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Creating a spectacular-looking outside space does not have to be a challenging and expensive task to achieve once you know the right products and tools for the job. Sometimes, if you have as much as £10, you can add your choice of colours to your outside space to create that beautiful outdoor surrounding you so much desire. Thanks to exterior wood paints, painting exterior surfaces has become an easy DIY project that anyone can do with minimum effort. 

Exterior wood paint colours offer a budget-friendly solution to adding a splash of colour to your fences, transform garden furniture, give your old conservatory ladders a fresh new look, enhance the natural colour of your garden wood, and protect exterior woodwork from cracks, blisters, and peels. There’s no limit to what you can do to add colour to your outside space using exterior wood paint colours (it all boils down to your creativity).

Today, there are tons of exterior wood paints available out there, and therefore choosing one that’ll suit your needs and budget could sometimes be frustrating, especially for a first-timer. However, to save your time, we’ve compiled a list of top exterior wood paints available on the market right now. In this post, we’ll review the ten best exterior wood paints in 2021, considering their features, specifications, pros, cons, and overall benefits. We also included a buyer guide, summary, and FAQs to help make your shopping experience exciting and seamless.

1

Johnstone's 303932 Weather Guard Exterior Gloss Paint

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Johnstone’s 303932 Weather Guard Exterior Gloss Paint is a watercolour paint type suitable for exterior wood, metal, and plastic. It’s formulated to outperform conventional gloss systems out there. This exterior paint gloss will leave your wood with a durable, high-gloss finish that’s resistant to water. This unique formula also offers excellent resistance to blistering, cracking, and peeling. It comes in a range of colours to suit all tastes. It’s advisable to use this product alongside Johnstone’s Weatherguard 6 Year Exterior Undercoat for added durability (up to six years after first application).

Key Features:

High-gloss finish exterior gloss paint

Resistance to water, blistering, cracking and peeling

Specially formulated to outperform most conventional wood paints

Ideal for exterior wood, metal, and plastic

Specification:

Brand

Johnstone's

Size

0.75 Liters

Coverage

10.5m2

Colour

Brilliant White

Package information

Tin

Pros

It is extra thick

It is quite durable

Cons

Long drying time

2

RUST-OLEUM AMZ0059 250ml Universal Paint

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RUST-OLEUM AMZ0059 is a universal paint ideal for direct application to any interior or exterior surface. It comprises paint and primer in one and features durable formula suitable for stain blocking. This product can be used in conjunction with Universal Stain Block Primer using a suitable brush or roller prior to application on non-ferrous or galvanized metals for best results. It covers approximately 9m2 per liter depending on surface porosity and method or rate of application. It comes in two sizes: 250ml and 750ml and available in different colours, including Matt White, Racing Green, Real Almond, and Slate Grey.

Key Features:

Suitable for direct application on wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, and even rust

Durable formula for stain blocking

Universal paint ideal for any indoor or outdoor surface

Features paint and primer in one

Specification:

Brand

Rust-Oleum

Size

250 ml

Coverage

9m2 per liter

Colour

Matt White

Package information

Tin

Pros

It is easy to apply

It covers many areas

Cons

It has a strong odour

3

Dulux Quick Dry Gloss Paint For Wood And Metal

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Dulux Quick Dry Gloss is an excellent choice of paint for wood and metal with a quick drying time. It covers approximately 16m2/L per coat. It requires no undercoat and is specially formulated for use on interior and exterior wood and metal. Thanks to its low-odour formulation, this dulux exterior wood paint is suitable for outdoor use and convenient and pleasant to use indoor. It’ll leave your wood and metal surface with a durable, gloss finish.

Key Features:

Durable gloss finish on door or window surface

Quick drying time

Low-odour formulation

Self-undercoating, wipeable, and non-yellowing formula

Specification:

Brand

Dulux

Finish Type

Gloss

Size

0.75 Liters

Coverage

12 meter square

Colour

Chic Shadow

Package information

Tin

Pros

It is easy to apply

It dries faster

Cons

It contains a sensitizing substance

4

Johnstone's 309281 Garden Colours, Dusty Fern, 1 Litre

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Johnstone’s 309281 Garden Colours is a coloured paint for exterior wood. It’s formulated to provide durable resistance to fading. This coloured paint is a solid choice for those looking for a convenient solution to transform their outdoor space into something colourful while also providing a beautiful layer of long-lasting protection (up to four years) on most garden furniture’s types, including sheds, fences, arbours, summer houses, trellis, tables, and chairs. This product helps remain the natural grain of the wood.

Key Features:

Long-lasting protection on almost all garden furniture types

Durable, rich coloured paint for exterior wood

Safe for plants and animals when dry

Fade-resistance

Specification:

Brand

Johnstone's

Size

1 Liter

Colour

Dusty Fern

Item volume

1000 ml

Package information

Tin

Pros

It dries quickly

It is easy to apply

Cons

it may produce an allergic reaction

5

Ronseal ASINOAUK30K 10 Year Weatherproof Paint

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Ronseal ASINOAUK30K 10 Year Weatherproof Paint is a water-based paint that offers resistance to dripping, cracking, peeling, and blistering that lasts for 10 years. It’s weatherproof and would leave your outdoor wood with a spring green satin finish. This product does not require a primer to give the best performance. It covers approximately 8m2 per liter, and it’s an ideal paint for use on bare or previously painted wooden doors, windows, or frames.

Key Features:

No primer required

Weatherproof, water-based paint

10-year colour and protection

Drip-resistance

Specification:

Brand

Ronseal

Size

750ml

Colour

Spring Green

Finish type

Satin

Item volume

0.75 liters

Package information

Tin

Pros

It is quite cheap

It offers long time protection

Cons

It is not suitable for interior use

6

Dulux Once Satinwood Paint For Wood And Metal

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Dulux Once Satinwood Paint is a one coat gloss paint that offers a convenient way to keep your wood and metal surface looking their best. With its pure brilliant white colour, this product will keep your outdoor surface shinning all year round. It’s suitable for use on any door, wood, or metal surfaces and would leave your exterior space with a touch of the satin finish. It’s self-undercoating and safe for both interior and exterior use. It’s recommended to use a water-based formulation of this product for long-lasting whiteness.

Key Features:

No primer required

Weatherproof, water-based paint

10-year colour and protection

Drip-resistance

Specification:

Brand

Dulux

Size

2.5 Liters

Colour

Pure Brilliant White

Finish type

Satin

Coverage

30 meter square

Package information

Tin

Pros

Quick drying time

It requires no primer

Cons

The paint is thin

7

Quick Drying Paint

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Quick Drying Paint is another excellent woodstains from Dulux. This paint is specially formulated to include satin and varnish in one container for use on interior and exterior surfaces. It requires two coats to totally protect your garden furniture with a rich mahogany colour. It dries quickly, taking between 2-4 hours of drying time after application using a suitable brush.

Key Features:

Contains stains and varnishes in one container2. Quick drying time

Quick drying time

Tough and durable finish

Covers approximately 20m2 per liter

Specification:

Brand

Dulux

Size

750ml

Colour

Rich Mahogany

Finish type

Satin

Item volume

0.75 liters

Coverage

20m2/L

Package information

Tin

Pros

Its quick drying time

It is suitable for interior and exterior use

Cons

It has a low viscosity

8

Cuprinol 5083482 Garden Shades Exterior Woodcare, Seagrass

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Cuprinol 5083482 Garden Shades is a watercolour paint type formulated to complement the natural colours of your garden wood, terracotta, brick, and stone. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for the best way to enhance the colour of their garden wood without losing the natural grain of your wood. It provides long-lasting protection (up to six years) for your garden wood, garden furniture, and decking against the harshest of weather. It can be applied using a brush or a sprayer

Key Features:

Six (6) year weather protection on wood

One (1) drying time

Harmless to plants and pets when dry

Suitable for decorating and protecting fences, garden furniture, sheds, and decking

Specification:

Brandl

Cuprinol

Size

1L

Colour

Seagrass

Finish type

Satin

Paint type

Watercolour

Item volume

1 liter

Package information

Tin

Pros

Super quick drying time

Easier method of application

Cons

It is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

9

Sandtex Retail 10 Year Exterior Gloss Pillar Box Red

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Sandtex Retail Exterior Gloss is a watercolour paint type for exterior use. This product is specially formulated to offer durable resistance to water and cracks. It provides ultimate protection (up to 10-year) for all exterior wood, including metal and PVC-u. It covers approximately 15m2 per liter and would leave your exterior surface with an ultra-mirror shine, long-lasting glossy finish.

Key Features:

Ten (10) guaranteed protection for exterior wood, metal, and PVC-u

Waterproof and crack resistance watercolour pain

Durable and tough glossy finish

. Up to 15m2/L coverage

Specification:

Size

0.75 Liters

Coloured

Pillar Box Red

Finish type

Gloss

Paint type

Watercolour

Item volume

0.75 liters

Package information

Tin

Brand

SANDTEX

Pros

Long-lasting finish

It is thick

Cons

It is not suitable for interior use

10

Leyland 423431 Wood & Metal Quick Dry Satin

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Leyland 423431 Wood and Metal Quick Dry Satin is a low-odour formulated paint suitable for interior and exterior wood and metal. This product is self-undercoating and non-yellowing and takes not more than four (4) hours to dry after application. It would leave your wood and metal surfaces with a mid-sheen satin finish that lasts for years.

Key Features:

Requires no undercoating

Low-odour formulation

Durable and tough mid-sheen finish

Up to 12m2/L coverage

Specification:

Brand

Leyland

Size

2.5 Liters

Colour

Brilliant White

Finish

Satin

Item volume

2.5 liters

Coverage

30m2

Package information

Tin

Pros

Quick drying time

Suitable for interior and exterior use

Cons

it may produce an offensive odour

If you’re looking for the best exterior wood paints that money can buy, look no further than this review. We’ve taken our time to review the best outdoor wood paints available on the market right now. You can count on this review to pick the best product for your needs as any of the reviewed products would meet your requirements and budget beyond expectation.

Due to similarities in these products’ specifications and features, it may be confusing for first-time buyers to decide what product to choose. However, we come up with the list of the things to consider before making a purchase (be it your first, second, or hundredth time) in the section below to help make your shopping for the exterior wood paint colours more fun and memorable.

Things to Consider When Buying An Exterior Wood Paint

Colour and appearance 

The colour and appearance you want to give to your wood surface would determine the colour of paint to select. Exterior wood paints come in a wide range of colours to suit all tastes. You would definitely find the right colour choice to match your garden wood to your other garden accessories such as outdoor bar tables and chairs (stools)garden storage benchgarden obelisks, or garden swing – if that’s what you want. Here, the point is to choose exterior wood paint that suits your colour and appearance preference.

Does it have a long-lasting finish effect?

Many exterior wood paints are formulated with the expectation to colour and protect your wood for years to come. It would help if you looked out for features such as waterproof, weatherproof, fade-resistance, crack, drip, blister, and peel resistance in exterior wood paint for the best choice in terms of long-lasting performance. Some paints also offer two, three, five, six, or even up to ten-year protection on wood.

Is it Safe?

It’s important to note that your plants’ and pets’ safety in your garden is second to none. Therefore, only use exterior wood paints that are harmless to plants and pets when dry. Doing this would ensure the safety of your garden plants and enhance the natural colours of your garden wood.

Method of application

The most important thing to consider here is the ease of application. Many factors are likely to affect the ease of application, such as paint type and the surface porosity. Water-based paint types are a lot easier to apply than any other paint types out there. Simultaneously, All-surface paints are great for easy and direct application on any interior or exterior surface.

Drying time

The drying time for exterior wood paints varies from brand to brand. The drying time could also depend on the paint’s formula. Some wood paints dry quickly, while some have a low drying speed. The quicker the drying time of the paint you choose to use, the faster the time to get the job done and not worry about the unpredictable weather. The drying time for each exterior wood paint is clearly stated on the manufacturer’s description page for potential buyers.

Coverage area

The surface area of the wood you want to colour is affected by the paint’s size to buy. A large surface area requires a bigger paint size, while a small size of paint would be enough to cater to a small surface area. The area coverage per liter varies from product to product. The best way to know the wood paint coverage area you intend to buy is by double-checking the product manufacturer’s description page.

FAQs

How to paint exterior wood?

It is easy to paint your exterior wood using your preferred exterior wood paint. We’ve included a video link below that would show you a simple way to paint your exterior wood.

What paint to use on exterior wood?

There are tons of exterior wood paints out there that you can choose to use. However, it’s vital to purchase a product that’ll best suit your needs and budget. All our reviewed exterior wood paints are the best you can find on the market at the moment. You will indeed find the product that best suits your requirements, preferences, and budget when you go through the list of our reviewed exterior wood paints.

How to Paint and Protect Your Exterior Wood

Further reading guide on exterior wood paint:

https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/exterior-paint-buying-guide/CC_npcart_400129.art

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