Interior and exterior paints can be different in texture, elements, and applying processes. Generally, we use different types of paints for use on the interior and exterior. The colors might be the same. But the types of paints are different.
So, while applying paints in your house, you might think about whether you can mix interior and exterior paint or not. Well, you have to know the consequences of mixing these two types of paints.
Moreover, you have to know about the elements that have been used during manufacturing.
Can you mix interior and exterior paint?
Generally, you can mix interior and exterior paint. But mixing these two types of paints is not recommended. Because exterior paint contains more VOC materials that are not suitable for use on interior walls. Moreover, interior paint doesn’t have enough adhesive to use on exterior walls.
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If you want to mix interior and exterior paint, you can mix them. But whether this mixed paint will work or not depends on where you are using the paint. Generally, exterior paints have more volatile compounds that are harmful to use indoors.
You should not use paint indoors that has an excessive amount of volatile compounds. That’s why interior paints are made with less amount of volatile compounds. But exterior paints are different from interior ones.
Exterior paints have more volatile compounds and adhesives. So, if you use the mixed paint as exterior paint, it will not be durable for lack of adhesive. Moreover, the paint will not stick to the walls for a long time.
So, if you mix the interior and exterior paints together, they might be useful temporarily. But this paint will not work in the long run. So, mixing these paints is not recommended.
What happens if you mix interior and exterior paint?
Mixing interior and exterior paint is not effective. Some problems might arise from mixing them together. So, let’s see what happens if you mix interior and exterior paints.
Exposure to volatile materials:
You might know that exterior paints contain an excess amount of volatile compounds. These compounds are harmful to breathe in.
So, if you mix interior and exterior paint, volatile compounds from the exterior paint will mix with the interior paint. So, if you use this mixed paint inside your house, it will be toxic.
Non-durable:
If you mix interior and exterior paint, the paint will not be durable. Generally, exterior paints have more adhesives so that the paint sticks to the walls in high weather.
But if you mix the paint will interior paint, the paint will have less adhesive. So, the paint will not be durable on the exterior walls.
Fading:
If you mix interior and exterior paint and use the mixed paint on the walls, the paint will fade away. Since the paint is not durable, it can chip off after some days. Generally, the paint becomes thinner when you mix it with interior paint.
So, using the paint on the exterior wall make the paint fade away.
Lack of effectiveness:
When you mix the interior and exterior paints together, the effectiveness of both paints will decrease. These two paints have different specifications. So, the paints will lose their effectiveness after mixing with other paints.
Is exterior and interior paint the same?
No, exterior and interior paint are not the same. Generally, interior paint is thinner than exterior paint. Moreover, interior paints are lighter in elements. They contain less amount of toxic elements. So, interior paints are specially made for use inside the house.
Contrarily, exterior paint is thicker than interior paint. Exterior paints have more volatile materials. Moreover, exterior paints have more adhesive that makes the paint thick and durable.
Exterior paints are made especially for withstanding the high weather. So, some elements of exterior and interior paint might be the same. But these paints are not the same.
What is the difference between interior and exterior paint?
You might think that interior and exterior paint are the same. But they have some different features that make them different. So, let’s see what the differences between interior and exterior paint are.
Thickness:
Interior and exterior paints have a difference in their thickness. Generally, exterior paints are thicker. They have to stick to the exterior wall in different weather and temperatures. So, exterior paints have to be thick. But interior paints are not that thick compared to the exterior.
The main reason behind exterior paint being thick is the addition of adhesive. Though exterior paints have to withstand different weathers and stick to the wall, they have more adhesive than the interior. Contrarily, interior paints don’t have to withstand high weather changes.
Durability:
Generally, exterior paints are likely to be more durable since they are thicker. Moreover, exterior paints have more adhesive that makes them durable on the walls. But interior paints are not that durable as exterior paints.
Toxic materials:
Exterior paints have more toxic materials than interior paints. Generally, interior paints contain less amount of volatile compounds and toxic chemicals since we have to breathe in the house.
But exterior paints have more volatile and toxic compounds. For making exterior paints more durable and temperature withstanding, these compounds are added with different elements.
Smoothness:
Interior paints are smoother than exterior paints. Interior paints make the wall shiny and smooth to touch. But exterior paints have different compounds that make the paints less smooth than the interior ones.
Is exterior paint more durable than interior?
Yes, exterior paint is more durable than the interior. That doesn’t mean that interior paints don’t remain for a long time. But the durability is comparatively more for exterior paints.
Generally, exterior paints have to withstand different temperatures and weather. So, exterior paints are made especially thicker and with more adhesive. So, this paint remains on the wall without fading for a long time.
But interior paints don’t contain too much adhesive. Moreover, they are thinner than the exterior. So, if you use interior paint outside, it will fade away. That’s why interior paint is less durable than exterior paint.
How long will interior paint last on the exterior?
Interior paint will not last a long time on the exterior. You might assume 1 to 3 years that the paint will remain. But the time is not definite since the paint will gradually break down.
Generally, interior paints last 5 to 10 years in the interior walls. But exterior walls need more durable and thick paints. So, if you paint the exterior with the interior paint, it will break down and fade away quickly.
Moreover, the paint might chip off gradually. So, the interior paint will not last on the exterior. Sometimes, the paint might not last even a year. So, it’s not recommended to use interior paint on the exterior.
Is exterior paint more expensive than interior paint?
Yes, exterior paint is more expensive than interior paint. Generally, exterior paints have added elements to make the paint efficient. For example, exterior paints have more adhesive, VOC materials, and other elements that will make the paint withstand different weathers.
These elements make the exterior paints more moisture-resistant, UV protective paint, and tough. So, for these added elements, exterior paint is more expensive.
Contrarily, interior paints don’t have to contain this many amounts of elements. Interior paints don’t have to withstand any conditions. So, the manufacturing cost is less for interior paint. So, exterior paint is more expensive than interior paint overall.
Can you mix paints with different finishes?
You can mix paints with different finishes if they have close consistency and texture. For example, you can’t mix interior and exterior paints because they will lose their specifications. But if you want to mix gloss and semi-gloss paints, this will be okay.
But you can’t mix a semi-gloss with a flat color because they will not blend well when you apply the mixed paints. So, different consistency and texture will not mix well.
If you want to mix two paints with different finishes, you have to check the consistency and cross-match between them. Otherwise, the paint will not be durable.
Final Thoughts
You can mix interior and exterior paints but the mixture will not be effective. Interior and exterior paints have different features. But if you mix them, the interior paint might contain more toxic elements and the exterior paint will be less durable, which means they will lose their specialty.