What Would Happen If I Painted Inside By Mistake Using Outdoor Paint?

Accidentally using exterior paint on the interior of your house is not hazardous to your health, but it does not make sense as it contains different resins. If you accidentally use exterior paint inside, there is no immediate need to panic, as it will continue to emit VOCs even after it dries, putting you and your family at risk.

If you accidentally painted your interior with exterior paint, it is not advised to use tough exterior paint inside a garage for walls, ceilings, or furniture. It takes a long time to dry and the continuing fumes can be harmful to your health. Instead, opt for a more durable exterior paint that has additives to avoid mold/mildew growth, which aren’t needed.

The chemicals dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere when applied outside, but inside they degrade air quality and may negatively affect your health. The additives that make exterior paint so resilient outside cause it to deteriorate more quickly when used indoors.

If you accidentally used exterior paint inside, there are no immediate health risks. However, if you find yourself googling “I accidentally used exterior paint inside”, there is nothing to worry about. You can still use water-based masonry paint indoors, which is durable and safe for indoor use. However, if you accidentally used exterior paint inside, you can prime the walls and then use interior paint over the exterior paint.

Exterior paint should not be used inside as it contains mildewcides that are released as humidity increases, which are toxic and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, liver, kidney, and central nervous system.

How long until paint fumes are toxic?

Paint fumes are harmful due to their high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. Oil-based paints contain high levels of VOCs, while latex paints have lower levels but can still be dangerous if not used properly. Paint fumes remain toxic for up to a day after the paint is dried, making constant exposure to stored paint or constant use of paint at work risk. To protect yourself from paint fumes, ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, open windows and doors, use fans, and work outdoors or in a room with an exhaust fan.

Is exterior paint toxic?

Exterior paint, due to its high VOCs, is not suitable for indoor use due to its potential release of harmful chemicals. Interior paints, on the other hand, do not release as many toxins. It is not safe to use exterior latex paint inside due to the potential for dangerous chemicals. Additionally, WeatherShield paint, designed to protect the exterior from weather conditions, should not be used indoors.

How can you tell if paint is toxic?

The condition of the paint can indicate the presence of lead, with a phenomenon known as “alligatoring” resembling reptilian scales when the layer begins to crack and wrinkle. Furthermore, the presence of a chalky residue upon removal of the paint may also indicate the presence of lead.

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.

Is all exterior paint breathable?

Masonry paint is not breathable, as anything made with plastic is not breathable. Old houses need to breathe, and sloping plastic onto an old building can cause moisture retention in the building fabric, leading to peeling and flaking of the masonry paint. This is because water vapor pressure pushes the paint off the wall, acting like bubble gum. When a bubble grows, it bursts and pops, causing the paint to pop and blister as moisture finally gets out.

Sandtex masonry paint is the worst culprit, as it forms thick layers over years of painting an old house, eventually forming a thick plastic sheet. When removed, the sopping wet wall behind will gradually dry out. It has taken 18 months for old solid walled houses with Sandtex masonry paint to dry out when the Sandtex was removed. It is advisable to steer clear of any masonry paint, as it is not breathable and can cause significant damage to the building.

Is it bad to be exposed to paint fumes?

The inhalation of paint fumes has been linked to a number of short-term health issues, including respiratory irritation, nausea, and other forms of respiratory distress. Prolonged exposure to or contact with carcinogens can result in long-term health complications, including liver damage and cancer. To safeguard oneself from potential harm, it is imperative to utilize the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include respiratory protection, protective clothing, eye protection, gloves, and foot coverings.

How long do VOCs stay in the air?

VOCs from products like paint and particle board dissipate over time as they vaporize. Paint dissipates quickly, with most offgassing occurring within 6 months. Other sources, like particle board, may continue to offgas for 20 years or more. If you have high concentrations of VOCs in your home, use a sealer or air purifiers to minimize their presence. Shop for zero-VOC and low-VOC stains, strippers, calks, and adhesives.

What happens if you mix interior and exterior paint?

Mixing interior and exterior paints can lead to reduced performance, poor adhesion, and inconsistent appearance. This can result in reduced durability, premature fading, and cracking, especially in harsh weather conditions. The chemical reaction can also cause peeling, flaking, and cracking. Additionally, varying gloss and texture levels between the paints can cause uneven coloring and finishes in the final product.

Are paint fumes still toxic?

Most paints are safe, but exposure to paint fumes can cause skin, eye, and throat irritation. VOCs in paint products can cause short-term and long-term health effects. To minimize exposure, choose paint with lower VOC levels, ensure proper ventilation, and take breaks for fresh air. Painting indoors safely involves selecting lower VOC paint, properly ventilating the area, and taking breaks for fresh air.

Has anyone used exterior paint indoors?

The incompatibility of exterior paint and interior surfaces renders it unsuitable for use on interior walls. This is due to the toxic nature of the paint, the difficulty in cleaning it, and the poor finish it produces. Exterior paints typically contain higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful chemicals found in paints. As a result, they are more harmful than interior paint.