Latex exterior paint has won the war against oil-based for most exterior applications. Here's why — and the one situation where oil-based still wins.
Why Latex Won
Modern 100% acrylic latex exterior paints (Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior, Sherwin-Williams Duration) outperform traditional oil-based paints in almost every metric: they breathe (allowing moisture to escape the substrate), they flex with temperature changes, they don't yellow over time, and they clean up with water. They've also gotten dramatically better at adhesion and hide over the past 20 years.
When Oil-Based Still Makes Sense
Oil-based primer on bare wood is still the professional standard because it penetrates deeper and blocks tannin bleed better than latex primer. Oil-based paint on ferrous metal (wrought iron, steel) provides better rust inhibition. Alkyd enamel on interior trim is experiencing a comeback because it self-levels beautifully and cures to a very hard finish. But for exterior topcoats on wood siding or stucco, latex wins.
What We Specify for Exterior Projects
We use 100% acrylic latex topcoats for all exterior surfaces: siding, trim, stucco, and masonry. We prime bare wood with oil-based primer for better penetration. Metal surfaces (wrought iron, gutters, railings) get rust-inhibitor oil-based primer. The result: a paint job that lasts 8-12 years before needing attention.
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