Can You Use Exterior Paint on Interior Walls?

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Are you looking for a thrifty way to spruce up your interior walls with some left-over paint? Or you’re tossing between exterior and interior paint for your indoor project? Well, you might be wondering if it’s okay to use exterior paint on interior walls. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of it.

Detailed Discussion on Can You Use Exterior Paint on Interior Walls

The answer is yes – you can use exterior paint on interior walls. But wait, hold on. It’s not as straightforward as it sounds. You need to understand the differences between exterior and interior paint, their properties and formulas before deciding on using exterior paint for your interior wall project.

Properties of Exterior Paint

Exterior paint is made with specific properties to withstand harsh outdoor elements such as weather, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. The paint’s composition allows it to resist moisture and molds growth, which can be detrimental to the wall’s integrity.

Most exterior paints contain additives that make them more durable and thicker, such as urethane, epoxy, and elastomeric. The paints also come with additives to protect them against chalking, fading, and peeling.

Differences Between Exterior and Interior Paint

The primary difference between exterior and interior paint is their composition. Interior paints are formulated to give a smooth finish and protect walls against wear and tear due to daily activities. They contain fewer binders and pigments, making them easier to clean and less toxic.

On the other hand, exterior paints have more additives, binders, and pigments, making them thicker and more challenging to apply. Their consistency gives them the ability to bridge over cracks and gaps on the exterior wall surfaces, making them more beneficial in outdoor settings.

The Effects of Using Exterior Paint on Interior Walls

Since exterior paints have more additives and are thicker, they can cause some issues when used indoors. Here are some drawbacks of using exterior paint on interior walls:

– Difficult to apply: Exterior paint is heavier and thicker than the interior variety, which makes it more challenging to apply on interior walls. It can leave a rougher texture and uneven coverage, which may be unsightly.
– Strong odor: Exterior paints contain more binding agents, solvents, and chemicals to ensure they adhere strongly to surfaces. The pungent smell of these chemicals can permeate the house and cause discomfort.
– Toxicity: Exterior paints contain heavy-duty chemicals that make them resistant to outdoor elements. These toxic components can be harmful to humans when ingested or inhaled.

Concluding Thoughts on Can You Use Exterior Paint on Interior Walls

Using exterior paint on interior walls isn’t recommended. While it may save you money, it may not give you the desired look you’re after. Exterior paints are formulated to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and may not be suitable for indoor walls. You might end up having to redo the painting job, which can be more time-consuming and expensive in the long run.

If you must use exterior paint indoors, consider painting a small area first to see how it turns out. Also, ensure that the room is well ventilated as the fumes from the paint can be strong.

FAQs about Can You Use Exterior Paint on Interior Walls

1. What’s the difference between exterior and interior paint?

Exterior paints are formulated to withstand harsh outdoor elements such as extreme temperatures, UV rays, moisture, and molds. They are thicker and contain more additives, binders, and pigments than interior paint. Interior paints are easier to clean, have fewer binders and pigments, and are formulated to give a smooth finish to indoor walls.

2. Can I use exterior paint inside if I ventilate the room?

While it may be safe to use exterior paint inside when the room is well-ventilated, it is still not recommended. Exterior paints are more challenging to apply indoors, and the fumes from the paint can be strong and harmful.

3. Which paint is cheaper, interior, or exterior?

Interior paint is generally cheaper than exterior paint since it contains fewer additives, binders, and pigments. The exterior paint is formulated to have more durability and resistant properties, which can make it relatively more expensive.

4. Can I paint over exterior paint with interior paint?

It’s not recommended to paint over exterior paint with interior paint. The exterior paint is thicker and contains more additives that can make it challenging for interior paint to adhere to the surface. You should scrape off the old paint or prime the surface before applying new paint to guarantee even coverage and a smooth finish.

5. How long does exterior paint last indoors?

While exterior paint may last longer outdoors, it may not last as long indoors. Since exterior paint has more additives and chemicals, they may break down when used indoors, which may affect the indoor air quality. However, if you must use exterior paint indoors, be sure to maintain proper ventilation and ensure it’s stored in ideal conditions to prevent degradation.

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