer Reportsā resident paint pro. He also recommends a semigloss finish for porch railings, adding that you should use a porch-and-patio paint for the porch floor and stairs.
How CR Tests Exterior Paints
In our tough exterior paint tests, we evaluate how the paint will look after three, six, and nine years. Our tests have found that a brandās flat, eggshell, and semigloss paints perform similarly overall, so we combine the scores to make it easier for you to compare brands.
Youāll find 16 paints in our exterior paint ratings with Overall Scores ranging from 29 to 76, as well as several paints weāre still in the process of testing. Another resource: our paint buying guide.
Top Exterior Paints From CR's Tests
The best paint in our exterior paint ratings? Behr Marquee Exterior; itās $51 per gallon at Home Depot and is front-runner for the category.
For around $10 less and almost as good, thereās Behr Ultra Exterior, also sold at Home Depot. Clark+Kensington from Ace Hardware is another solid choice with a comparable rating, at just $35 per gallon. Sherwin-Williams Emerald is impressive, too, but it has a harder time resisting dirt than the other two, and itās $72 per gallon.
CR members can see more detailed ratings below.
How to Paint
Do you have some painting projects planned for your home? On the "Consumer 101" TV show, Consumer Reports' expert Rico De Paz shows host Jack Rico how to give walls the perfect coat.
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