Paint is one of the most critical aspects of home repair and beautification. Whether it is to enhance the property’s look or shield it from the external conditions, the perfect material is paint. However, a homeowner must distinguish between exterior and interior paint when choosing. This guide will assist you in decoding the primary differences that set these two types of paint apart so you can select the best choice for home improvement.
Purpose and Usage
Exterior Paint
Paint on the outer part of your house is meant to protect you from volatile weather and the surrounding environment. Specifically, exterior paint is applied in order to protect your house from rain, sun, wind, and hazards of nature. Exterior paints are developed for different temperature changes and are also very sturdy.
Interior Paint
Interior paint, however, is used to protect and create a new look for your home. It is useful in developing a desirable living ambience since, when applied, it disguises defects and reflects light. Interior paint has different textures and sheen, including flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. All four work to improve the appearance of your interior space, but their resistance level and washing frequency may not be the same.
Composition and Pigmentation
Exterior Paint
Exterior paint contains a high quality resin that will adhere to the exterior wall surface; this paint can be used on wood, brick, stucco, and metal, amongst other surfaces. This also makes it durable and strong enough to accommodate difficult weather conditions. To retain the color and protect the outer surface, exterior paint comes with light stabilizers and UV inhibitors that reduce the chances of color fading.
Interior Paint
Different types of resin are used in interior paint because the paint is designed to be used only inside buildings. It does not need the same amount of UV protection as exterior paint. It is not intended to have a rough, uneven surface, but it is expected to look neat and smooth and is available in more colors.
Durability and Maintenance
Exterior Paint
As mentioned before, exterior paints are meant to be resistant to very hard conditions. It can stand both hot and cold, rain and humid conditions, thus making it part of the defense system in every home. Exterior paint sometimes lasts for more than 15 years, being more impervious to cleaning and touch-up work than its interior paint counterpart.
Interior Paint
Interior paint is not as long-lasting as exterior paint because it does not have to be exposed to the elements. It often may last for between 3 to 8 years, and this depends on the paint quality, the surface treatment, and the amount of traffic the room is subjected to. However, interior paint will fade and may require renewal more often than exterior paint.
Best Practices for Application
Exterior Paint
Exterior paint application is done through specific methods and equipment to provide the best result and protection. The coating is applied by spraying since it is more easily controlled, ensuring it lands evenly on the surface. Nevertheless, brush and roller applications may also be used in certain areas or smaller-scale projects. If you want to paint your home, then be sure you are using high quality paints, as well as brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Ensure you follow the instructions indicated by the paint manufacturers when using these paints for painting the external part of your home.
Interior Paint
Paint used for the interior can be painted with a brush, a roller, or spraying equipment. In some cases, you will prefer using one method to the other depending on the floor’s finish and the room’s layout. Spraying is much better for large flat surfaces, while for tight and complex areas, you would use brushes or rollers. Regardless, be sure your surfaces are prepared correctly, and always follow manufacturer instructions.
Cost and Availability
Exterior Paint
External paint tends to be slightly costlier than internal paint due to the processes undergone in its production. Though costlier, it will considerably increase the protection level of your home and improve its endurance. There is a large variety of brands and types of exterior paint in the current market, so take your time and search through to identify the best type.
Interior Paint
Interior paint is more affordable than exterior paint and is available in several coating options and prices. Since there is a wide selection out there, it is crucial to assess other characteristics seen in interior paints, which include quality, longevity, and VOC emission level.
