Behr Premium Plus

Behr Premium Plus exterior paint is a perennial top performer in simulated durability tests. In that test, it performs almost as well as a more expensive brand -- California Fresh Coat Velvet Flat (*Est. $35 per gallon) -- at resisting dirt, mildew and cracking. However, professional house painters give Behr Premium Plus exterior paint very mixed reviews. Some say it's too thick and fast-drying to apply smoothly, sags when applied thickly, and dries with an uneven finish. Others disagree, saying that while Behr isn't as high quality as more expensive paints, such as Sherwin-Williams Duration (*Est. $55 per gallon) and Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint (*Est. $40 per gallon), they have used Behr with decent results. Still, pros agree that a good premium exterior paint will probably cover better in fewer coats than any low-priced paint. No other budget exterior paint comes highly recommended by professional painters, and none has done as well in extensive testing as Behr. Behr Premium Plus comes in flat, satin and semi-gloss sheens with a lifetime warranty.

ConsumerReports.org publishes a free article that names the winners of its latest exterior paint tests. Professional painting contractors who post at DIYChatroom.com and PaintTalk.com give mixed opinions about Behr. About.com's guide to home repair recommends Behr as a high-quality brand.