Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside? (2024 Update)

If you’ve considered the durability of exterior paint and wondered, “Can you use exterior paint inside?” the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. This article delves into why exterior paint may not be the safe or effective choice for your indoor spaces, addressing health concerns and performance issues.

Inside this blog:

• The Risks of Using Exterior Paint Indoors
• Comparing Interior and Exterior Paints
• Can You Use Interior Paint Outdoors?

The Risks of Using Exterior Paint Indoors

When you think of paint, you might imagine it’s all created equal – a color in a can ready to beautify your space. However, paint is much more complex than that. You may wonder if you can use exterior paint inside your home to get those weather-resistant properties, but it’s a bad idea.

But why exactly is it hazardous to use exterior paint indoors? What could go wrong?

Health Concerns with Exterior Paint

Exterior paints, compared to their interior counterparts, are created with higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have the potential to evaporate at room temperature, introducing various health risks into your home, making exterior paint toxic. Some of the health risks associated with VOC exposure include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Damage to vital organs like the liver and kidneys

It is important to take precautions when using exterior paints to minimize your exposure to VOCs.

Worse still, the drying and curing process of exterior paint releases toxic paint fumes and VOCs, causing symptoms like dizziness and loss of coordination. These symptoms can last for extended periods as exterior paints take longer to dissipate VOCs than their interior counterparts, making them particularly dangerous if you’re painting an interior room.

Performance Issues When Used Inside

Beyond health risks, interior use of exterior paint may also present performance challenges. This is because exterior paints are formulated to cure with sunlight, which is not available indoors. As a result, the paint may not cure properly, affecting its durability and appearance.

Furthermore, interior surfaces, which are usually smoother than exterior surfaces, may not effectively bind with exterior paint. This can lead to peeling or cracking paint, ruining the look of your interior walls.

Comparing Interior and Exterior Paints

Having established the reasons against using exterior paint indoors, it’s time to discuss the differences between interior and exterior paints. Their composition, purpose, and performance are factors that make each type of paint suitable for its specific environment. They are not interchangeable, and understanding these differences will help ensure your painting project is a success.

Binding Resins, Pigments, and Additives

When it comes to composition, interior and exterior paints utilize different binding resins, pigments, and additives to achieve their specific characteristics. For instance, interior paints often use acrylic latex resins, known for their gloss and color retention.

On the other hand, exterior acrylic latex paint may include durable resins, like epoxy and polyurethane, which offer weather resistance. The pigments and additives also differ, with exterior paints formulated with pigments offering enhanced resistance to sunlight and specific additives that prevent mold and mildew.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

The function of the paint is a determining factor in its categorization as either interior or exterior. Indoor paint, also known as interior paints, are engineered to resist scuffs, scratches, and the humidity found in indoor environments. They are formulated to be resistant to abrasion, which is common in indoor spaces due to walking or moving objects against the walls.

On the other hand, using exterior paints inside may not provide the same level of protection and durability as interior paints. When selecting the right paint for your project, it’s essential to choose the appropriate interior and exterior paint to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Exterior house paint, as well as other exterior paints, are designed to endure harsh weather conditions like rain, intense heat and sun, and even freezing temperatures. Their formulation also enables them to resist long-term environmental exposure, including UV rays, making them the go-to choice for outdoor paint projects. In contrast, indoor and outdoor paint options are available for various applications, depending on the specific needs of your project.

How Each Type of Paint Behaves in Its Intended Environment

Performance is another key difference between interior and exterior paints. For instance, solvent-based acrylic resins in exterior paint offer improved chemical and weather resistance, making them ideal for outdoor conditions. Similarly, epoxy coatings are used for their corrosion resistance in harsh industrial environments.

Interior paints are designed to resist indoor elements such as staining and abrasions, ensuring they stand up to the demands of everyday living. Hence, it’s important to think about how each paint type performs in its respective environment before making your choice.

Can I Use Interior Paint Outdoors?

Similar to how exterior paint encounters issues indoors, interior paint is ill-suited for outdoor conditions. The organic pigments in interior paints are prone to significant fading when subjected to sunlight and outdoor light exposure. Also, due to the thinner consistency of interior paint, you may need additional coats for adequate coverage, which is impractical for exterior applications.

Using interior paint on exterior surfaces typically results in a degraded appearance, like peeling, bubbling, and cracking, within a short period post-application.

Does Your Home Need a Paint Job?

Ultimately, interior and exterior paints are formulated differently, with each type designed to perform best in its intended environment. Using exterior paint indoors can lead to health risks and performance issues. Therefore, when embarking on your next painting project, take time to consider factors like surface material, environmental conditions, and the desired finish to ensure you choose the right paint.

When you’re ready to remodel the outside of your home, get in touch with Boss Exteriors. Our skilled contractors will give your house a stunning new look. You won’t be disappointed!