What Is Exterior Paint and How Can You Use It for Interior Projects?
Exterior paint and interior paints are two different types of paint. Exterior paint is usually formulated to handle harsher weather conditions, such as direct sunlight, rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. These types of paints typically contain higher levels of binders and sealers that make the finish tough enough to stand up to the elements. Interior paint on the other hand is designed for projects inside your home that don’t require any kind of weather protection.
Although it isn’t something that is recommended frequently due to potential complications down the line, you can use exterior paint for interior application if absolutely necessary. One instance when this might be beneficial would be if you are trying to touch up a spot on a piece of furniture or baseboard trim in the same color as the outside of your home. It could also be used on obscure areas like ceilings or closets that won’t be directly exposed to moisture or heavy traffic abuse.
When picking out an exterior paint for indoor use it’s important to factor in both longevity and ease-of-use into your decision-making process. While exterior paints tend to have a longer wearing finish than interior paints, they often take much more time and effort since they typically need multiple coats of primer followed by at least one top coat dry time in between them each time. Doing this can become costly over time and may not offer much extended performance from interior product choices if done improperly! If using exterior paint indoors try using products containing fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) so odors are kept at bay during application and diminishing health risks for those living within your home during painting activities as well!
Step by Step Guide on How to Use Exterior Paint Inside
Whether you’re repurposing a beloved piece of furniture or giving an entire room a makeover, learning how to use exterior paint inside can help add personality and flare. Though it’s not traditionally recommended for interiors, if done correctly, it can be a great way to truly personalize your living space with unique colors and designs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use exterior paint inside the home:
Step 1: Prepare the Surface You Want to Paint
Before you start painting, it is important that the surface is prepped so that the paint job looks beautiful and lasts long. For this project either power wash or use soap and water to clean off any dust and dirt on the surface. Once free of debris and completely dry, sand down any ragged edges so that all surfaces are nice & smooth.
If there are any holes or cracks in what you are painting, fill them in with wood filler first before sanding everything down. Finally make sure you remove any cabinet (or other) hardware so as not to get them painted too!
Step 2: Protect Your Surroundings
Before beginning your project its crucial that you protect your other furniture pieces from drop cloths/old sheets along with take steps to protect your floors as well. Use painter’s tape along edges adjacent to walls, counter tops etc., then lay some down where needed in order make sure nothing else gets painted (unless desired).
Step 3: Pick Your Exterior Paint
Exterior paints generally come pre-mixed in a variety of different colors for easy selection. Choose one that suits your tastes & décor idea best – if unsure about the color don’t hesitate getting some samples first until finding the perfect one for you! Make sure whatever product chosen has at least semi matte finish option .
Step 4: Start Painting Away!
All systems go
FAQs About Using Exterior Paint Indoors
Q: Can I use exterior paint indoors?
A: While it is possible to use exterior paint indoors, there are some caveats. For starters, exterior paints contain additives that make them weather and UV resistant, which also helps them resist fading. These additives may not be compatible with some indoor air quality standards, however, so always check with your local building regulations before applying any paint indoors. Additionally, since exterior paints are designed to withstand the elements, they often produce a lot of odors when used inside. Therefore it’s best to ensure you have good ventilation in the area you will be painting to prevent annoying odors from lingering long after the job is complete.
Q: Does using interior paint outdoors hold up?
A: In general, no. Interior paints can provide impressive coverage and look great after application but lack weather resistance due to their lack of additives specifically designed for this purpose. As a result they can crack and peel quickly if exposed to moisture or direct sunlight over time meaning you’ll need to repaint much sooner than if you had used an exterior grade paint from the start. Plus you’ll probably need several coats as interior paints usually don’t offer the same vivid color results as their outdoor counterpart either.
Q: What types of surfaces should I not use an exterior grade paint on?
A: Any surface susceptible to decreased durability or staining should not be painted with an outdoor rated product such as bare wood or drywall that doesn’t already have primer applied, delicate fabrics like curtains or drapes, or anything else that isn’t UV resistant or coated in another protective layer ahead of time such as in bathrooms where moisture will constantly be present without routine maintenance.
Top 5 Facts Everyone Should Know Before Using Exterior Paint on a Project
1. Pay strict attention to the manufacturer’s instructions when using exterior paint; it’s essential that you follow all the instructions in order to ensure a long-lasting application. Exterior paints are often specially formulated for their intended use; failure to adhere to specific guidelines could result in an unsatisfactory end result, or even permanent damage to your project.
2. Prime your surfaces with a quality exterior primer if necessary before applying the topcoat. This will ensure optimal adhesion of the paint and help protect against damage from exposure to weathering and natural elements such as sun, wind, rain, and snow.
3. Choose a high-quality exterior-rated paint designed specifically for outdoor surfaces: average interior paints aren’t designed to withstand the constant exposure they’ll receive outdoors, so selecting one designed specifically for outdoor projects will be your best bet for achieving strong results that last longer.
4. Clean and prep your surfaces thoroughly before painting them; dirt, mildew, grease, rust, chipped or flaking paint – all of these need to be cleaned away before any new product can be applied. Spend extra time scrubbing down wood surfaces in particular since they tend to attract dirt and grime more than other materials do.
5. Always perform a test patch first on an inconspicuous area; this will give you a good indication of what color you can expect the final coat of paint to appear as when dried completely, along with giving you an opportunity to spot any areas where there may be difficulty with coverage prior to completing the full job ahead of time.
Pros and Cons of Using Exterior Paint on the Interior of Your Home
When it comes to making upgrades or improvements to your home, there are many factors to consider. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when it comes to a paint job is what kind and color of paint to use. While exterior paints are designed for the elements outdoors, that doesn’t mean they can’t be used inside too. To shed some light on the pros and cons of using exterior paint compared with interior paint, let’s take a look at this from all angles.
PROS:
1 – Durability: Exterior paints are designed for intense weather conditions and should last anywhere from 5-10 years. With advances in technology over the past several years, even water-based acrylic exterior paints now offer exceptional durability without sacrificing indoor air quality.
2 – Improved Color Selection: In some cases, using exterior paint instead of traditional house paints can lead to improved color options due to the variety of specially formulated mixtures available in this line of products.
3 – Cost Savings: Acquiring exterior paint can be quite economical when compared with interior house paint in many areas, such as Gallon per Square Foot cost or price per unit (Gallon/Quart). In general terms, looking strategically at your project pays off!
CONS:
1 – Sheens Available: Interior wall & trim paints generally provide more gloss sheen options than those for exteriors (i.e.: eggshell vs flat finish) plus performance characteristics associated with each one like mildew resistance & washability. These attributes are not usually found in Exterior Paints unless specifically requested as part of manufacturers’ Special Order System which could represent an additional charge depending on where it is sourced from and quanity needed.
2 – Sealing Issues/Breathing Walls: Depending on how many coats you anticipate needing in order to achieve desired coverage plus overall thickness build up, possible sealing issues need considering due
Creative Ways to Incorporate Exterior Techniques When Working with Interior Paint
When working with interior paint, there are a few exterior techniques you can use to transform the look and feel of your space. By incorporating these techniques into your design, you will be able to create a room that has an inviting and unique atmosphere. Here are some creative ways to incorporate exterior techniques when working with interior paint:
1. Accent Wall: An accent wall is usually painted in a bold, eye-catching color or pattern, making it stand out from the surrounding walls. This method helps to add interest and texture to your space while providing contrast with the rest of the room’s palette. Painting an accent wall will help make any room appear larger and more enriching.
2. Feature Stripe: A feature stripe can be an attention-grabbing stripe of paint that moves horizontally or vertically across one or two walls within a room or spaces connected by an archway or hallway. This technique narrows a large space while creating visual intrigue using contrasting colors so that the eye follows it around the room. Adding stripes is also helpful if you want to accentuate certain architectural features such as doorways, windows, and ceiling lines throughout your home.
3. Mimic Exterior Trimwork: Another way to bring elements from outside in is by mimicking exterior trimwork on interior walls for extra dimension and added depth for elements like window frames, door frames, fireplace mantels etc..This lets you choose complementary colors that create continuity between indoors and out without having to do extensive stonework or woodworking finishes indoors!
4. Utilize Color Play with Pop Colors: To really give your home some character try applying pop colors against various shades of neutrals on many different walls inside the home – whichever direction you go (light on dark/ dark on light) this will always give homes some playful “spice” through utilizing color play! Doing this allows subtle touches of beautiful hues juxtaposed against muted surfaces for edgy-
