What’s the Best Type of Exterior Paint for Charleston’s Humid Climate?

If you’ve ever noticed your home’s paint peeling, fading, or mildewing faster than expected, Charleston’s climate may be the culprit. Between salty air, high humidity, intense sun, and tropical storms, Lowcountry homes face serious challenges when it comes to long-lasting paint.

At Murga Pro Painting Solutions, we get one question a lot:“What kind of paint holds up best in Charleston’s weather?”

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right type of paint for your home — whether you're painting your exterior, porch, trim, or interior walls.

☁️ How Humidity Affects Paint

Charleston is beautiful — but it’s no secret the climate here is hot and humid. That means:

• More moisture in the air, which can cause blistering, peeling, or mold growth

• Salt in the air, especially near the coast, which corrodes surfaces and eats away at paint

• Heavy rains, which test your home’s paint adhesion and water resistance

• UV rays, which cause fading — especially on darker colors

All of this means choosing the right paint is essential to protect your home and avoid repainting too soon.

🧪 What to Look for in a Paint Formula

When painting in humid, coastal areas like Charleston, we recommend looking for paint that’s:

✅ Mildew-resistant✅ UV-resistant (fade-resistant)✅ Flexible and breathable (to allow moisture to escape without bubbling)✅ Durable and washable (especially for exteriors and trim)

🏡 Our Top Paint Recommendations for Charleston Homes

Here are some of the high-performance paints we trust for our clients:

🎨 For Exterior Surfaces:

• Sherwin-Williams Emerald® Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex– Advanced moisture protection, great for coastal homes

• Sherwin-Williams Latitude– Great for doors

• Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes-ideal for stained homes

  Our #1 Vote for Best Exterior Paint goes to Sherwin-Williams Rain Refresh!

  
  

  Best Paint Sheens for Humid Areas

  • Satin or semi-gloss: Great for exteriors and trim — easy to clean and moisture-resistant

  • Matte or eggshell: Ideal for interior living areas, but use mildew-resistant formulas in bathrooms and kitchens

  • Flat: Avoid on exteriors — doesn’t hold up well to humidity or scrubbing

    
    

  🎯 Need Help Choosing the Right Paint?

  There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best paint for your home depends on your material, exposure to sun, current condition, and how often you want to maintain it.

  At Murga Pro Painting Solutions, we help homeowners in Charleston and surrounding areas choose the right products for long-lasting results. We offer:

  • Paint consultations

  • Expert surface prep and repairs

  • Premium paint options

  • Professional, stress-free service.

Beautifully repainted home in West Ashley. Previously the house was beige and the brick wasn't painted.