I N C E P T I O N A I
  2. Home kitchen garden
  3. Home improvement
  4. Paint supplies
  5. Exterior paints
  6. Acrylic exterior paint

Top 5 Acrylic Exterior Paints in Canada for 2025: Expert Guide to Benjamin Moore Aura, Dulux Diamond, SICO Evolution, Behr Premium Plus Ultra, and Sherwin-Williams Duration — Which One Fits Your Climate?

Published on Sunday, August 24, 2025

Acrylic Exterior Paint is a high-performance, water-based formulation specifically designed for outdoor use, offering excellent adhesion, durability, and color retention. It resists fading, cracking, and peeling, making it ideal for protecting and beautifying a variety of exterior surfaces such as wood, metal, and masonry. In Canada, consumer preferences have shifted toward acrylics because they combine strong weather resistance with lower VOCs, faster drying, and easier clean-up compared with solvent-based coatings. Homeowners and professional contractors choose acrylic exterior paints for long-lasting color in high-UV and freeze-thaw environments, mildew resistance in humid coastal areas, and flexible film performance that accommodates seasonal substrate movement. Other appeal factors include one-coat or paint-plus-primer formulations, strong brand warranties, and improved pigment stability that keeps exteriors looking fresh longer in the varied Canadian climate.

Quick Menu

1. Best Colour Lock

2. Best Diamond Strength

3. Best Canadian Choice

4. Best Value Paint & Primer

5. Best Long-Term Durability

1
BEST COLOUR LOCK

Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint

Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint

Benjamin Moore Aura is positioned as a premium acrylic exterior paint known for exceptional color retention and excellent hide thanks to its proprietary color technology and high-pigment formula. While it commands a higher upfront price than many competitors on this list, its superior fade resistance and self-priming performance often translate to lower life-cycle repainting costs compared with mid-tier alternatives like Behr or SICO. Relative to Sherwin‑Williams and Dulux, Aura emphasizes richer color fidelity and a softer application feel that appeals to homeowners and designers seeking top-tier finish quality.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Ultra-rich coverage

  • Fade-resistant finish

  • Ultra-rich coverage

  • Fade-resistant finish

Review Summary

90%

"Users praise its exceptional coverage, vivid color retention and long-term durability, though many note it is a higher-priced premium option. Both contractors and DIYers report consistent hide and excellent weather performance over years."

  • Mildew-defense charm

  • 100% acrylic formula with Colour Lock technology for superior colour retention

  • Mildew-defense charm

  • 100% acrylic formula with Colour Lock technology for superior colour retention

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Eco-Friendly Living

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Benjamin Moore Aura is positioned as a premium acrylic exterior paint known for exceptional color retention and excellent hide thanks to its proprietary color technology and high-pigment formula. While it commands a higher upfront price than many competitors on this list, its superior fade resistance and self-priming performance often translate to lower life-cycle repainting costs compared with mid-tier alternatives like Behr or SICO. Relative to Sherwin‑Williams and Dulux, Aura emphasizes richer color fidelity and a softer application feel that appeals to homeowners and designers seeking top-tier finish quality.

  • Ultra-rich coverage

  • Fade-resistant finish

  • Mildew-defense charm

  • 100% acrylic formula with Colour Lock technology for superior colour retention

  • Excellent hide and coverage, often reduces required coats

  • Ultra-rich coverage

  • Fade-resistant finish

  • Mildew-defense charm

  • 100% acrylic formula with Colour Lock technology for superior colour retention

  • Excellent hide and coverage, often reduces required coats

Order Now

$130-180 CAD

2
BEST DIAMOND STRENGTH

Dulux Diamond Exterior Acrylic Paint

Dulux Diamond Exterior Acrylic Paint

Dulux Diamond Exterior Acrylic is recognized for durable diamond-tech formulations that deliver strong adhesion and abrasion resistance at a competitive price point, making it a market-leading option for cost-conscious buyers who still need robust performance. It often undercuts premium offerings like Benjamin Moore on price while matching or exceeding mid-market competitors in washability and long-term streak resistance. Compared with SICO and Behr, Dulux provides an attractive balance of durability and lifecycle value for property managers and homeowners in varied climates.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Diamond-hard durability

  • Stain-shedding surface

  • Diamond-hard durability

  • Stain-shedding surface

Review Summary

86%

"Reviewers highlight strong stain resistance, good durability and smooth application, with occasional complaints about limited color matching availability in some regions. Overall seen as a reliable mid-to-high end exterior acrylic."

  • Storm-ready grin

  • Diamond polymer formulation delivers high chip, abrasion and stain resistance

  • Storm-ready grin

  • Diamond polymer formulation delivers high chip, abrasion and stain resistance

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Dulux Diamond Exterior Acrylic is recognized for durable diamond-tech formulations that deliver strong adhesion and abrasion resistance at a competitive price point, making it a market-leading option for cost-conscious buyers who still need robust performance. It often undercuts premium offerings like Benjamin Moore on price while matching or exceeding mid-market competitors in washability and long-term streak resistance. Compared with SICO and Behr, Dulux provides an attractive balance of durability and lifecycle value for property managers and homeowners in varied climates.

  • Diamond-hard durability

  • Stain-shedding surface

  • Storm-ready grin

  • Diamond polymer formulation delivers high chip, abrasion and stain resistance

  • Strong adhesion and washability for easier maintenance

  • Diamond-hard durability

  • Stain-shedding surface

  • Storm-ready grin

  • Diamond polymer formulation delivers high chip, abrasion and stain resistance

  • Strong adhesion and washability for easier maintenance

Order Now

$90-130 CAD

3
BEST CANADIAN CHOICE

SICO Evolution Exterior Paint

sico
🏠 Local Product

SICO Evolution Exterior Paint is a Canadian-market option engineered for tough seasonal conditions and reliable substrate adhesion, delivering strong weather resistance and value-oriented pricing for homeowners in colder climates. Its formulation focuses on flexible acrylic binders that help reduce cracking and peeling in freeze-thaw cycles, making it a practical alternative to higher-cost brands for regional projects. While it may offer fewer premium color options than Benjamin Moore or Dulux, SICO’s cost-effectiveness and climate-tuned performance make it a smart choice for budget-conscious exterior repaints in Canada.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Smooth application flow

  • Long-lasting color

  • Smooth application flow

  • Long-lasting color

Review Summary

82%

"Customers appreciate its good coverage, mildew resistance and value for money, though some users find it slightly less durable than top-tier premium brands in very harsh climates. Generally considered a solid, cost-effective choice."

  • Mold-guard smile

  • Acrylic-latex formulation engineered for Canadian weather and UV protection

  • Mold-guard smile

  • Acrylic-latex formulation engineered for Canadian weather and UV protection

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Eco-Friendly Living

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

SICO Evolution Exterior Paint is a Canadian-market option engineered for tough seasonal conditions and reliable substrate adhesion, delivering strong weather resistance and value-oriented pricing for homeowners in colder climates. Its formulation focuses on flexible acrylic binders that help reduce cracking and peeling in freeze-thaw cycles, making it a practical alternative to higher-cost brands for regional projects. While it may offer fewer premium color options than Benjamin Moore or Dulux, SICO’s cost-effectiveness and climate-tuned performance make it a smart choice for budget-conscious exterior repaints in Canada.

  • Smooth application flow

  • Long-lasting color

  • Mold-guard smile

  • Acrylic-latex formulation engineered for Canadian weather and UV protection

  • Good flexibility and adhesion to resist cracking and peeling

  • Smooth application flow

  • Long-lasting color

  • Mold-guard smile

  • Acrylic-latex formulation engineered for Canadian weather and UV protection

  • Good flexibility and adhesion to resist cracking and peeling

Order Now
From 73.94$
4
BEST VALUE PAINT & PRIMER

Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior

Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior

Behr Premium Plus Ultra pairs paint-and-primer-in-one convenience with solid stain-blocking and mildew resistance, delivering a strong price-to-performance ratio that appeals to DIYers and larger homeowner projects. Widely available through big-box retailers, it often represents the most cost-effective upfront purchase compared with premium lines while still offering reliable coverage and ease of application. Compared to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin‑Williams, Behr trades a bit of premium depth in color and sheen for a lower total project cost and straightforward usability for non-professional painters.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • One-coat coverage

  • Dirt-shedding finish

  • One-coat coverage

  • Dirt-shedding finish

Review Summary

84%

"Buyers like the convenience of paint-and-primer, decent durability and strong value, but some report fading or minor peeling after several years compared with premium lines. Widely recommended for budget-conscious projects and good initial results."

  • Color-lock pop

  • Paint-and-primer-in-one for time-saving application and improved stain blocking

  • Color-lock pop

  • Paint-and-primer-in-one for time-saving application and improved stain blocking

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Time-Saving Convenience

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Behr Premium Plus Ultra pairs paint-and-primer-in-one convenience with solid stain-blocking and mildew resistance, delivering a strong price-to-performance ratio that appeals to DIYers and larger homeowner projects. Widely available through big-box retailers, it often represents the most cost-effective upfront purchase compared with premium lines while still offering reliable coverage and ease of application. Compared to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin‑Williams, Behr trades a bit of premium depth in color and sheen for a lower total project cost and straightforward usability for non-professional painters.

  • One-coat coverage

  • Dirt-shedding finish

  • Color-lock pop

  • Paint-and-primer-in-one for time-saving application and improved stain blocking

  • Durable acrylic exterior finish with mildew resistance

  • One-coat coverage

  • Dirt-shedding finish

  • Color-lock pop

  • Paint-and-primer-in-one for time-saving application and improved stain blocking

  • Durable acrylic exterior finish with mildew resistance

Order Now

$70-110 CAD

5
BEST LONG-TERM DURABILITY

Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic

Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic

Sherwin‑Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic is engineered for long-term weatherability and resistance to peeling and mildew, making it a contractor-favored choice when long maintenance intervals and warranty backing matter. Its advanced acrylic resin and thicker film-forming properties often rival premium competitors like Benjamin Moore for lifespan while offering comprehensive professional support and extensive color systems. Though priced toward the top of the market, Duration’s reduced maintenance frequency and strong adhesion deliver compelling lifecycle savings for large homes and commercial exteriors relative to mid-tier brands.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Durability champion

  • Mildew-resistant coat

  • Durability champion

  • Mildew-resistant coat

Review Summary

89%

"Users report outstanding durability, excellent weather and stain resistance and low maintenance, with high satisfaction among professionals; higher cost per gallon is the main downside mentioned. Overall seen as a long-lasting, professional-grade exterior acrylic."

  • Fade-lock brilliance

  • Advanced acrylic resin provides outstanding weather resistance and film integrity

  • Fade-lock brilliance

  • Advanced acrylic resin provides outstanding weather resistance and film integrity

Aesthetic & Personal Appeal

Increased Safety & Security

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Sherwin‑Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic is engineered for long-term weatherability and resistance to peeling and mildew, making it a contractor-favored choice when long maintenance intervals and warranty backing matter. Its advanced acrylic resin and thicker film-forming properties often rival premium competitors like Benjamin Moore for lifespan while offering comprehensive professional support and extensive color systems. Though priced toward the top of the market, Duration’s reduced maintenance frequency and strong adhesion deliver compelling lifecycle savings for large homes and commercial exteriors relative to mid-tier brands.

  • Durability champion

  • Mildew-resistant coat

  • Fade-lock brilliance

  • Advanced acrylic resin provides outstanding weather resistance and film integrity

  • Self-priming with excellent resistance to peeling, blistering and mildew

  • Durability champion

  • Mildew-resistant coat

  • Fade-lock brilliance

  • Advanced acrylic resin provides outstanding weather resistance and film integrity

  • Self-priming with excellent resistance to peeling, blistering and mildew

Order Now

$120-190 CAD

What the Research Says About Acrylic Exterior Paints

Scientific research and industry testing explain why acrylic exterior paints are effective for outdoor protection. Studies and standardized lab tests focus on polymer chemistry, film formation, UV resistance, moisture permeability, and adhesion. Those results translate into practical benefits such as improved color retention, reduced cracking and peeling, and reliable adhesion across common exterior substrates. Standards and accelerated weathering protocols help manufacturers optimize formulations for climates like Canada’s, where UV exposure, cold snaps, and freeze-thaw cycles all influence long-term performance.

Acrylic polymer binders form flexible, cohesive films that accommodate thermal expansion and contraction; this flexibility reduces cracking and substrate stress.

UV stabilizers and high-quality pigments reduce photodegradation, which improves color retention and slows fading in sun-exposed locations.

Hydrophobic film characteristics and controlled water vapor permeability help resist water penetration while allowing trapped moisture to escape, reducing blistering and peeling.

Adhesion testing (for example, methods aligned with ASTM standards) shows acrylic systems bond well to properly prepared wood, metal, and masonry when paired with the correct primer.

Laboratory accelerated weathering and real-world exposure tests demonstrate that formulation factors—pigment volume concentration, binder quality, and additives—drive longevity; low-VOC acrylics can perform on par with higher-VOC counterparts when properly formulated.

Public health guidance and Canadian regulations encourage lower VOC coatings, and many modern acrylic exterior paints meet or exceed provincial and federal VOC recommendations while maintaining durability.

In the Canadian 2025 market, acrylic exterior paints deliver a strong balance of protection, color retention, and eco-conscious performance. This page highlights five top options: Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint, Dulux Diamond Exterior Acrylic Paint, SICO Evolution Exterior Paint, Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior, and Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic. Each product has strengths for different use cases — from Dulux Diamond’s stain resistance to SICO Evolution’s value-driven formulations — but for a premium, well-rounded choice focused on long-term color and weather resistance, Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint stands out. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to compare finish options, primer pairings, or climate-specific recommendations.

Copyright © 2025 InceptionAi Inc.

Trademark Policy

Articles

About Us

Contact Us

Careers

Sitemap