When Painted Outside, Will Interior Paint Peel?

Interior paint can be used outdoors, but it is not always recommended due to its lower absorption capacity and potential for premature peeling, cracking, and color fading due to light and weather conditions. Exterior surfaces are exposed to sunlight, rain, wind, snow, mildew, and other environmental factors, making interior paints unsuitable for outdoor use.

To avoid these adverse effects, it is essential to remove loose paint with a scraper and ensure proper surface preparation. Interior paint is not designed to withstand the elements like exterior paint, so using it outside will cause it to deteriorate quickly. The most common reasons for paint peeling from interior or exterior walls are moisture, as exterior wood is exposed to environmental factors.

Insider paint is made to be low-VOC and resistant to stains and scuffs, while exterior paint withstands harsh weather conditions. If you decide to use interior paint outside, it is crucial to ensure that the paint sticks and lasts. Rain can also cause moisture, leading to cracking or peeling of the paint. Roof corners and wood boards often show signs of paint failure.

In conclusion, while interior paint can be used outdoors, it is not always recommended due to its lower absorption capacity and potential for premature peeling, cracking, and color fading. Proper surface preparation is crucial to ensure the paint sticks and lasts, and it is important to consider the specific needs and projects of your home when choosing between interior and exterior paint.

Do I need to prime the exterior before painting?

To create a cohesive paint job, it is essential to prime the entire house, especially if using latex paint over an oil-based surface. Surface prep is vital for health and safety reasons, as well as ensuring the new paint job looks good and lasts. To remove contaminants, it is essential to consult a certified contractor who can handle lead abatement before starting the process. Test the paint before proceeding with any further exterior painting prep.

Mold or mildew is a common contaminant, especially in humid areas. Look for black, green, or brown stains with a fuzzy appearance. If unsure if a stain is mold or mildew, apply common bleach. If it bleaches away, you have killed some mold or mildew. Use bleach or another EPA-registered microbiocide or fungicide to remove mold and mildew. Look for cleaners and degreasers that can remove grime, grease, and oil.

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.

Can you seal indoor paint for outdoor use?

Contractor Jay Sanders warns that while interior paint can be primed, painted, and sealed, it will still peel, chip, and crack when exposed to the elements. To reduce the need for exterior paint, it is recommended to use high-quality external paint and prepare thoroughly. While it may be tempting to use leftover paint from interior redecorating, it is not a recommended method as it is not designed to do the job and may require more repainting due to the differences in formulation between interior and exterior paints. Therefore, it is a DIY and decorating faux pas.

Do you need special paint for outside of house?

The optimal exterior paint is formulated to withstand the rigors of harsh weather, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures. Some formulations are specifically designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of specific home components. The selection of exterior paint is contingent upon the specific areas and surfaces that are to be painted.

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.

What is the difference between interior and exterior paint?

Understanding the difference between interior and exterior paints is crucial for achieving aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting results. Interior paints offer low VOC levels and various finishes, while exterior paints provide weather-resistant properties. The application techniques for each type vary, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right type for the environment. Painting is more than just color; it’s about protection, durability, and the health of those living in the spaces we create. With this guide, you can make informed decisions for your next painting project, ensuring enduring and beautiful results.

Can you just paint over exterior paint?

This post explains that if the existing paint on a house is the same type and in good condition, you can paint without sanding. However, if the exterior is wood, sanding may be necessary for proper paint application. The question of whether to prime or not to prime depends on the state and type of the existing paint. A prime may not be necessary if the old paint is in good condition and adheres properly to the surface.

Can I use interior paint on an exterior door?

Interior paint can be used outside for various reasons, such as cost-effectiveness, leftover paint, or temporary covering. However, it should not be used outside due to its different formula from exterior paint, which does not resist external weather conditions like snow, dirt, rain, and sunlight. Interior paint can be used on front doors, but it must be prepared, especially if the door is metal. If the door is protected with a glass door, the paint can be used on the exterior, but it may crack, fade, and chip.

If using interior paint for the exterior, one or two coats of exterior-grade clear coat sealer can be applied, but the adhering time may vary and the sealer cannot prevent fading. Additionally, warranty cannot be claimed if interior paint is used for exterior surfaces.

Is there really a 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.

What happens if I use interior paint on the exterior?

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 it OK to mix interior and exterior paint?

Mixing different paint styles can be challenging due to their different sheens or bases. For instance, mixing a semi-gloss paint with a flat paint is not a good idea, as it may not cover the entire wall. Additionally, mixing oil-based paint with an acrylic/latex paint or a primer with a topcoat is not recommended.

To minimize leftover paint, calculate your usage ahead of time by measuring the square footage of your wall and the number of square feet your paint can covers. Store your cans tightly and transfer excess paint to smaller containers for less air exposure. Non-profit organizations may accept donations of used paint, and if you have a significant amount of leftover paint, consider asking around or looking online for potential use.

Williams Professional Painting, a residential painting company in Washington, D. C., has been providing interior and exterior painting services since 1979. Their dedicated crews work with skill and care, aiming to make every step of the house painting process a joy for their clients.