How is Interior and Exterior Paint Different?

April 6, 2020

different paint colors and swatches sitting on a floor

Are you debating about repainting your home and wondering “Is there a difference between interior and exterior paint?” Before you invest any time or money into this project, it’s important to know what types of paint are available to you and other factors you need to consider when choosing the best paint for your project. Read on to learn more about different paint types and what they’re used for.

Properties of Exterior Paint

Exterior paint is made to withstand weathering without cracking or chipping and has a variety of different properties compared to interior paint. While all paint is made from the basic base ingredients: solvent, resin, additives, and pigments, exterior paints typically have differences in the additives and resin. The flexible resin of exterior paints prevents it from cracking as the paint expands and contracts with the weather. It also contains certain additives that keep it from fading or developing mildew.

Some people believe that exterior paint is also a great option for indoors because it’s so durable, but that’s actually not the case at all. It’s more prone to scuffing and damaging and is less healthy for indoor use because it typically releases more volatile organic compounds.

Types of Interior Paint

There are several types of interior paint, each with a different sheen and durability based on where it’s going to be used in your home. For areas that receive more traffic, such as living rooms, there are high-sheen interior paints that resist scuffing and are easier to clean. For spaces that aren’t used as often, like the bedroom, matte and flat paints may be a better solution. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when it comes to choosing interior paint is that the higher the sheen, the darker and more saturated the color may appear.

Deciding What Type of Paint You Need

With so many different types of paint at your fingertips, it’s going to be hard to make a decision, especially if you’re not 100 percent sure what to look for. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. This way, you won’t waste any money on buying paint that won’t last long before it begins fading or cracking. In addition to helping you choose the ideal paint for your project, they’ll also make sure that you like the final results and answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

About Platinum Painting of Frisco

At Platinum Painting of Frisco, we only provide our services to residential homeowners, allowing us to hone-in our skills and master the art of transformation. We offer several different services, including interior and exterior painting and wallpaper removal, among others. For questions or to schedule a free in-home estimate, you can visit our website or call 972-372-0404.