Anytime you are taking on an interior painting project, there are many things to consider. First and foremost, you will probably be thinking about what color you are wanting to paint the walls. Then you will be looking at sheens and paint quality. When you are standing on that paint aisle, you will no doubt see cans and cans of paint to choose from. You will see cans that are labeled at interior paint as well as exterior. Before you just blow off this label, it is important that you know that difference between the two. McKay’s Painting is here to talk about the difference between interior and exterior paint.
What is Paint Made Of?
It doesn’t matter whether you are using interior or exterior paint, all paints are made up of the same components, solvent, additives, resins and pigment. If you are using oil-based paint, the solvent is mineral spirits, whereas latex paint has water as a solvent. During the drying process, these solvents evaporate and leave behind beautiful results. The lasting ingredients found in paint are the additives, resins and pigments. Pigments, or color, is held together by the resin in the paint. Resins are usually substances like epoxy, silicone and acrylic.
Difference Between Interior & Exterior Paint
There are several aspects of interior and interior paints that are similar, but the real difference is found in the resins that are used. It’s no secret that exterior paint is going to take a beating when compared to interior paint. The effects of weather can be brutal, so it’s important that exterior paint can hold up to fading, peeling and chipping. This is why the resins that are found in exterior paint is often softer than those found in interior. Resins in interior paints are stiffer which make their finish harder to prevent scuffing and other wear and tear.
Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside?
The biggest reason you shouldn’t ever use exterior paint indoors is the outgassing that happens. There is always outgassing during the first 48 hours after painting using exterior paint. However, there is a small amount that happens constantly for years and years. It isn’t something you would want to be happening inside your home. Interior paints are far safer for indoor use because of their lack of outgassing. It is still important that you have proper ventilation when you are in an enclosed area painting. There are still fumes that you wouldn’t want to be breathing in too deeply for a long period of time.
Interior & Exterior Painting Services & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
It can be overwhelming and confusing when you are making the right paint selection for your painting project. Not only do you have to choose the paint, but proper preparation of the area is key to getting the results that you’re looking for as well. When you leave it up to the experts at McKay’s Painting, we will take the work out of it for you and leave you with a beautifully painted surface. Call us today!
