Objective To explore the ability of exterior wall coating to improve the durability of concrete. Methods The influence of painting of concrete surface on the concrete durability was systematically studied through carbonation test, chloride ion erosion test, hydrochloric acid erosion test and water absorption test. Results When the carbonization time was 60d, the carbonation depth of specimen painted by the exterior wall coating R was decreased by 53. 4% , compared with the blank specimen. At the age of 90 days, the electric flux of the blank specimen was 2423 coulomb, and the penetration level was " medium" . While the electric flux of the specimen painted by the exterior wall coating R was 1599 coulomb, and the penetration level was " low" . The flexural strength of blank specimen was only 42. 7% comparing with specimen painted by exterior wall coating R, when immersed in 4% hydrochloric acid for 28 days. After immersed for 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, the water absorption of specimen painted by exterior wall coating Rwas reduced by 67. 4% , 51. 7% , 41. 7% and 18. 0% , respectively, compared with the blank specimen. Conclusion Painting the concrete surface by exterior wall coating could improve the ability of concrete carbonation, chloride ion erosion, hydrochloric acid erosion and reduce the water absorption of concrete. Exterior wall coating could improve the durability of concrete.