In A Garage, Should External Or Interior Paint Be Used?

The choice between interior or exterior paint for a garage can be a complex one. Interior latex paint, specifically those formulated for high-traffic areas, is the best choice for garage walls due to its fast-drying speed, minimal odor, and easy clean-up compared to oil-based versions. The best paint for garage walls is an enamel interior wall paint with either a satin or eggshell sheen. It is crucial to use primer on your walls before painting, whether you are painting over drywall or a regular wall in your home.

Garage paint provides protection against moisture, mildew, and fading, preserving the integrity of the walls over time. Selecting the appropriate color and finish can also contribute to the overall appearance of the garage. Sherwin-Williams offers a step-by-step guide to help you paint your garage flawlessly.

Exterior paint is typically recommended for non-temperature controlled garages because it is made to flex more with expanding and contracting. However, if you want a true flat finish in your garage, interior paint may be the best option. Exterior paint on garage walls is no more effective than interior paint, even in non-climate-controlled garages.

Latex paint, especially those formulated for high-traffic areas, is the best for garage walls. Latex can be thinned with water instead of paint, making it easier to apply. Although exterior paint is primarily advised for exterior painting projects, it can also be used for interior painting as well.

In summary, the choice between interior or exterior paint for a garage depends on the specific conditions and the desired aesthetic appeal.

What is best for garage walls?

Wooden walls in garages are highly durable and robust, capable of withstanding damage from teenagers, hanging tools and equipment without concern for the integrity of the studs, and also serve to absorb sound.

Can I use exterior paint for a garage door?

For wood or metal garage doors, consider exterior acrylic paint like Aura® Exterior or Regal® Select Exterior High Build, or woodluxe® Exterior Stains for wooden doors. Before applying primer or paint, ensure the surface is free of loose, chipping paint and dulled from previous glossy finishes. Disconnect the garage door opener for manual movement and prevent accidental movement. Scrub the door with an all-purpose cleaner and pressure wash if needed to remove loose paint. For mildew stains, use a combination of ¼ cup trisodium phosphate, ¼ cup bleach, and 1 gallon of warm water, rinsing thoroughly after using TSP and bleach.

What happens if I use exterior paint inside?

Exterior paint contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and additives designed to last in harsh outdoor environments, which can negatively affect indoor air quality and health. These chemicals dissipate harmlessly when applied outside but can deteriorate more quickly when used indoors. The ingredients that keep exterior paint mildew-free outdoors can cause odors and allergic reactions when used in confined spaces. If you accidentally paint interior walls with exterior paint, you can prime them and repaint them with proper interior paint.

When selecting paint for your home, consider factors like color, finish, and VOC levels to create a beautiful, healthy, and safe space for your family. Remember, the goal is to create a beautiful, healthy, and safe space for your family.

What happens if you accidentally use interior paint outside?

Interior paint used on an exterior surface can cause aesthetic flaws due to its inability to withstand exterior elements, leading to cracking, blistering, bubbles, and peeling. It is not recommended to use interior paint on an exterior surface as it may not last long. Repairing this damage requires sanding the paint off the substrate, sealing with an outdoor primer, and repainting the entire area with the appropriate outdoor wall paint.

This can be time-consuming and costly. If an accident occurs and indoor paint is used outdoors due to a wrong label, applying 1 or 2 coats of outdoor paint immediately after drying can save the paint.

What paint goes on garage door?

Painting metal garage doors is a recommended process, especially if the existing paint is faded, peeling, or cracking. Acrylic latex exterior house paint is recommended due to its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and moisture, adhere easily to metal surfaces, and reduce the risk of chipping and peeling over time. Painting a metal garage door can enhance the home’s appearance, provide a protective barrier, and better withstand extreme weather conditions. It is also recommended to prime the door before painting to ensure better adhesion and minimize bleed-through when transitioning from a dark color to a lighter one.

Is there a big difference between interior and exterior paint?

Interior and exterior paints share the same components, including pigment, resin, solvents, and additives. Oil paint manufacturers use mineral spirits as a solvent, while latex paint manufacturers use water. The main difference lies in the binding resins used in interior paint. Exterior paint is softer, better able to resist fading, peeling, and chipping, while interior paint is more rigid, reducing smearing and scuffing. Interior paints offer a variety of finishes, from matte to high gloss, and can enhance natural light, making spaces appear larger and more welcoming.

They are more delicate but have their own volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Indoor paint typically has lower VOC concentrations, and some paints, like Real Milk Paint, have no VOCs. Water-soluble interior paints offer a more comprehensive selection of finishes than exterior paints.

Is it OK to put paint in garage?

To properly store paint, choose a stable, cool, and dry environment. Garages don’t react well to hot and cold temperature swings or moisture, which can ruin the paint’s sensitive formula. Your basement is an ideal place to store extra cans of paint due to its consistently cool and dry conditions. However, resist the temptation to store paint in the garage and store it inside your home for future projects. Here are some tips and tricks to keep paint in its designated place:

1. Keep the paint cans away from moisture and hot surfaces.
2. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove paint cans and ensure they are dry before using them.
3. Keep the paint cans away from drafts and moisture, as they can damage the paint’s formula.
4. Store paint in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and hot surfaces.

Should a garage be painted with interior or exterior paint?

Interior paint is a suitable choice for attached garages with moderate climates, as it is not as flexible as exterior paint but does not expose you to harmful VOCs. Although it may be fussier due to stiff resin, interior paint is effective in indoor environments due to its ability to handle cleaning, scrubbing, resist smear or scuffing, offer different sheens, contain less harmful chemicals, and stink less.

What not to do when painting a garage door?

Many homeowners make the mistake of selecting the wrong type of paint for their garage doors, which can lead to issues such as lack of surface preparation, skipped primer, inadequate protection, rushing the process, and ignoring weather conditions. In Edmonton, a city known for its stunning landscapes and challenging weather, it is crucial to paint your garage door correctly to ensure its long-lasting allure.

To avoid these common mistakes, it is essential to consider the material of your garage door and choose a paint that is specifically formulated for it. For metal, wood, or vinyl garage doors, each requires a different kind of paint. For wood garage doors, it is essential to use an exterior-grade paint that provides durability and protection against the elements. Choose an acrylic latex or oil-based paint specifically designed for exterior wood surfaces, offering excellent adhesion and flexibility to prevent cracking or peeling. Opt for a paint with UV resistance to prevent fading and discoloration when exposed to sunlight.

In summary, selecting the right type of paint for your garage door is crucial for ensuring its long-lasting allure and protection against the elements. By familiarizing yourself with these pitfalls, you can achieve a successful and enduring paint job.

What kind of paint should you use in a garage?

When choosing garage wall paint, consider the color, texture, and surface type. Avoid exterior paint due to its anti-mildew additives, and opt for water-based latex paint for its minimal odor and fast drying time. Light colors enhance lighting and create a mindful experience for your family. Avoid bright white paint as it exposes minor scratches and grease stains, requiring frequent cleaning. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and tan are easier to clean than white. Wall texture also plays a role, as different paint types adhere differently to different surfaces. Therefore, choose a paint that enhances the lighting in your garage and is easy to clean.

What is the most popular color paint for inside garage?

The popularity of all-white interiors has waned in recent years, with bright colors and bold patterns being preferred. However, Nancy Barnett of Nancy Lane Interiors believes that white or an off-white is a great choice for brightening up a garage. Garages can serve multiple purposes, such as a workspace, home gym, or studio, and there are endless opportunities to transform them. Garage spaces are not as limited by hard finish materials or fixtures and furniture as home interiors, allowing for a more freer paint palette. The possibilities for transforming a garage space are endless, and Barnett believes that garages should be celebrated just as much as other home design areas.