Is Paint For The Outside Superior To Paint For The Interior?

Mark Savino, a strategic remodeling advisor at YouthfulHome, highlights the difference between interior and exterior paints. Interior paints are designed for indoor use, prioritizing low odor, ease of cleaning, and resistance to fading. They also release fewer paint fumes. On the other hand, exterior paints are designed to withstand temperature swings, humidity, cracking, chipping, and more. The most significant difference between interior and exterior paint is the presence of more additives to withstand outdoor elements.

Exterior paint is tougher and more durable than interior paint because it is more exposed to the elements. It is usually thicker and has a higher resistance to moisture from stains and scrubbing. In contrast, interior paint is more rigid and less prone to smearing and scuffing.

The main difference between interior and exterior paint lies in the binding resins used. Exterior paint is softer, better able to resist fading, peeling, and chipping, while interior paint is more rigid. As a result, exterior paint is not often used or recommended for interior painting.

However, exterior paints have higher performance than interior ones, as they are more resistant to outdoor conditions. Interior paint is designed to withstand bumps and scrapes and is easier to wash. Exterior paint is tougher and more durable due to its exposure to the elements and is typically thicker. Outdoor paint is specifically formulated to withstand weather, is thicker, covers less footage, and costs more than interior paint.

Exterior paint does not harden like interior paint, and while it may smell stronger initially, it will eventually dissipate. If used outside, interior paint will crack and peel, and won’t hold up as well as paint meant for exterior surfaces. Additionally, exterior paints contain and emit a higher amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) compared to interior paints.

When to use exterior paint?

Hirshfield’s experts recommend that oil-based paint should be applied in temperatures between 40°-90°F, while latex paint is best applied between 50°-85°F. Latex paints are best for most exteriors, and it is recommended to choose a day with temperatures between 60° to 85°F with minimal wind. The ideal humidity range is 40 to 70°F to ensure proper dries. High or low temperatures can cause paint to not bind correctly, leading to cracking and peeling.

In hot and humid summer months, painters should start painting on the shady side of the house to avoid the sun’s glare. If procrastination sets in, it is essential to finish all exterior painting before the bitter cold sets in. Hirshfield’s Paint Manufacturing offers premium 100 acrylic latex paints and primers that are specially formulated for use in temperatures as low as 35°F. To properly dry and cure, air and surface temperatures should not drop below 35° for 36 hours after application. Hirshfield’s expert Mark Masica suggests painting in no less than 50°F weather and from 10a. m.-3p. m. to achieve maximum results.

Can you use normal paint on outside walls?

Interior emulsion paints, such as vinyl soft sheen paint, can cause issues on external surfaces due to their thinness and need for multiple coats. They may also appear patchy and unprofessional, and take longer to dry in damp or cold conditions. Interior paints lack the same additives as external paints, which can lead to weather-related issues like flaking, running, and cracking. Exposure to the sun for extended periods can also cause serious problems.

External paints are designed to resist weather effects but are not suitable for internal use. They can become easily marked and scuffed, and they are less resistant to cleaning effects, such as spilling food. Additionally, external paints may not provide a completely even covering of the ceiling, wall, or floor, making them less suitable for regular use or footfall.

In conclusion, using interior paints on external surfaces can lead to various problems, including adhesion issues, weather resistance, and the appearance of uneven coverage.

When should you not paint outside of house?

When applying paint, it is essential to maintain a temperature of at least 50° F during the application process and not below 32° F at night for several days. Low temperatures can cause paint to form a poor film, causing dew to form on surfaces and slow water evaporation, affecting its resistance to cracking. Colder temperatures and moisture can also cause staining or mildew. Repainting can be a great part of spring cleaning projects, with spring and fall being ideal seasons for painting due to warm weather, less sun overheating, and less likelihood of temperatures dropping too low. In colder states like Florida, painting can be extended into winter, but daily lows should be monitored to avoid temperatures dropping below 40° F.

Is there a difference between interior and exterior paint?

Interior paint cannot be used on the exterior of a home due to its lack of the additives and resins found in exterior paint. This lack of durability makes interior paint difficult to clean and smudge, especially when exposed to furniture, children, and pets.

Exterior house paint is also not suitable for indoor use due to the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are harmful carbon-containing chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and can be inhaled. Examples of VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone. While the industry has reduced the amount of VOCs in paint over time, some exterior paints still contain small amounts and should not be used in enclosed spaces.

Outgassing, a process where paint continues to release VOCs after drying, can still be harmful even with a respirator mask. Although outgassing usually lasts less than two days, it can continue for years in smaller amounts.

Indoor painting should always be done in a well-ventilated area, but interior paints do not contain the VOCs found in some exterior paints. Therefore, while interior paints are safe for outdoor use, they should not be used inside due to the presence of VOCs. Overall, indoor painting should be done in a well-ventilated area, and interior paints do not contain the VOCs found in some exterior paints.

Why is exterior paint cheaper than interior paint?

There are two main types of paint: interior and exterior. Exterior paints are more expensive due to their added ingredients for toughness, moisture resistance, and UV color corrosion. Interior paints are more basic and less expensive. Paint finishes can range from flat to high-gloss, and the choice of finish doesn’t affect the cost. The four typical finishes are Flat, Eggshell and Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss.

Professional paint testers look for specific qualities in paints before they are available for purchase. Before being available for purchase, paints undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the necessary standards.

What happens if you use exterior paint for interior?

Exterior paints can cause health issues like allergies and respiratory issues due to fumes and chemicals. They may also be displeased with their softer and more flexible finish compared to interior paint. To determine paint durability in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, consider these four aspects of interior paint:

1. Paint adhesion: Check the adhesion of paint to the surface to ensure it’s not sagging or peeling.

2. Paint temperature: Check the temperature of paint to determine its effectiveness.

How long does exterior paint last?

The longevity of your home’s exterior paint job can be significantly influenced by several factors. Proper preparation is crucial to avoid pour results and extend the life of your paint job. The quality of paint you choose is a significant factor in achieving a long-lasting exterior paint job. The cheapest paint option may lead to repainting in just a few years. Top-of-the-line 100 premium acrylic latex paint is usually the best choice for exterior painting applications.

The surfaces your home was built with also play a role in the longevity of your paint job. For instance, stucco, made of cement, limestone, and sand, will hold onto paint better, with a 10-year paint job likelihood for stucco-built homes. Therefore, it is essential to choose a top-quality paint and avoid gambling with the type of material used in your home. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your exterior paint job significantly, saving you time and money in the future.

Is 3 coats of exterior paint too much?

Three coats of paint can be excessive depending on the paint’s color and quality. Cheap paint is thinner and requires more coats, while high-quality paint is thicker and only needs two. To ensure proper painting, it’s essential to paint in a well-ventilated room, apply thinner coats for faster drying, and use a paint roller instead of a brush. Paint in warmer temperatures or use a heater in cold environments. Latex paints can be recoated faster than oil-based paint, so check the label for recoat time. Latex paint typically takes 1-2 1/2 hours to dry, while oil-based paint takes 24 hours.

Is 2 coats of exterior paint necessary?

The number of exterior paint coats needed depends on factors such as paint quality, color, surface, and existing paint condition. For most projects, two coats are typically required, with the first serving as a base and the second ensuring an even finish. However, a third coat may be needed for darker colors or poorly shaped surfaces. Factors affecting the number of coats include the current paint color, surface type, and paint quality.

Rough surfaces like stucco or wood siding may require extra coats, while smoother surfaces like aluminum or vinyl siding may only need two coats. Professional painters generally apply two coats of paint for exterior projects to ensure better coverage, adhesion, and durability than a single coat.

Does exterior paint increase home value?

Exterior paint can significantly improve home value, with a well-done job potentially increasing a home’s value by 2-5. Factors such as paint quality, color choice, and home condition can also impact the value. A survey from Homelight found an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 51 to 55 for exterior painting. Curb appeal plays a crucial role in determining a home’s value, as a well-maintained, modern, and cohesive exterior can attract more interest and command higher prices in the real estate market.

Paint color choices also have a significant impact on home sales, with homes with attractive curb appeal selling for an average of 7 more than similar houses with less appealing exteriors. Some appealing color combinations include:

Is it better to paint outside or inside?

Despite the inherent dangers of exterior paint when used indoors, it is more suitable for outdoor use due to its superior weather resistance, durability, and resistance to physical damage such as chips.