What exterior paint lasts longest in Seattle?

High-quality 100% acrylic exterior paints, or urethane-modified acrylics, typically offer the best durability against Seattle’s moisture, UV, and temperature swings when paired with proper primer and prep.

Which sheen is best for siding in a rainy climate?

Satin or low-sheen paints balance cleanability, color richness, and moisture resistance. Flats hide imperfections but can hold dirt and mildew longer; gloss is best reserved for trim and doors.

Do I need a special primer in the PNW?

Use the primer specified for your substrate: bonding primers for chalky or previously painted surfaces, stain-blocking primers for cedar/tannins, and masonry primers for stucco. Proper primer selection is critical in humid climates.

Is elastomeric paint good for Seattle homes?

Elastomerics can bridge hairline cracks on masonry and stucco, but are not usually recommended for wood siding. Always match the coating to the substrate and follow manufacturer specs.

How many coats should I plan for?

Most exterior repaints in Seattle require one full coat of primer where needed and two finish coats for even color, film build, and longevity.

Best Exterior Paint for Seattle Weather

Quick Picks

100% Acrylic Exterior Paints Urethane-Modified Acrylics (doors/trim) Stain-Blocking Primers for Cedar Masonry/Stucco Primers Satin for Siding · Semi-Gloss for Trim

Bottom line: In Seattle, moisture management and film build matter most. Pair the right primer with a premium acrylic system and respect weather windows.

What Seattle Weather Does to Paint

Seattle’s marine climate pushes paint films hard: persistent moisture, cool nights, shaded elevations that stay damp, and intermittent UV bursts each summer. The result is frequent swelling and contraction of siding, mildew pressure, and faster erosion of low-quality coatings. The fix isn’t a single “magic” product — it’s selecting the right system for your substrate and applying it in the correct conditions.

Best Exterior Paint Types for the PNW

Coating	Best Use	Why It Works Here
100% Acrylic Latex	Most siding & trim	Flexible, breathable, resists UV/chalking, strong adhesion in damp climates.
Urethane-Modified Acrylic	Doors, trim, high-touch	Harder finish, better block resistance and durability for traffic areas.
Solid-Color Acrylic Stain	Weathered wood, fences	Penetrates, allows moisture vapor to escape; great for dimensional lumber.
Elastomeric (masonry)	Stucco, CMU, hairline cracks	Bridges micro-cracks and sheds water; not ideal for wood siding.

Primer Selection (Critical in Seattle)

Wood & Cedar

Spot prime bare wood; full prime if heavily weathered.
Use stain-blocking primers where tannins are present.
Sand glossy areas; fix failed caulk before priming.

Fiber-Cement / Masonry

Use masonry/fiber-cement primers for uniform porosity.
Address hairline stucco cracks with patch or elastomeric systems.
Neutralize efflorescence; ensure surfaces are dry.

Sheen: What Works and Where

Satin (eggshell/low-lustre) on siding: balances cleanability, color richness, and moisture resistance without highlighting imperfections.
Semi-gloss on trim/doors: tougher, wipes clean, pops details.
Flat: hides defects but can hold dirt and mildew longer in a wet climate — better for select historical looks or sheltered elevations.

Mildew Resistance & Maintenance

Choose coatings with mildew-resistant finishes and wash exteriors annually. Trim vegetation back from siding, maintain gutters, and address splash-back zones near grade. In high-shade sides (north/east elevations), mildew pressure is highest — plan slightly glossier sheens or routine rinses.

Color & UV

Darker colors absorb more heat and can accelerate film movement and fading. If choosing deep hues, use premium tints and consider heat-reflective or UV-resistant formulations. On south/west elevations, plan for careful timing to avoid hot-surface application.

Build a Seattle-Proof System

Correct moisture issues (downspouts, caulk joints, failed flashing).
Wash thoroughly; remove chalk, dirt, and mildew.
Repair + prime by substrate (wood vs masonry).
Apply two finish coats at the manufacturer’s spread rate.
Paint within safe weather windows (see our temperature guide).

Pro tip: Film build wins. Thin coats fail faster in Seattle’s climate; use the full wet mils per label and don’t rush recoat times.

When We Recommend Something Different

Historic homes, coastal exposures, and unique substrates may call for specialty primers, breathable systems, or elastomeric coatings on stucco. We evaluate each elevation, not just the house as a whole.