How Do Interior Paints And Exterior Paints Differ?

Experts advise against using interior paint to exterior paint. These tips are important for several reasons. First, today's paint components have been fine-tuned to their intended uses.

Because of the absence of environment-specific additives, interior paints can be less effective on exterior surfaces. This isn't the only difference between interior-formulated and exterior paints. There are subtle differences in the three major components of paint: pigment, binding agents, and liquids.

Let's start with pigment. This is what gives paint its color. Some interior paints have organic pigments that can be used to color. Certain organic pigments can cause severe fade when applied to exterior surfaces. These pigments are not used in exterior paint formulations. This reduces the time it takes to paint outside.

Paints can also contain binders. These additives help to bond the pigment together, and ensure adhesion to the substrate. Exterior paints need more protection from harsh environments. The paint is protected from cracking, chalking, and moisture control by outdoor-friendly binders. Although interior paint binders may offer greater resistance against abrasion than the exterior, this is not always desirable.

There are differences in the types of liquids used for exterior and interior paints. Interior paints should not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) according to federal guidelines. VOCs are solvents found in the paint's liquid part. VOCs vaporize at room temperature. VOCs can lead to both short-term and long-term health issues. These can include dizziness, headaches, respiratory disease, liver damage, and dizziness. Some types of cancer may also be associated with VOCs.

VOCs can be as high as two to five times more prevalent inside than they are outside. Painting can increase these levels. Low to zero VOC levels should be expected for interior paints. Oil-based paints, in particular, may have different VOC requirements than exterior paints. It is important that exterior paint not be used in your home. You can contact exterior painting services Bundaberg if you are unsure.

Commonly asked questions about interior/exterior painting

Question 1 - Is it possible for interior paint to be used outdoors?

Exterior and interior paint can be different by adding additives. The exterior of your house is protected from extreme weather conditions like heavy winds and rain. However, the interior is not. The exterior paints are coated with heavy-duty weather-resistant additives that can withstand extreme temperatures, such as snow and heat. You can't use interior paint outdoors. It will crack and eventually come off the walls.

Components may be different if you compare a latex exterior paint with a latex interior. This is the bottom line: Paints perform best when they are used correctly. Do you plan to paint outdoors? Choose a paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use to avoid cracking or premature fading.

Question 2 - Is concrete paint necessary?

Interior painting services Bundaberg states that concrete can shrink or expand according to temperature changes. Concrete walls can be painted using a binder. Low-cluster acrylics are also available for patio and porch paints. These paints are resistant to UV damage, cracking, fading, and scuffing.

Question 3 - Which exterior paint is the best?

You can choose between oil-based and water-based paints. Exterior painting is best served by oil-based paint. It has an alkyd that repels dirt and can withstand extreme temperature and humidity changes. To increase their durability, oil-based paints are specially formulated with additives. These paints are ideal for exterior painting.

Question 4 - What is VOC in paints? How can it be measured?

VOC means Volatile Organic Compounds. These solvents can be used in many water-based coatings and paints as solvents. They are mediums that allow the paint to flow. VOCs are dangerous to health and should be avoided in interior paints.

Question 5: Can I use exterior paint inside my bathroom?

Bathroom paint is more prone to mold than other paints due to moisture. It might be worth using exterior paint for the bathroom. You should not use exterior paint as they contain more volatile organic compounds (VOC).