Interior Paint vs. Exterior Paint - What's the Difference?

The Comparison Between Interior vs Exterior Paint

Interior paint and exterior paint may seem similar at first glance, but they are formulated to cater to different climate environments and serve distinct purposes.

When it comes to Interior paint, this paint is designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your indoor spaces, providing a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures to suit many tastes and preferences. Interior paint focuses on factors like washability, stain resistance, and how easy it is to apply to surfaces.

On the other hand, exterior paint is formulated to withstand harsher elements from the outdoors, including sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Exterior painting offers superior durability, moisture resistance, UV protection, and fade resistance. This helps to ensure the paint remains bright, vibrant and prevent it from chipping over time.

Also to mention, exterior paint could sometimes contain fungicides and mildewcides to combat fungal growth on building exteriors. This makes exterior paint more suitable for the prevention of mold growth and mildew accumulation.

Ultimately, while both interior and exterior paints share the goal of beautifying spaces, their unique compositions and features make them tailored to their respective environments and requirements.

Can You Use Exterior Paint Indoors and Vice Versa?

While it may be tempting to use exterior paint indoors or interior paint outdoors due to availability or cost considerations, we don't recommend you interchange them. Exterior and interior paints are engineered for their specific areas for a reason!

Interior paint lacks the necessary protective properties and durability required for outdoor conditions. Using it on exterior surfaces can result in premature peeling, fading, and other damage.

Adversely, using exterior paint indoors can lead to several undesirable outcomes:

• Exterior paint can release strong odors and harmful fumes
• May cause poor indoor air quality
• Your finish may appear too rough and rigid
• It become brittle and easily cracked
• Will lead to an unsatisfactory and uneven appearance

What Are The Maintenance Differences Between Interior & Exterior Paints?

With proper care, interior paint can maintain its appearance and durability for several years without significant maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional touch-ups are usually fine to keep interior walls looking fresh for many years to come.

On the other hand, exterior paint is constantly exposed to much harsher conditions outdoors. Because of this, exterior paint it requires regular maintenance to keep its long-term protection intact.

This maintenance usually involves cleaning the surface, inspecting for any signs of damage, and repainting as necessary. By properly maintaining exterior paint, homeowners can safeguard their surfaces from peeling, fading, and other forms of deterioration.

The Different Types of Exterior Paints Available

Apart from standard exterior paints, there are specialized types designed to cater to specific surfaces and provide even more durability and protection.

Masonry Paint

Masonry paint is formulated specifically for surfaces like concrete, brick, or stucco. This paint offers excellent adhesion, breath-ability, and resistance to moisture, making it excellent for protecting from water damage and cracking.

Stucco paint, in particular, is designed to adhere to the textured surface of stucco and provide a durable and long-lasting finish.

Metal Paint

Another specialized type of paint is metal paint. This paint is engineered to protect and beautify metal surfaces such as fences, railings, and outdoor furniture.

Metal paints contain rust inhibitors and anti-corrosive properties to prevent oxidation and appearance.

Hire A Pro to Pick the Perfect Paints For Your Home

It's important to choose the right type of paint for each specific application to meet your painting goals, no matter how big or small.

Attempting to use exterior paint indoors or interior paint outdoors can result in a number of issues that could be harmful to your property and even your health.

Understanding these differences, homeowners and contractor professionals can make informed decisions and achieve the best results for their painting projects. Learn more about Cougar Painting's Interior and Exterior Painting services below:

Interior Painting Services

Exterior Painting Services