Unlock the power of exterior paint – Explore the benefits beyond interior options
Painting can be a top choice for enhancing the interior and exterior aesthetics of a house when it comes to home improvement. Since paints can be expensive, and nobody wants to waste them, especially if there is an exterior project waiting to be finished. However, is it possible to use interior paint on the exterior of a house? Keep reading to explore the possibility of using interior paint on the exterior of your home.
Understanding The Difference of Interior vs. exterior Paints
There are four primary differences between interior and exterior paints:
Pigment
- Most interior paints use organic pigments for color. However, these are prone to fading when exposed to prolonged sunlight and harsh environmental conditions.
On the other hand, exterior paint pigments are designed to withstand the elements and direct sunlight, ensuring color vibrancy for a longer duration.
Binding Agents
- Interior paints contain binders that are resistant to abrasion, such as when furniture brushes against walls or floors.
In contrast, exterior paints contain tougher binders specifically formulated to withstand rigorous outdoor conditions.
Liquid Components
- Both interior and exterior paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, interior paints have a lower VOC content compared to exterior paint.
The higher levels of VOCs in exterior paint can increase health risks, particularly in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. Therefore, it’s inadvisable to use interior paint outdoors or exterior paint indoors.
Texture
- Interior paint typically has a thinner consistency compared to exterior paint. Additionally, interior paint takes longer to dry compared to exterior paint.
The Drawbacks Of Using Interior Paint On The Outside
Applying interior paint outside has several risks, including:
Health Hazards
- Interior paints contain chemicals that can lead to health risks when absorbed through the skin. In addition, these paints can emit toxic fumes, leading to respiratory issues, headaches, and dizziness.
Environmental Concerns
Using interior paint in outdoor settings gives rise to environmental hazards as its constituents can seep into the soil and water, releasing harmful chemicals into the ecosystem. This contamination can disrupt plant growth, adversely affect local flora and fauna, and impact wildlife along the food chain.
Insufficient Protection
- Interior paint offers little protection against harsh outdoor elements, leaving surfaces vulnerable to damage like cracking, peeling, and mold growth.
Poor Adhesion
- Exterior surfaces require paints with great adhesion to endure natural material expansion and contraction. Interior paint may not adhere effectively, leading to inadequate coverage and an unattractive finish.
Lack of Durability
- Interior paint lacks the protective features of exterior paints, such as UV protection, mold resistance, and color retention, resulting in premature fading and degradation when exposed to outdoor conditions.
Why You Should Never Use Interior Paint On The Exterior And Vice Versa
- Using interior paint on the exterior is not advisable due to its lack of weather-resistant properties. Interior paint, being thinner in consistency, does not adhere well to exterior surfaces, requiring multiple coats for adequate coverage than exterior paint.
Additionally, interior paint takes longer to dry as it’s not formulated to withstand outdoor conditions. If you use interior paint on exterior surfaces, it will lead to frequent touch-ups as the paint fades and cracks over time.
Here’s why you cannot use exterior paint on the interior:
- Exterior paints contain higher levels of resin and are designed to cure and mature outdoors without compromising indoor air quality.
- When applied indoors, exterior paints are more susceptible to scuffing.
- The mildew-prevention chemicals in exterior paint can trigger allergic reactions and emit odors when used in confined spaces.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are higher in exterior paints than indoor paints, posing risks for individuals with allergies and asthma.
Expert Help On Exterior Painting
- Select the appropriate paint sheen for your home’s exterior.
- Use high-quality paint and ensure you have the right tools.
- Inspect and clean the surface before applying paint.
- Apply primer to enhance the results.
- Use painter’s tape and control your brush to achieve crisp edges.
- Before painting, fix and repair any damages to ensure a smooth finish.
- Thoughtfully choose the color that complements your home’s architectural design.
- Allow enough drying time between coats to achieve a professional finish.
Conclusion
While it may be tempting to use interior paint on the exterior of your house to save costs, it’s not a wise choice due to the differences in composition and purpose of both paints. For professional and long-lasting results, it’s best to enlist the expertise of experienced painting contractors. Not sure which paint colors to choose? Miles Makarowski Painting can help. We partner with qualified local designers and decorators at Beatrice Kahn Interiors to help you choose the best color palette for your space.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting! Call us today at 603-489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.