How Does Exterior Paint Differ From Interior Paint?

When choosing which paint to use in or on your home, you need to make sure to check the labels. Exterior paint should only be used on the exterior of your home while interior paint should only be used on the interior. The difference between the paints is extensive and if they are used improperly it can cause significant damage to your home.

The Differences Between Exterior and Interior Paints

Exterior paint

• Contains pesticides, mildewsides and fungicides


• Contains additives to make the paint UV resistant


• Made to contract and expand during changing weather conditions


• Made to be water-resistant


• Has heightened durability


• Designed to have fading resistance

Interior Paint

• Designed to withstand hard scrubbing


• Made to be stain-resistant


• Easily touched-up


• Applied with ease

Dangers of Using Exterior Paint Indoors

• The Pesticides, mildewcides and fungicides that are contained in the paint are not safe for inhalation in small areas.


• May cause someone's allergies to become worse


• Can become chalky due to humidity that is indoors

Warning:

• Reading the labels on the paint cans is very important. Many paint companies have identical labels on their varying paints and only the wording is different. If you do not take the time to look for the words exterior or interior before you begin painting, you may regret it later on down the road. 


• It is essential that the paints are only used where the label designates. The use of the paints in the wrong fashion could result in not only uneven paint but may also promote sever health risks. 


• If you fear that you may have used exterior paint on the interior of your home you should take the can to your local hardware store immediately. They will advise you as to what steps you can take to insure that you are not putting yourself or your family at risk. 


• It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to what your family is breathing in on a daily basis. Even if you smell no strange odors or notice any symptoms right away, you should still take counter measures to insure that your family is not breathing in any chemicals that could cause them harm later on down the road.