Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside?

You can use exterior paints indoors, but interior paints usually produce less chemical emissions. Like interior paint, exterior paints are available in an enormous array of colors. While either paint can be applied indoors, each has been formulated to perform best in its environment.

What happens if you use exterior paint indoors?

A higher volume of acrylics in the exterior paint could cause a lingering odor that may be unhealthy in enclosed areas. Bottom line, paints perform best when we use them as they’re intended. Over time, the gases leach out and do not affect performance.

Is it OK to use exterior paint inside the house?

But while exterior paint does comes in lots of colors and will dry indoors, here’s why you shouldn’t use it for your interior walls: Because of their toxic fumes, true enamel or oil-based paints are a big no-no for interiors and depending on where you live, may be illegal for both interior and exterior use.

What is the difference between exterior paint and interior paint?

Exterior paint is made to survive inclement weather while resisting mold, mildew, fading, cracking, chipping, and more. On the other hand, interior paint is made to resist stains and be scrubbed clean without being damaged. Interior paint is also made with chemicals that are safer for breathing.

Can you use exterior paint inside a garage?

Never use exterior paint on your garage walls, or any other interior room. The best type of paint to use in your garage is an acrylic latex paint because it is durable, quick-drying, and easy to clean. You’ll want to avoid extreme temperatures during painting and drying, however.

How do you paint interior exterior paint?

Applying interior paint over an exterior one requires surface prep work and the use of a primer if it’s water-based over oil-based paint. If the paint is exposed to the elements, it is important to note it won’t withstand temperature changes, humidity, UV, mildew, or weather factors as well as exterior paints.

Why can’t you use exterior paint inside?

Exterior paint contains fungicides, mildewcides, and UV blockers that are toxic anywhere. Using exterior paints indoors will expose you and your family to harmful chemicals—if you use exterior paint inside, that is forever.

How long are paint fumes harmful?

If you are wondering how long paint fumes are harmful, the professional experiences of El Gato Painting will help you understand this matter. As they usually advise, you may allow at least 2 to 3 days before you can consider the paint fume less harmful.

Can we use exterior primer for interior?

If you have a can of primer leftover from your exterior painting project, you can save money by using it inside — but it’s overkill. You don’t need the stain-blocking qualities of exterior primer for fresh drywall, and if it’s oil-based, you’ll be filling your indoor space with dangerous fumes.

Can I use interior paint on a porch ceiling?

Can You Use Interior Paint On A Porch Ceiling? Interior paint is not ideal for use outdoors because it isn’t designed to withstand inclement weather. There are hybrid paints available that can be used indoors or outdoors, but exterior paint is best for a porch ceiling.

Is exterior paint thicker than interior paint?

The binders and additives in exterior paint are designed to withstand harsh conditions, and the coating is generally thicker and less decorative than an interior latex finish.

Is exterior paint more expensive than interior?

Exterior paints are typically more expensive. That’s because they come packed with added ingredients to boost toughness (abrasion resistance), moisture resistance and UV color corrosion. Interior paints are typically more basic and are therefore less expensive.

Can you use exterior semi gloss paint inside?

You can use exterior paints indoors, but interior paints usually produce less chemical emissions. Like interior paint, exterior paints are available in an enormous array of colors. While either paint can be applied indoors, each has been formulated to perform best in its environment.

What kind of paint do you use for inside garage?

The best paint for garage walls and ceilings is interior latex paint, though oil-based paints can also be used. Latex paint is quick drying, can be thinned with water because it’s water-based, and has less odor/vapors than oil-based paint.

How warm does it need to be to paint inside a garage?

The air, the surface and the paint should all be at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, which is usually above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.