It reaches a point where you have a lot of leftover exterior paint, and you ask yourself if you can use exterior paint to decorate the inside of your house.
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The question is, Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside?
Technically, you can use exterior paint to decorate the inside of your home though not a very common practice.
It is important to note that exterior paint contains chemicals that help protect houses from rain, snow, and sunlight.
However, the chemical is harmful to your health, especially when you regularly contact them. Therefore, it is not advisable to paint exterior paint inside your bedrooms.
If the circumstances of using exterior paint indoors are favorable, ensure the rooms you intend to apply the paint are always well-ventilated. On the other hand, you can also Use Interior Paints on Exterior Surfaces if the circumstances are favourable.
Disadvantages of using Exterior paint on the inside
Odor and Ventilation
- You will have to deal with a disgusting smell with exterior paint painted indoors. The unpleasant smell could end up lasting for months, and if the house is not well ventilated, the stink may last longer.
- Exterior finishes have multiple volatile compounds called VOCs, which are known to cause smoke and smell.
- Therefore, exterior paint is most probably a dangerous factor, especially if your house is not well-ventilated.
- Fumes from exterior paint may lead to nausea and lightheadedness.
- Additionally, they are extremely harmful to pregnant women, children, and pets. So, it would be best if you consider these chances before using external paint indoors.
Flammability
- Most exterior finishes are oil-based. Therefore they are likely flammable.
Although the color is not known to cause house fires, it is worth considering the combustible nature before applying exterior paint indoors, especially in the kitchen.
Cost
- Exterior paint is expensive compared to interior paint.
The chemicals used in manufacturing exterior color to help it endure harsh weather conditions are costly, and thus the final product is also expensive.
Difference between Internal and External paint
It is necessary to understand the difference between interior and exterior paint. This comparison will help to determine whether to apply exterior paint in the interior project.
Before you decide to use exterior paint indoors, note that;
- Exterior finishes are manufactured using chemicals that help resist outside elements.
For instance, latex exterior finishes are manufactured using flexible acrylic resins to ensure the paint adapts to temperature changes. As such, the color expands and contracts quickly without it wearing off or affecting the surface.
- Interior paint is manufactured in such a manner that allows it to cope with heavy traffic. Additionally, interior paint is mixed with specific plastic material, which helps it develop a smooth surface when applied.
Advantage of Interior Paint
- The cover becomes water and dust-resistant; this makes it easy to clean stains by rubbing or wiping.
- Interior paint is developed in a way that decreases splatter or spray. The color contains additives helpful when one uses a brush or roller when applying it.
Interior Paint Formulation
Many people often apply paint according to the instructions, ensuring they apply interior paint indoors and exterior paint outdoors.
However, some people may choose to use exterior paint for indoor uses. Additionally, you may like a color not offered in interior paint but is available in exterior products.
In such cases, it is advisable to rethink before continually using the exterior paint.
Paint manufacturers produce two types of paint for multiple uses. They have their way of deciding the best color for specific areas. Different chemicals are added to the products depending on where you want to apply a certain product.
Interior paint has been manufactured to be used for indoor activities.
The interior part of your walls is subjected to dirt from people touching them. Additionally, your kitchen walls are prone to food stains, and interior paint is specifically structured to make it easy to clean such stains.
Conclusion
Considering all the factors considered before deciding to use exterior paint indoors, it is not advisable to use exterior paint for indoor purposes.
Although you may want to use exterior paint indoors, first consider the factors mentioned earlier first. Using external finishes indoors should be the last option. When painting your home, use interior paint inside and exterior paint outside for excellent results.
