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Can I Use Exterior Paints For The Inside Of My Home?

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Is it okay to use exterior paints for your home’s interior? People are always looking for ways to save money, and they think that it’s okay to use the leftover can of exterior paint on the inside of their home. In most cases, this isn’t a good idea. While contractors use some paints indoors and outdoors, these are usually specialty paints designed for specific purposes. This blog post by Attention to Detail Painters answers your questions about using exterior paints for interior painting. So, read on whether you’re considering painting your living room or want to be armed with the knowledge if someone asks you!

Exterior paints are formulated to resist the elements, namely rain, sun, and wind. They have an additive called resins, which helps the paint adhere to surfaces and protects against mildew and UV damage. 

Interior paints are formulated to endure indoor traffic. These paints do not have to be as robust as exterior paints, so they use less resin. They have a smoother finish and are easier to clean.

So now that we know the difference between the two, let’s talk about using exterior paint indoors.

Advantage of Using Exterior Paints Indoors.

Exterior paint is very durable; hence, it will last longer on your walls than interior paint; sometimes up to twice as long.

But is it Worth Using Them for Your Home’s Interior?

Although it might be more durable, it cannot be used the same way as interior paint. While interior paint is more durable and resists stains and fading, exterior paint withstands the elements.

Using exterior paints indoors has a significant disadvantage since they can emit strong fumes. Depending on the paint, these fumes can be harmful to your health and cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Interior paints have little to no toxic emissions. It’s best to stick with interior paint to keep you and your family safe from potentially harmful fumes. 

There are three different finishes for exterior paint: gloss, semi-gloss, and gloss-enamel. Interior paint is looked at much more closely and comes in about five different finishes, from high-gloss, eggshell, satin to matte. There is a chance that using exterior paints doesn’t give you the finish that you had in mind.

Each type of paint has been designed for a particular purpose. Using the paints in ways other than the recommended way can result in less than stellar results. Using the right paint for the space, you intend to paint is better than taking the risk and facing avoidable issues later.

Call Attention to Detail Painters if you live in The Meadows or around Castle Rock, CO. We provide excellent craftsmanship and quality paintwork. We offer various painting services, including residential interior painting and residential exterior painting. We are so confident in our high-quality services that we even provide a five-year warranty for our services.

Contact us for your next interior painting project or get your no-obligation, free estimate!