5 Paint Brands You Should Never Use On The Exterior Of Your House

April 2, 2025

Painting the exterior of your home isn’t just about choosing a color that appeals to you. You want to choose paint that will protect your home and improve its curb appeal. That said, there are some paint brands you may want to avoid if you don’t want to deal with peeling and fading. Here are five that I wouldn’t recommend for the exterior of your house.

1. ColorPlace (Walmart)

ColorPlace is known for being budget-friendly, but the savings come at a price. This paint brand has a reputation for poor coverage, meaning you’ll often need multiple coats to get the job done. On exterior surfaces, that translates into extra labor and money. Additionally, ColorPlace paint tends to fade quickly when exposed to sunlight and rain. Users have also reported issues with the paint cracking and peeling after just one season.

2. Valspar Medallion (Low-End Line)

Valspar offers some decent products, but their Medallion line—especially the cheaper versions—has been widely criticized for its lackluster performance outdoors. Many homeowners complain that it takes several coats to achieve even minimal coverage on exteriors. The paint doesn’t adhere well to surfaces like stucco or wood, especially in areas with extreme weather. Peeling and blistering are frequent complaints within a year of application.

3. Behr Premium Plus (Standard Line)

While Behr is often praised for interior paints, the exterior performance of the standard Premium Plus line leaves much to be desired. It struggles in high-humidity or high-temperature climates, where mildew and bubbling become visible problems. Even after proper surface preparation, adhesion can be inconsistent. The paint’s thinner consistency requires multiple coats, which is both frustrating and expensive.

4. Glidden Essentials

Glidden Essentials may work fine indoors, but it simply doesn’t have the strength for exterior surfaces. The paint fades rapidly when exposed to UV rays and harsh weather. Its chalky finish becomes visible in just a few months, dulling your home’s curb appeal. Many users note that mold and mildew easily penetrate the paint, even on well-prepped surfaces. One of the biggest frustrations is its poor resistance to abrasion and flaking.

5. Dutch Boy Exterior Paint

Dutch Boy may offer convenience with its twist-off cans and built-in pour spout, but don’t let that distract from performance concerns. Homeowners often report uneven coverage and the need for excessive touch-ups. The paint tends to fade significantly within the first year, especially in sunny or coastal regions. In cold weather, it becomes brittle and prone to cracking.

Choose Quality Over Convenience

At the end of the day, when you are painting the exterior of your home, you want to be sure that you are using a paint brand that will last. If you try to be cheap, it can land you in the hot seat as far as repairs and repainting go. Premium paint brands might have a higher upfront cost, but they’ll last longer and they’ll save you money in the long run too. Remember, it’s an investment in the overall look of your home.

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