Clark and Kensington Exterior Paint Reviews: Top 5 Powerful 2025 Insights

What Makes Clark and Kensington Exterior Paint Stand Out?

Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews consistently highlight this Ace Hardware exclusive brand as a top performer in the market. Based on our extensive research and testing, here’s what you need to know:

Feature	Rating	Notes
Durability	4.5/5	Excellent resistance to cracking and weathering
Color Retention	4/5	Minimal fading after years of exposure
Coverage	4.5/5	Most surfaces covered in 2 coats
Value	4/5	$30-40 per gallon with frequent promotions
Environmental	4/5	Low VOC (50g/L) formulation

Clark and Kensington exterior paint earned the distinction of “Best Exterior Paint” in a 2018 issue of a leading consumer magazine, outperforming many premium brands costing twice as much. What makes this paint special is its ceramic microsphere technology that improves durability while maintaining a smooth, even finish.

The paint can be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F, making it versatile for various climate conditions. Consumer Reports testing shows excellent performance in accelerated weathering tests, simulating how the paint will look after 3, 6, and even 9 years of outdoor exposure.

Most DIYers report strong coverage with just two coats, though professional opinions sometimes differ from hobbyist experiences. The self-priming formula works well on most previously painted surfaces, though spot priming may be needed for bare wood or problem areas.

The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace is always ready to guide you through your exterior painting project, from color selection to application techniques. With over 4,000 Ace Hardware stores carrying this exclusive brand, finding Clark and Kensington exterior paint near you is convenient and often comes with special promotions like the current $15 off when purchasing two gallons.

Why Durability & Weather Resistance Matter

Here in Charleston, your home’s exterior paint faces a daily battle against nature’s elements. Between the blazing summer sun, salty ocean breezes, and humidity that can make your hair curl from across the street, a regular paint job just won’t cut it. That’s why when we look at Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews, durability isn’t just a fancy buzzword—it’s the whole ballgame.

Think about it: nobody wants to be up on a ladder repainting their home every couple of years. The testing labs understand this too. They’ve developed clever accelerated weathering tests that compress three years of real-world punishment into just one year of lab testing. This means when experts evaluate how a paint will look after 9 years on your home, they don’t need to wait until 2033 to tell you the results!

What makes Clark and Kensington stand out in these tests? It’s those tiny ceramic microspheres mixed into the paint. These little technological marvels create a tougher, more resilient finish that handles our Lowcountry challenges beautifully.

Your home’s paint needs to be flexible enough to expand when the summer heat hits 95 degrees, then contract when temperatures drop without cracking. It needs UV blockers to keep your coastal blue from fading to a sad, washed-out gray. And in our humid climate, paint that fights back against mildew growth isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

The dirt-resistant finish is another practical benefit. When those afternoon thunderstorms splash mud onto your siding, a quality paint job means most of it will wash away with the next rain instead of becoming a permanent feature of your home’s appearance.

For our island residents especially, salt air resistance is worth its weight in gold. Salt can be absolutely brutal on exterior finishes, accelerating breakdown and causing premature failure. The Clark and Kensington formula creates a robust barrier against salt damage, which means more years between painting projects and more money staying in your wallet.

When you’re investing in your home’s protection and curb appeal, the difference between an okay paint and an excellent one becomes apparent over time. The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace has seen how homes painted with quality materials maintain their fresh look years longer than those with bargain products. In the long run, durability isn’t just about maintaining appearances—it’s about protecting one of your biggest investments.

Clark and Kensington Exterior Paint Reviews: Lab & Expert Verdict

When you’re investing in your home’s exterior, you want paint that truly performs. Independent laboratory testing provides that peace of mind, and the results for Clark + Kensington are impressive.

Back in 2018, this Ace-exclusive brand was named “Best Exterior Paint” by a leading consumer review magazine. It outperformed many higher-priced premium options in key tests: color retention, resistance to cracking and peeling, dirt shedding, and mildew resistance.

Perhaps most impressive were the accelerated weathering simulations. These chambers condense years of UV rays, temperature swings, and moisture into a matter of months. Even after the equivalent of nine years outdoors, Clark + Kensington kept its color and flexibility—welcome news for homeowners who don’t want to repaint every few seasons.

Environmentally conscious shoppers will also appreciate the formula’s low 50 g/L VOC content, which meets even California’s stringent requirements without sacrificing performance.

Consumer Reports on Clark and Kensington Exterior Paint

Consumer Reports doesn’t mess around when testing paints. Their methodology subjects panels to cycles of sun, rain, and temperature extremes, compressing about three years of outdoor punishment into a single year of lab time.

According to their findings, Clark + Kensington maintains excellent appearance after the equivalent of three years, holds strong at six, and still looks great at nine. That staying power translates directly into fewer repaints and lower long-term costs for Charleston homeowners.

The panels showed minimal cracking, strong color stability under intense UV exposure, solid dirt resistance, and reliable mildew protection—exactly the qualities we look for in the Lowcountry’s coastal climate.

Awards & Recognitions

Beyond the 2018 exterior accolade, Clark + Kensington’s interior line was also selected as Consumer Reports’ top choice back in 2013—an early sign that the brand’s research-driven approach works across product lines.

The paint continues to receive praise for its ceramic microsphere technology, self-priming capability, and low environmental impact. Together, these attributes form a balanced package of durability, convenience, and responsibility.

The knowledgeable staff at Lowcountry Ace can tell you more about these test results and how they translate to real-world performance on Charleston homes. We’ve seen how this paint stands up to our unique coastal conditions and are always ready to share that experience with our neighbors.

Real-World Performance: Coverage, Application, and Climate Defense

Laboratory tests tell us a lot, but what about real-life results? Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews from actual homeowners and painters give us the practical insights that matter most when you’re standing on a ladder with a brush in hand.

This paint has a distinctive thick, “pudding-like” consistency that somehow manages to spread as smoothly as butter once you get it on the surface. This thickness isn’t just for show – it’s what gives the paint its impressive coverage power. Most folks find they can completely cover even darker colors with just two coats, saving both time and money on their projects.

One feature that makes this paint particularly valuable for Charleston homeowners is its ability to be applied in temperatures as low as 35°F. While our Lowcountry winters are generally mild, this extended temperature range gives you more flexibility for tackling exterior projects during those occasional cold snaps.

The self-priming formula works beautifully on most previously painted surfaces. That said, we still recommend spot priming on bare wood, stubborn stains, or problem areas – an ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure! Whether you prefer brush, roller, or spray application, this paint performs well with all methods, though many pros lean toward spraying for that glass-smooth finish.

User Forums: Clark and Kensington Exterior Paint Reviews in the Wild

The online chatter about Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews reveals an interesting pattern. Professional painters typically give glowing feedback, while DIY users sometimes report more varied experiences. This difference likely comes down to application technique rather than the paint itself.

“I bought Clark and Kensington on a whim when my usual store was crowded,” shared one happy homeowner. “It covered my living room beautifully… I love everything about the paint from the coverage, price, clean up. Five stars in my opinion, I won’t use anything else.”

Another user who painted aluminum siding was equally impressed, noting that the paint “went on smoothly, covered dark yellow over light yellow in one coat,” though they wisely applied two coats for lasting protection.

Many reviewers mention how much they appreciate the free sample quarts available at Ace Hardware stores. These samples let you test both color and application before investing in full gallons. We’ve even heard from creative DIYers who’ve collected multiple samples (with friends’ help to work around the one-per-household limit) to complete small projects at minimal cost. Smart thinking!

Wooden outdoor structures seem to be where this paint really shines. One creative blogger documented a charming ladder herb box project, showing how the paint protected cedar wood while maintaining its beautiful finish through multiple seasons of sun, rain, and humidity.

Pro Tips for Smooth Application

From professional feedback and our own experience at Lowcountry Ace, here are some insider tips to get professional-quality results with Clark and Kensington exterior paint:

Proper surface preparation is crucial – Clean surfaces thoroughly and let them dry completely before painting. This simple step can make the difference between a finish that lasts 3 years versus 9 years.

Apply in thin, even coats – Despite its thick consistency, avoid globbing it on too heavily or you’ll risk runs and sags that ruin the finish.

Consider adding Floetrol in warm weather – This paint extender helps reduce brush marks and extends drying time when painting in Charleston’s summer heat.

Back-roll or back-brush when spraying – This extra step works the paint into the surface for better adhesion and a more uniform appearance.

Take advantage of the quick recoat time – With just a 1-hour wait between coats (in ideal conditions), you can easily apply multiple coats in a single day.

Choose the right roller nap – A 1/2″ nap roller cover holds more paint and provides better coverage on textured surfaces like stucco or rough wood.

Test on a small area first – This helps you assess coverage and finish before committing to the entire project.

For more detailed guidance on selecting the perfect finish for your specific project, swing by our store or check out our Paint Finishes Guide. The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace is always ready to share their experience and help you choose the right products for your unique needs.

Finish Options, Color Matching & Environmental Footprint

When it comes to exterior paint, having options that match both your style and your home’s needs is essential. Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews often highlight the impressive range of finish choices this brand offers. Whether you’re painting your entire home or just refreshing the trim, there’s a perfect finish waiting for you:

Your home deserves the right sheen – from the classic flat finish that hides imperfections beautifully on siding, to the ever-popular satin finish that strikes that perfect balance between subtle shine and easy cleaning. For areas that need extra durability like doors and railings, the semi-gloss finish provides that added protection, while the hi-gloss finish brings maximum shine and durability to architectural details that deserve to stand out.

Color choices are practically limitless with over 1,200 options in the Clark and Kensington palette. Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Not a problem! The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace can match virtually any color you bring in – whether it’s a paint chip from your neighbor’s gorgeous blue door, a fabric swatch from your new patio cushions, or even that seashell you found on Folly Beach.

Environmentally conscious homeowners will appreciate that this paint doesn’t just look good – it does good too. With only 50 grams per liter of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), it’s classified as a low-VOC product and meets even California’s tough environmental standards. That means less chemical smell during application, better air quality around your home, and a smaller environmental footprint overall.

Clean-up is a breeze with just soap and water – no harsh chemicals needed. Even the paint cans can be recycled in most areas, making your painting project greener from start to finish.

Using the Online Color Tools

Before you commit to a color for your home’s exterior, it’s helpful to see how it will actually look. Clark and Kensington makes this easy with their Paint Visualizer Tool, where you can upload photos of your own home or use sample images to test different colors. What’s really clever is the ability to adjust lighting angles – so you can see how that coastal blue might look in morning light versus evening shadows.

The digital fandeck gives you access to the entire color collection from the comfort of your couch. You can filter colors by family (all those beautiful coastal blues!), intensity (subtle or bold?), or collection (Charleston-inspired hues, anyone?). This makes narrowing down options much less overwhelming.

Still not sure? Stop by Lowcountry Ace for a free quart-sized sample (one per household) to test on your actual home. There’s nothing like seeing a color in your home’s unique lighting conditions before buying gallons of paint.

For more details on these helpful digital tools, check out our page on the Clark Kensington Paint Website.

Green Credentials

The environmental benefits of Clark and Kensington exterior paint go beyond just low VOCs. The water-based acrylic formula means easier cleanup with much less environmental impact than oil-based alternatives. Its impressive durability translates to longer times between repainting, which means fewer resources used over the years.

The built-in mildew resistance is particularly valuable in our humid Charleston climate, reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners to combat mold and mildew growth. And no matter where you live, this paint meets regional compliance standards nationwide, even in areas with the strictest VOC regulations.

Even if you’re painting areas that connect to your living spaces, like a screened porch or entryway, the low-odor formula means less disruption to your daily life. You’ll be able to enjoy your newly painted spaces sooner, without that lingering paint smell that can come with higher-VOC products.

For more information about our color matching capabilities, stop by our store or visit our guide to House Paint Color Matching.

Value, Availability, and Ongoing Promotions

When comparing Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews with the actual price tag, you’ll find this paint offers exceptional value. Priced between $30-$40 per gallon, it sits comfortably in the mid-range category—yet performs like premium brands that often cost twice as much.

Each gallon covers approximately 400 square feet on smooth surfaces (expect less on textured siding or rough wood), making the cost per square foot quite reasonable. But the real value comes from its impressive durability—fewer repaints over time means your initial investment stretches much further than with budget paints that might need refreshing in just a few years.

As an Ace Hardware exclusive brand, you’ll find Clark and Kensington at over 4,000 Ace locations worldwide, including right here at Lowcountry Ace on Folly Road. While you can purchase online through ThePaintStudio.com, visiting our store allows you to take advantage of our color matching expertise and get personalized recommendations for your specific project.

Feature	Clark + Kensington	Industry Average
Price per Gallon	$30-$40	$25-$70
Coverage (sq ft/gal)	~400	350-400
VOC Level (g/L)	50	50-150
Recoat Time	1 hour	2-4 hours
Application Temp	As low as 35°F	50°F+
Warranty	Satisfaction guarantee	Varies

We’re excited to offer regular promotions that make this outstanding paint even more affordable. Right now, you can save $15 when you purchase two 1-gallon cans, or enjoy $72 off when buying two 5-gallon buckets. These savings make Clark and Kensington not just a high-performing option, but a budget-friendly one too.

Where to Buy & Save

For Charleston area residents, Lowcountry Ace Hardware in the Riverland Market on Folly Road is your go-to destination for Clark and Kensington paint. Our team understands the unique challenges of our coastal climate and can guide you toward the best finish and application techniques for your specific project.

Beyond our current $15-off promotion, Ace Rewards members earn points on paint purchases that translate to additional savings down the road. We also frequently offer weekend promotions that might include free painting accessories or additional discounts.

While online ordering is available with home delivery or in-store pickup options, we truly recommend stopping by in person. There’s simply no substitute for seeing colors in person, getting a custom color match, or chatting with our team about your specific project needs.

Cost vs Performance

Smart homeowners look beyond the initial price tag to consider the total cost of ownership. This is where Clark and Kensington truly shines. Its exceptional resistance to fading, cracking, and mildew means you’ll spend less on maintenance and touch-ups over time.

Let’s put this in perspective: For a typical 2,500 square foot home requiring about 20 gallons of exterior paint, our current promotion would save you approximately $150 upfront compared to regular pricing. More importantly, the extended repaint cycle could save thousands over a decade of homeownership.

Homes painted with lesser-quality products often need power washing, touch-ups, and full repaints much sooner. When you factor in the cost of equipment rental, supplies, or professional painting services, the long-term savings with Clark and Kensington become substantial.

The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace is always ready to help you calculate exactly how much paint you’ll need for your project and explain how our current promotions can maximize your savings. We believe in helping you make the most informed decision possible—because a great paint job is an investment in your home’s beauty and protection.

Pros, Cons & Who Should Choose Clark + Kensington

After diving deep into countless Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews and chatting with both professionals and weekend warriors, we’ve put together an honest assessment of what this paint brings to the table.

Pros:

• Exceptional durability that stands up to Mother Nature’s worst in those accelerated weathering tests
• Impressive coverage that typically gets the job done in just two coats
• Earth-friendly low-VOC formula (50g/L) that meets even the strictest environmental standards
• Self-priming capabilities that save you time and money on most previously painted surfaces
• Versatile application in temperatures as low as 35°F (perfect for those surprise cool days in Charleston!)
• Quick 1-hour recoat time that lets you finish your project faster
• Advanced ceramic microsphere technology for superior scrubbing tolerance and longevity
• Color selection that would make a rainbow jealous—over 1,200 options plus custom matching
• Mid-range price that won’t break the bank, especially with Ace’s frequent promotions
• Exclusive availability at Ace Hardware, where you can get personalized advice from real humans

Cons:

• Not as widely available as some other brands (but quality over quantity, right?)
• Some DIYers have mixed experiences, though the pros consistently give it thumbs up
• Thicker consistency might take some getting used to if you’re new to painting
• Some folks notice an ammonia-like scent during application (it disappears quickly though)
• The neutral base (340) contains less titanium dioxide, which can affect coverage on lighter colors

You’ll likely love Clark and Kensington exterior paint if you’re:

A coastal homeowner battling salt air, humidity, and relentless sunshine. This paint stands up to our Lowcountry climate like a champ.

Someone who appreciates quality without the premium price tag. Why pay more when you can get top-tier performance without emptying your wallet?

A DIYer with some painting experience under your belt. The thicker formula delivers beautiful results when you’ve got the technique down.

Environmentally conscious and concerned about what you’re putting into the air around your home. The low-VOC formula lets you breathe easier.

Planning to stay put for many years and want a paint job that lasts. The extended durability means fewer weekends spent repainting down the road.

Before tackling your whole house, we always recommend grabbing a sample quart to test in your specific environment. The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace can get you set up with the perfect test sample to ensure you love both the color and application before you commit.

Quick Scorecard

Here’s our honest assessment of Clark and Kensington exterior paint, based on both lab testing and real-world feedback:

• Appearance Retention: 4.5/5 – Colors stay true and finishes remain beautiful year after year
• Crack Resistance: 4.5/5 – Flexes with temperature changes without giving up the ghost
• Dirt Resistance: 4/5 – Repels most dirt and grime, though might need an occasional gentle rinse
• Mildew Resistance: 4/5 – Stands strong against mildew, even in our notoriously humid Charleston climate
• Application Ease: 3.5/5 – The thicker formula requires a bit of technique but rewards you with excellent results
• Value: 4.5/5 – Delivers premium performance without the premium price
• Overall: 4.5/5 – A standout choice that outperforms many pricier options

When you’re ready to transform your home’s exterior, stop by Lowcountry Ace on Folly Road. We’re always happy to help you select the perfect color and finish for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Clark & Kensington Exterior Paint

How long does Clark & Kensington exterior paint last?

When homeowners ask us this question at Lowcountry Ace, we can confidently point to the science. Laboratory testing shows that Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews consistently demonstrate good appearance retention for the equivalent of 9 years in accelerated weathering tests.

Of course, real-world performance depends on several factors unique to your home. The Charleston coastal climate presents special challenges with intense UV exposure, high humidity, and salt air. South and west-facing walls typically show wear faster than north-facing surfaces. And naturally, the quality of your preparation and application makes a tremendous difference.

“My James Island home still looks freshly painted after seven years,” one customer recently told us. “I credit the thorough prep work and using quality paint.”

For the longest-lasting results, we recommend a few simple practices:

• Take time with surface preparation—it’s truly the foundation of a lasting paint job
• Always apply two full coats, even if the first coat looks good
• Gently clean your painted surfaces annually with mild soap and water
• Address any small damaged areas promptly before they spread

With these simple maintenance steps, many of our customers report 10+ years of service in moderate climates, and 7-9 years even in our challenging coastal environment. The investment in quality paint pays dividends through fewer repainting cycles over time.

Is it really paint-and-primer in one?

Yes—but with some practical caveats. Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews frequently highlight the effectiveness of its self-priming technology, which works wonderfully on most previously painted surfaces in good condition.

The science behind this convenience is impressive. Clark and Kensington formulates their paint with higher solids content for better film build, advanced resins that promote excellent adhesion, and specialized pigment dispersion for superior hiding power. This combination creates a product that can truly prime and finish in one step under the right conditions.

However, even the helpful team at Lowcountry Ace will tell you that separate priming still makes sense in certain situations. Bare wood tends to absorb paint unevenly and may release tannins that can bleed through. Metal surfaces benefit from specialized primers to prevent corrosion. And if you’re making a dramatic color change—especially going from dark to light—a dedicated primer often saves you time and paint in the long run.

A practical approach many of our customers take is spot priming only where needed (like exposed wood or stained areas) while relying on the self-priming capabilities for the majority of the surface. This balanced approach offers efficiency without compromising quality.

Can I get a custom color matched?

Absolutely! This is one of our most popular services at Lowcountry Ace. Our state-of-the-art spectrophotometer can analyze virtually any sample you bring in—whether it’s a paint chip from your neighbor’s beautiful home, a fabric swatch from your new outdoor cushions, or even that perfect seashell you found on Folly Beach.

The process is fascinating to watch and takes just minutes. We place your sample under the spectrophotometer, which analyzes the exact color components and creates a precise formula for our tinting system. If the first match isn’t exactly what you envisioned, we can make subtle adjustments until it’s perfect.

“I brought in my grandmother’s china plate to match for my shutters,” shared one customer. “The color is absolutely identical—I couldn’t be happier!”

Best of all, this custom color matching service comes at no additional charge with your paint purchase. It’s just one way we try to make your painting project as successful and stress-free as possible.

For more details about our color matching capabilities, check out our page on House Paint Color Matching. And remember, you can always pick up a sample quart to test your custom color before committing to gallons for your entire project.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining Clark and Kensington exterior paint reviews from laboratory tests, professional painters, and everyday homeowners, the verdict is clear: this paint delivers exceptional value and performance, particularly for our unique coastal South Carolina climate.

The standout combination of long-term durability, excellent coverage, and reasonable pricing makes this paint a smart choice whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional contractor. Those ceramic microspheres aren’t just fancy marketing—they provide genuine protection against Charleston’s toughest weather challenges: blazing UV rays, sticky humidity, corrosive salt air, and those occasional coastal storms that test every exterior surface.

We’re particularly impressed with the environmental responsibility built into each can. At just 50g/L VOCs, this low-emission formula meets even California’s strict standards. That means less smell while painting and better air quality for your family, neighbors, and our precious Lowcountry environment.

Being exclusively available through Ace Hardware ensures consistent quality and access to knowledgeable advice. At Lowcountry Ace on Folly Road, we take special pride in offering this high-performing paint to our James Island, Folly Beach, and Charleston neighbors. We’ve seen how well it holds up on homes throughout our community.

Whether you’re tackling your entire home exterior, refreshing weather-beaten trim, or bringing new life to a garden bench or planter, Clark and Kensington delivers professional-quality results that stand the test of time. And don’t forget about our current promotion—$15 off when you purchase two gallons—making this already solid value even more attractive.

For personalized advice custom to your specific project, swing by our Riverland Market location on Folly Road. The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace is always ready to assist with everything from color selection to finish recommendations and application tips customized for your unique situation. We understand the specific challenges of painting in our coastal climate and can help you steer them successfully.

For more information about our paint department and services, visit our page on Ace Hardware paint James Island. We’re here to help make your next painting project a success from start to finish!