Best Interior & Exterior House Paint of 2026

Howard Chester Avatar
Howard Chester
Last Updated: Jan 24, 2026

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Interior and exterior house paint is an essential tool for any homeowner looking to give their home a fresh new look. These paints come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize their homes to their liking. Interior paint is specifically designed for use on walls, ceilings, and other indoor surfaces, while exterior paint is formulated to withstand the elements and protect the outside of a home. With the right paint and application techniques, homeowners can transform the look and feel of their homes, adding value and curb appeal in the process.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

DWIL White Multi-Surface Touch Up Paint Pen Cover #TOP 1
DWIL White Multi-Surface Touch Up Paint Pen
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Paint Cover #TOP 2
Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Paint
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zinsser Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint Cover #TOP 3
Zinsser Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Interior & Exterior House Paint

#TOP 1

DWIL White Multi-Surface Touch Up Paint Pen

White
DWIL White Multi-Surface Touch Up Paint Pen Cover
DWIL White Touch Up Paint - Multi Surface Touch Up Paint Pen, Scratch Repair for Wall, Door, Cabinets, Metal, Appliance, Wood, Furniture, 1.5 Fl Oz (Semi Gloss, White)

The DWIL White Touch Up Pen is designed to make your home repairs quick and easy. Its built-in brush lets you fix scratches and chips without needing professional help, saving you time and money. This paint sticks well to many surfaces, like walls, doors, cabinets, metal, and furniture, so you can use it in multiple rooms. Plus, it works both indoors and outdoors, giving you a smooth, clean finish wherever you apply it. For best results, just apply two coats with a couple of hours to dry between each, ensuring a neat and lasting repair.

What We Like
Easy to use
Good coverage
Bright white color
Long-lasting in bottle
Works on multiple surfaces
What We Don't Like
Occasional mixing issues
Some find it overpriced
#TOP 2

Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Paint

2774
White
Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Paint Cover
Zinsser 02774 PERMA-WHITE Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Paint, Quart, Eggshell White

Zinsser PERMA-WHITE Paint offers a self-priming formula, allowing you to skip the sanding process, which saves you time and effort. This paint is designed to resist mold and mildew, ensuring your walls stay fresh and clean for up to five years. Its durable finish can withstand dirt and moisture, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. Additionally, the washable surface means you can easily scrub away stains with just soap and water, keeping your home looking its best with minimal maintenance.

What We Like
Good mold resistance
Easy application
Dries quickly
Excellent coverage
Washable and easy cleanup
What We Don't Like
Small container size
#TOP 3

Zinsser Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint

03688
White
Zinsser Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint Cover
Zinnser 03688 Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint, White

Zinsser Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint is a specially formulated low-odor paint and primer in one that is perfect for quick ceiling touch-ups. The vertical aerosol spray makes painting easy and without strain. The paint can quickly cover stains and leaves a non-yellowing, flat white finish that matches most ceiling tiles. It can be used on or over latex and oil-based paints and on various surfaces, including new or painted ceiling tiles, wood, drywall, cured plaster, aluminum, metal and more.

What We Like
One-coat stain coverage
Matches flat ceiling white
Easy spray application
No dripping or splattering
Quick drying time
What We Don't Like
Possible overspray
#TOP 4

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Enamel Paint

1993502
Semi-Gloss White
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Enamel Paint Cover
Rust-Oleum 1993502 Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Multi-Purpose Brush-On Paint, 1 Quart, Semi-Gloss White

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Enamel Paint is a versatile interior and exterior house paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry, and unglazed ceramic. Its water-based acrylic formula is low odor and provides long-lasting protection against chips. With a coverage of up to 120 sq ft, this paint dries to touch in just 30 minutes, allowing for quick project completion. The semi-gloss finish provides a soft shine and excellent hide, giving surfaces a smooth and polished look. Before application, it is recommended to sand the surfaces and wash with a degreaser for optimal results.

What We Like
Smooth application
Excellent coverage
Fast drying
Durable finish
Great value
What We Don't Like
May require second coat
Small can size
#TOP 5

SENVEN White Touch Up Paint Pen

White
30 ml
SENVEN White Touch Up Paint Pen Cover
White Touch Up Paint High-Gloss Multi Surface Acrylic White Touch Up Paint Pen Scratch Repair for Metal,Walls,Cabinets,Appliances,Wood,Door,Furniture,Enamel 1.5 Fl Oz

The SENVEN White Touch Up is a handy paint pen designed to fix scratches and imperfections on various surfaces like metal, wood, walls, and cabinets. It dries quickly and is water-resistant, making your repair work fast and durable. The high-gloss finish helps blend the touch-up paint seamlessly with most surfaces, giving your items a refreshed look. Its brush tip allows you to apply paint precisely without making a mess, so you can handle detailed repairs easily. Plus, the paint is safe for indoor use, as it’s made with a low-odor, non-toxic acrylic formula, keeping your family safe while you work.

What We Like
Easy application process
Fast drying formula
Excellent coverage
Low odor
Restores like-new appearance
What We Don't Like
Viscous texture
May be too glossy for some uses
#TOP 6

Rust-Oleum 369384 Satin Door Paint

369384
Satin White
Rust-Oleum 369384 Satin Door Paint Cover
Rust-Oleum 369384 Advanced Dry Door & Trim Paint, Quart, Satin White

Rust-Oleum Satin Door Paint is a convenient, pre-mixed option for refreshing your interior or exterior surfaces. This water-based formula not only reduces unpleasant odors but also resists fading, ensuring a vibrant finish that lasts. You’ll appreciate that it dries quickly, taking just 45 minutes to the touch, which is significantly faster than traditional oil-based paints. Plus, its durable, chip-resistant coating offers excellent protection while enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Available in six attractive colors, this paint allows you to achieve the perfect look for your doors and trim.

What We Like
Easy application
Quick drying
Excellent coverage
Durable finish
Professional appearance
What We Don't Like
Color may differ slightly
Somewhat expensive
#TOP 7

Rust-Oleum 206540 Chalkboard Brush-On Paint

301450
Black
Rust-Oleum 206540 Chalkboard Brush-On Paint Cover
Rust-Oleum 206540 Chalkboard Brush-On Paint, 30 oz, Black

The Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint is perfect for turning many indoor surfaces into a chalkboard, including wood, metal, and glass. This oil-based paint lets you create a smooth, scratch-resistant chalkboard that’s easy to write and erase on, making it great for notes, lists, or creative art. It covers a large area of up to 120 square feet and dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to start using your new chalkboard. For the best results, allow 24 hours before writing and prepare the surface by rubbing chalk on it first, ensuring your chalkboard works perfectly from day one.

What We Like
Easy application
Quick drying time
Durable finish
Versatile surface compatibility
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Minor packaging issues
Multiple coats needed
#TOP 8

Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint Quart

QT-IRONGATE
Iron Gate
Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint Quart Cover
Heirloom Traditions ALL-IN-ONE Paint, Iron Gate (black), Quart - Durable cabinet and furniture paint. Built in primer and top coat, no sanding needed. Includes our 30 featured color card.

The Heirloom Traditions Paint is a versatile all-in-one option that makes painting easier for you. It comes with a color card featuring 30 popular and new shades, allowing you to preview colors in your home's lighting for better choices. This paint requires no sanding, priming, or additional top coats, saving you time and effort while delivering a smooth, low-luster velvet finish. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it works well on many surfaces like walls, cabinets, metal, glass, and even fabric, giving you flexibility for various projects around your home.

What We Like
Excellent coverage
Durable finish
Easy application
True-to-photo colors
Dries quickly
What We Don't Like
Some colors need more coats
Requires curing time for durability
#TOP 9

Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Latex Paint

267249
Black
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Latex Paint Cover
Rust-Oleum 267249 Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Premium Latex Brush Paint, Half Pint, Satin Canyon Black

The Rust-Oleum Satin Black Paint is a versatile option that works well on various surfaces like metal, wood, plaster, masonry, and unglazed ceramic, making it perfect for different projects around your home. It covers up to 25 square feet, so you can easily estimate how much you need for small to medium tasks. The satin finish offers a smooth, soft sheen that looks great without being too shiny. Plus, the high-quality latex formula ensures the paint goes on easily and evenly, so you’ll get a professional-looking result with less hassle and effort.

What We Like
Great coverage
Quick drying
Perfect for small projects
No harsh smell
Jet black finish
What We Don't Like
May require multiple coats
Finish may appear matte
#TOP 10

DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit 33oz

DWIL White Tile Paint 33 oz
White
DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit 33oz Cover
DWIL Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, Quick-Dry Tile Paint for Wall & Floor, Sink Bathtub Paint for Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilets, Water Based, Semi-Gloss White, 50-55sq.ft, 33oz

The DWIL Tile Paint Kit is a versatile solution for refreshing a variety of surfaces like tiles, wood, glass, ceramics, acrylic, and marble. This means you can use it both indoors and outdoors for sinks, floors, walls, and bathtubs, making your renovation projects easier. With its low odor and minimal VOCs, you won’t be bothered by strong smells, so it’s great for enclosed spaces. The paint is water-based and designed to resist water and peeling, providing durable protection and keeping your surfaces looking new longer. Plus, the kit comes with enough paint to cover medium to large areas and includes helpful tools to make your project smooth and efficient.

What We Like
Easy application process
Cost-effective bathroom update
Professional-looking glossy finish
Durable with proper prep
Includes all necessary tools
What We Don't Like
May chip with heavy use
Brush marks possible with roller
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of paint is used for both interior and exterior?

Water-based paints can be used for both interior and exterior surfaces. These paints can be customized with pigments to add color and special additives to provide different effects such as water-resistance, UV-resistance, or increased durability.

2. Can I use interior paint on the exterior of my house?

Using interior paint on the exterior of your house is not recommended. Interior paint is not formulated to withstand outdoor elements, and it can quickly deteriorate, leading to cracking, blistering, bubbling, and peeling of the paint.

3. Is it OK to mix interior and exterior paint?

It is possible to mix interior and exterior paints, but it is important to consider the differences between them. Exterior paint contains higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful when used indoors. Therefore, it is best to use interior and exterior paint separately for their respective applications.

4. Should exterior paint be semi gloss or flat?

For large areas of the home, such as siding, it is advisable to use less glossy paints like flat (matte) or satin/eggshell finishes. These finishes help to minimize the appearance of imperfections on the surface and provide a more even and uniform look.

5. How long will interior latex paint last outside?

Interior latex paint is not designed for long-term outdoor use. It may start showing signs of wear and deterioration within a few months to a year when exposed to outdoor elements. It is recommended to use exterior paint specifically formulated for exterior surfaces.

6. Does exterior house paint need two coats?

While it is possible to apply only one coat of exterior paint if the surface is in good condition, it is generally recommended to apply two coats. Two coats provide better coverage, durability, and protection against weathering. If budget allows, applying two coats is the preferred option.

Editor's Notes

During our interior & exterior house paint research, we found 24 interior & exterior house paint products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 237,731 customer reviews through our big data system to write the interior & exterior house paint list. We found that most customers choose interior & exterior house paint with an average price of $13.98.

The interior & exterior house paint are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of interior & exterior house paint, including DWIL, Zinsser, Rust-Oleum, SENVEN, Heirloom Traditions Paint. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 237 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Howard Chester Avatar

Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.

Interior & Exterior House Paint Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand DWIL Zinsser Zinsser Rust-Oleum SENVEN Rust-Oleum Rust-Oleum Heirloom Traditions Paint Rust-Oleum DWIL
Color White White White Semi-Gloss White White Satin White Black Iron Gate Black White
Finish Type Semi-Gloss Flat Gloss Semi-Gloss High-Gloss Satin Matte Low Luster Satin Semi-Gloss
Size 1.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 31.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 13 Ounce (Pack of 1) 1 Quarts (Pack of 1) 30 ml 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 30 Ounce (Pack of 1) 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 33 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Item Volume 1.5 Fluid Ounces 1000 Milliliters 11 Fluid Ounces 946 Milliliters 30 Milliliters 32 Fluid Ounces 3548 Milliliters 32 Fluid Ounces 8 Fluid Ounces 35 Fluid Ounces
Paint Type Waterbased Watercolor Spray Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic Oil Acrylic Acrylic Water Based
Specific Uses For Product Interior/Exterior Interior Interior Interior/Exterior Interior/Exterior Interior/Exterior Interior Cabinets,Doors,Walls,Metal,Glass,Interior/Exterior Interior/Exterior Home DIY
Special Feature Fast-Drying, Low Odor, Low VOC, Non Toxic Mold & Mildew Resistant Low VOC, Stain Resistant Chip Resistant, Fade Resistant, Low Odor Chip Resistant, Color Changing, Fade Resistant, Fast-Drying, Low Odor Chip Resistant, Fade Resistant, Mildew Resistant Washable Fast-Drying, Low Oder - Semi Gloss, Water Based, Wear Resistance
Unit Count 1.5 Fluid Ounces 31.5 Fluid Ounces 13.0 Ounce 32.0 Fluid Ounces - 32.0 Fluid Ounces 30.0 Fluid Ounces 32.0 Fluid Ounces 8.0 Fluid Ounces 33.0 Fluid Ounces
Surface Recommendation Walls, Doors, Wood Furniture, Cabinets, Skirting Boards Indoor Metal,Wood Wood - Wood Glass,Masonry,Metal,Plastic,Wood Wood,Stone Interior/Exterior Ceramic, Wood, Tile, Fiberglass, Marble
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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