When you’re thinking about using interior paint as exterior paint, the first question that comes to your mind is, can I make interior paint into exterior paint? Or can I use interior paint on wood outside? Yes, it’s possible. But there are certain conditions that you have to keep in your mind while using interior paint on the exterior.
It’s crucial to discuss the difference between the interior and the exterior before turning interior paints into exterior paints. However, interior paint features unique characteristics that are only for internal environments. They contain organic pigments for colors; that’s why they have less ability to resist rain, snow, and heat/cold. It becomes faded and breaks down quickly if you use it in the exterior environment. When you talk about exterior paint, then it can prove fantastic and fabulous. It is best for both interior and external environments. It has better coverage, provides adhesion, and is more durable. But the problem here is that the chemicals present in the exterior paint are not suitable for the interior environment.
When you’re using interior paint as exterior paint, you have to work smartly to get outstanding results. It’s crucial to determine the specific place which suits the paint. The essential factor is to gain knowledge of the outcomes of painting at non-suitable places. Let’s see the ways to get rid of unrecoverable negative outcomes.
Most people are confused about; if we can use interior paint outside as a primer or not?
The simple answer is that, No. We can’t. The purpose of the primer is to adhere to the loose particles. The interior paint will not remain to attach to and detach from wood over time. So it’s not suitable under normal conditions.
Now we’ll discuss the interior paints that you can use outside. The first one, we have eggshells. Eggshells paint one of the best interior colors and are reliable to use in an external environment, but we have to keep some requirements for this, as we do it on window sills or doors. The remarkable feature is that it doesn’t appear yellow fastly and fast drying. Applying it produces a low color and provides you with the most refined look to your woodwork. This paint has more reflection and is easily washable.
Our next paint is flat. Now we’ll discuss the specific places where we can use it. There’re certain conditions that you have to keep in your mind while using it.
Flat paint offers a velvet finish and uses on the bumpy or imperfect surfaces you’d like to cover up. Now, see the process by which you can also use it in the exterior environment.
Every interior paint holds certain conditions and specific where it can apply. Just like flat paint can only be painted on the exterior walls. But not recommended for doors, railings, or windows. This paint is difficult or nearly impossible to clean, so you can use the pressure washer or repaint for cleaning. Therefore, according to observations and research, it has been confirmed that it’s not a great idea to use flat finish exterior paint on any surface located in damp or regularly splashed by rainstorms, shaded areas of the places where mildew and algae mildew may quickly grow. If you use flat paint in those locations, there will be no option to clean the surfaces without damaging the paint. Therefore, purchase extra cans of color in the same color for additional cost and touch-ups in the future.
Have you ever experienced the use of Satin paint on exterior surfaces? Can you use interior paint on the exterior? If you think it’s not possible, then you’re wrong. You can use it. Let’s discuss.
Satin paint contains more sheen than flat paints. It includes the most shine; that’s why it’s flawless when you want to use dazzling colors on your home exterior. Satin shows the reflection of light and makes the colors go off. It’s preferable to use this finish if you desire an attractive and not shiny sheen on your trim. Satin paint contains the material you can protect from UV radiation, and your colors will not fade. It is easy to wash and can hold up abrasion well.
Now it turns to Semi-Gloss Paint Finish. Can you use it outside? Yes, you can. It is the very finest choice to use it as an exterior. We’ll see how it is possible to use it as an exterior.
Semi-gloss paint is washable paint. It has more durability than Satin; that’s why it is easy to clean. Its chemical includes resistance against May weather and to face excess moisture. It’s a good choice and looks stunning on trim details, but if you’re looking to cover your cracks or any other default, then this, not a good choice. Where are the best places to choose semi-gloss paint? You can use it for painting on railings, window sills, metal lamp posts, and exterior trims. Or you can use it on garage doors, front doors, gutters, and shutters.
The last we’ll discuss is High-Gloss Paint Finish. Where can we use it? Can it also be used outside?
Want your exterior trim popping, so high gloss finish paint is a good idea. It has the highest durability, which adds a glamorous look to your paint color. Like semi-gloss paint, it is also washable. The best use of high gloss finish paint is on black metal railings, window frames and highlight architectural details. Not only limited to this, but it is also available to paint on decorative fixtures, accent trim, shutters, front doors, or anything else you touch regularly.
You have to keep certain things in your mind while using all of these paints. Like if Semi-gloss and high-gloss colors do not match on a suitable surface, they can become brittle. But if you see the gloss paints, that’s a perfect choice for front doors, and if you used it to conceal cracks, it wouldn’t give you satisfactory results. All the interior paints are not suitable for all exterior environments. All the interior paints need specific conditions and specific places where we have to use them.
