It is expected that paint will modify the color of our walls and provide them with a layer of protection against damage. But using exterior paint on the inside of the house is an issue of discussion. While some argue that exterior paint cannot be used for interior painting, others believe the opposite is true. This article will review the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing exterior paint on the interior to establish whether it is safe to use on inside walls.
Understanding Exterior Paint
Exterior paint is of a unique class because it is designed to protect the exterior of the home from damage caused by rain and other weather factors such as heat, light, and cold. These paints often contain an even higher percentage of binding agents, UV protectants, and other protective features that prevent the paint from fading, shedding, or cracking once it comes into contact with harsh weather conditions.
Some common ingredients found in exterior paints include:
– Titanium dioxide: Offers shield against light and reduces glare
– Alkyd resins: These provide a long-lasting surface.
– Acrylic polymers: This material improves the ability to bond with substances and protect against blisters or crust formation.
Exterior paint is thicker than interior paint. This makes it less likely to wear and tear, and it will be able to guard your walls against any damage.
It Can be Dangerous When Used Inside the Home
Using exterior paint in the inside areas of a house can be associated with some risks.
Some of these include:
Off-gassing
Current types of exterior paint have solvents that emit dangerous chemicals known as VOCs when the paint dries. High VOC gives rise to poor IAQ and triggers respiratory diseases, headaches, and allergies. This is why, when selecting paints, some sensitive people choose low or zero-VOC paint.
Color Variation
Exterior paint not only acts as a color coating but also can mitigate such factors as heat from the sun. Using this paint indoors can consequently result in a slight change in color. Further, exterior paint typically has a differing thickness from interior paint, making it unlikely to get a smooth, even paint job, as you would with interior paints.
Advantages of Using Exterior Paint Inside
However, there are some advantages of using exterior paint indoors.
Some of these include:
Durability
Exterior paint is more resistant than interior paint. Its density and added features can give a certain level of shield against factors such as water, grease, dirt, and any kind of rough contact. This makes it ideal for traffic areas or rooms where accidents may lead to the occasional spilling of things such as tea or coffee.
Protection
Most exterior paints are meant to shield the outer area from the worst climate conditions. If used in the interior, it can serve as an additional barrier for covering the walls, mainly if you have high humidity in your area or are frequently exposed to water. This can go a long way in helping to prolong the life of your walls and keeping them looking good for as long as possible.
Insulation
Most exterior paints contain acoustic, thermal, and visual properties to increase energy efficiency in buildings. This is because they can create a barrier which prevents heat from being transferred, keeping your home warmer during winter and cooler during summer. When applied inside the room, exterior paint can make the room well-insulated and thus reduce your electricity bills.
Can Exterior Paint Be Used for Interior Purposes?
It is, therefore, safe to use exterior paint indoors, provided specific measures are taken about doing this. It is advisable to check on the VOC content of the paint and go for paint with low or zero VOC content if you are concerned about this. Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendation of when to apply the paint and when the paint is dry enough to apply another coat.
When appropriately applied, exterior paint can help give your interior walls a lovely and durable aesthetic look. It can provide additional strength and shield and incorporate the level of insulation that may be helpful in homes and businesses. So, as long as you are aware of the possible drawbacks, only you can decide whether to use exterior paint on the inside of a building.
