Are Exterior and Interior Paints Interchangeable?
Do you still have a couple of paint cans stored in your basement and wonder if you could use them again? Last year’s project successfully covered interior painting, so how about using the same paint for eternal part of the house? Well, the short answer is: NO. Read about key differences between those two particular types of paint.
Purpose and chemical differences
All paints consist of resin, solvent and pigment and the quantity of each usually determine its purpose. Exterior paints are designed to withstand different weather conditions, such as pouring rain, cold winds, extremely low temperatures, storms and blazing hot during the summer.
Most interiors are not exposed to such conditions, therefore the composition of interior paint significantly differs from the one recommended being used on the outside. If you have any doubts about your paint supply in the basement, consult painting contractors in London for advice.
Resin makes a difference
Resin is the main compound of the paint. It is an organic substance that adheres pigment to the surface. In case of exterior paints, a softer type of resin is added, because of its flexible properties. A coat of such paint gives a healthy look to exterior surface, even if it starts to deteriorate underneath. Also, it is less prone to peels and chips. When it comes to interior paints, the ones with rigid resin are highly recommended by professionals.
Health concerns
Nowadays, most indoor paints have an organic structure that is said to be safe for a human’s health. They have minimal odor and emit a little or no poisonous fumes at all. Painting contractors do not advise using external paint in closed indoor areas, because the chemical fumes contain volatile compounds and hazardous substances which may cause health problems while getting into the air. Eye irritation and breathing ailments are the most common.
However, if you still want to use your exterior paint surplus, it is better to leave the apartment for a couple of days until the paint is completely dry.
Finishes difference
Possible health problems don’t stop people from using external paints indoor, however, qualified painting contractors always claim that it’s better to use the supplies according to its specifications. It is still possible to paint interior with exterior paint because they are designed to be capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.
But there is a significant factor that can’t be omitted. Most external paints are available only in three different finishes – gloss enamel, flat and semi-gloss. Meanwhile, interior paints’ offer is twice as big. Customers can buy them in six different finishes – apart from mentioned above there is also satin, eggshell and matte one. What is more, there are so much more colour options available with interior paints, which makes the choice incomparable. If you need someone to guide you on this matter, feel free to consult a professional painting contractor in London, who will help you to choose the best paint option for your surfaces.
