It is incredible just how much difference a pot of paint can make to the look of a house, whether you hire a painter and decorator to radically transform the interior rooms or paint a bold look on the outside of the property.
However, whilst they are both ultimately used for the same purposes, there are a lot of differences between interior and exterior paint, as both are made with very different environments in mind. You cannot use exterior paint indoors, and vice versa.
Here are the five biggest differences and why this matters when painting your property.
Is Exterior Paint More Durable Than Interior Paint?
Typically, exterior paint is meant to last much longer whilst also withstanding significantly more intense weather conditions. As it is a protective surface for the outside of your home, it needs to handle moisture, wind, snow, varying temperatures and direct sunlight and has additives to help with this.
By contrast, interior paint is designed to be easily washable, stain-resistant and less prone to flaking and looking visibly worn due to wear and tear.
Is Exterior Paint More Flexible Than Interior Paint?
Temperature fluctuations cause outdoor surfaces to expand and contract somewhat regularly. This is particularly common with wooden surfaces, which inherently need to move, expand and contract in response to moisture levels and heat.
Because of this, exterior paints use softer resins that allow them to expand and contract when exposed to various degrees of humidity to ensure that they do not crack or flake.
By contrast, interior paints are made with more rigid resins for a smoother finish that can easily be washed clean and resists everyday wear and tear.
Do Exterior Paints Take Longer To Dry?
In general, exterior paints can take longer to dry because they are more widely affected by temperature and humidity conditions.
By contrast, interior paint is typically applied in controlled conditions, allowing it to dry naturally and relatively quickly.
Do Exterior Paints Cost More?
Whilst paints can have different prices depending on the quality, the colour, the finish and the composition, the general rule is that exterior paints cost more than interior ones.
This is due to a variety of factors, but the main one is that exterior paint needs to use additional additives and more complex resin materials to last a long time and avoid damage caused by weather conditions.
Interior paint is cheaper because it does not have to handle conditions that are quite as variable or as harsh. Interior temperatures can be controlled, as can humidity.
Are Interior Paints Easier To Clean?
Interior paints tend to resist smudges, scuffs and scratches compared to exterior paint, and are often much easier to wipe and wash clean.
By contrast, exterior paints are focused on protecting the building, which include additives to resist the fade from sunlight, the growth of mildew and other major blemishes.
Is Exterior Paint Different From Interior Paint?
- Exterior paint is designed to withstand moisture, wind and sunlight, whilst interior paints are not.
- Exterior paints are more flexible.
- Exterior paints take longer to dry.
- Interior paints tend to be more affordable.
- Interior paints are easier to clean.