It can be tempting to use interior paint when you have a painting project outside. After all, it’s usually cheaper and easier to just grab a can of interior paint and start painting. But, despite the convenience, interior paint is not designed for outdoor use, so it’s important to understand the differences between interior and exterior paint in order to make sure your project lasts.
Why Interior Paint Is Not Suitable For Outdoors
Interior paint is designed to last in an environment with temperature and humidity levels that remain relatively constant. This means that the paint is not as durable against the elements, such as rain, snow, and UV rays, that can be found outdoors. This makes interior paint more prone to fading, chipping, and peeling. Additionally, interior paint does not contain mildewcides, which helps protect against mold and mildew growth.
Why Exterior Paint Is Better For Outdoors
Exterior paint is specifically designed for outdoor use and contains additives that help protect it from the elements. Exterior paint is more durable and resistant to fading, chipping, and peeling. It also contains mildewcides that help protect against mold and mildew growth. Exterior paint is also designed to maintain a uniform color over time, making it a better choice for large painting projects.
Choosing The Right Paint For Your Project
When it comes to painting projects outdoors, it’s important to choose the right type of paint. Interior paint is not suitable for outdoor use, so it’s important to choose exterior paint. When selecting exterior paint, be sure to select a paint that is designed for the specific surface you’ll be painting. For example, if you’ll be painting a wooden deck, you’ll want to select a paint that is designed for wood.
Conclusion
It can be tempting to use interior paint when painting outdoors, but it’s important to understand the differences between interior and exterior paint before starting a project. Interior paint is not suitable for outdoor use because it is not as durable against the elements and does not contain mildewcides. Exterior paint is the better choice for painting projects outdoors because it is more durable, resistant to fading and chipping, and contains mildewcides. When selecting exterior paint, be sure to choose a paint that is designed for the specific surface you’ll be painting.
