Are you considering using exterior paint inside your building? While it might seem like a good idea due to its durability, there are important factors to consider before making that decision. Exterior paint has specific properties that make it ideal for outdoor use, but these same properties can cause issues when applied indoors. This blog will explore why using exterior paint indoors isn’t advisable and what better alternatives exist for your commercial property.
Whether you’re managing a commercial office space, a retail store, or a multifamily residential complex, selecting the right paint is crucial. The wrong choice can lead to a range of problems, from health risks to higher maintenance costs. Understanding the fundamental differences between interior and exterior paints will help you make informed decisions that ensure the long-term success and safety of your property.
Understanding the Differences Between Interior and Exterior Paint
To appreciate why exterior paint isn’t suitable for indoor use, it’s essential to understand the key differences between interior and exterior paints. These two types of paint are formulated with different ingredients and designed for different purposes, each tailored to the environments in which they will be used.
Composition
The composition of interior and exterior paints is one of the most significant distinctions. Interior paint is designed with lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that evaporate into the air as the paint dries. VOCs can have short- and long-term adverse health effects, so keeping their levels low in indoor spaces is critical. Interior paints are also formulated to withstand the unique challenges of indoor environments, such as the need for frequent cleaning, resistance to staining, and maintaining good air quality. These paints are designed to be scrubbable and durable without compromising safety.
Exterior paint, however, is made to endure the harsh conditions found outdoors. It contains higher levels of VOCs and includes additional additives such as fungicides, which prevent mold and mildew growth, and UV blockers, which protect the paint from fading due to sunlight exposure. These chemicals are necessary for the paint to resist weathering, extreme temperature changes, and moisture. While these properties are beneficial for outdoor surfaces, they are less appropriate—and potentially harmful—when used indoors.
Understanding the chemical composition of these paints helps in choosing the right product for your specific needs, ensuring not only a successful paint job but also the safety and well-being of the building’s occupants.
Durability
Exterior paint is more durable in outdoor settings because it resists harsh weather conditions and UV rays. It’s formulated to protect surfaces from rain, wind, snow, and intense sunlight, making it an excellent choice for exterior walls, decks, and fences. This durability comes from its ability to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing cracks and peeling over time.
However, this durability doesn’t necessarily translate well when exterior paint is used indoors. Without the constant exposure to outdoor elements, exterior paint may not adhere as effectively to indoor surfaces. The absence of UV light and temperature fluctuations can cause the paint to react differently, leading to problems such as peeling, cracking, and flaking. These issues not only affect the aesthetic appearance of your indoor spaces but also lead to ongoing maintenance challenges, which can be costly and time-consuming.
On the other hand, interior paints are designed to endure the wear and tear typical of indoor environments. They’re made to resist scuffing, staining, and the effects of frequent cleaning, ensuring that your interior spaces remain looking fresh and well-maintained for years.
Color Options
Interior paints offer a broad spectrum of color choices, finishes, and sheens. This diversity allows property managers to align their paint selections with the desired ambiance and design goals for each room. Whether you’re aiming for a calming, neutral tone in an office space, a vibrant, eye-catching hue in a lobby, or a specific color scheme in a tenant’s space, interior paint provides the flexibility you need.
The range of finishes available for interior paints, such as matte, satin, and gloss, also provides additional customization options. Different finishes can be used to achieve various effects, such as making a space feel larger, creating a focal point, or highlighting architectural features.
On the other hand, exterior paints typically come in a more limited range of colors. Their formulations prioritize durability over aesthetics, which limits the variety of available shades. If you choose to use exterior paint inside, you may find it difficult to achieve the specific look you want. The lack of finish variety in exterior paints further limits the design possibilities, making it challenging to match the aesthetic standards expected in modern commercial interiors.
The Risks of Using Exterior Paint Inside
Using exterior paint indoors can introduce several risks, ranging from health hazards to practical challenges that impact the long-term condition of your property. These risks are not always immediately apparent, but they can have significant consequences over time.
Health Hazards
One of the most significant concerns with using exterior paint inside is the health risk posed by VOCs. These compounds can evaporate into the air during and after paint application, leading to poor indoor air quality. VOCs are known to cause a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. For individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies, exposure to high levels of VOCs can be particularly harmful.
Prolonged exposure to VOCs increases the risk of long-term health effects, such as liver and kidney damage or even cancer. The risks are especially high in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, where the concentration of VOCs can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
For commercial properties, maintaining a healthy indoor environment is crucial not only for the well-being of occupants but also for regulatory compliance. Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding indoor air quality, and using materials that emit high levels of VOCs could lead to violations and potential fines.
Extended Drying and Curing Time
Exterior paint is formulated to cure in outdoor environments, where factors like sunlight and ventilation help speed up the drying process. When used indoors, exterior paint can take much longer to dry, resulting in lingering odors that can disrupt daily operations. These strong odors can make spaces uncomfortable or even uninhabitable for extended periods.
For commercial properties, this extended downtime can lead to inconvenience, decreased tenant satisfaction, and even violations of lease agreements if spaces remain unusable for too long. In environments such as offices, retail stores, or healthcare facilities, prolonged drying times can disrupt business operations, leading to potential financial losses.
Additionally, the extended curing time of exterior paints when used indoors can lead to complications with the final finish. The slower evaporation of solvents can cause issues such as uneven drying, tackiness, or a dull appearance, all of which detract from the overall quality of the paint job.
Poor Durability Indoors
Although exterior paint is durable outdoors, it often performs poorly inside buildings. The absence of outdoor stressors like UV rays and temperature fluctuations can cause the paint to adhere poorly to indoor surfaces. As a result, the paint may start to peel, crack, or flake much sooner than expected, leading to frequent and costly maintenance work.
In a commercial setting, where maintaining a professional appearance is essential, these issues can be particularly problematic. Peeling or cracking paint can create a negative impression on clients, tenants, or customers and may require repeated touch-ups or even a complete repaint, further increasing costs.
Exploring Exceptions for Using Exterior Paint Indoors
While it’s generally not advisable to use exterior paint inside, there are a few exceptions where it might make sense—though these should be approached with caution.
Specialty Exterior Paints for Low-Traffic Areas
In certain low-traffic areas like basements, mudrooms, or laundry rooms, using exterior paint might be a practical option. These spaces often experience higher levels of moisture, making exterior paint’s moisture-resistant properties beneficial. Additionally, areas like ceilings or trim that aren’t subjected to frequent contact can also potentially benefit from the durability of exterior paint.
However, it’s important to remember that even in these cases, the risks associated with VOCs and extended drying times remain. Proper ventilation is crucial to minimize health risks, and you should be prepared for the potential need for touch-ups or repairs down the line.
When considering using exterior paint indoors, it’s also vital to consult with a professional painter who can assess the specific conditions of your property and recommend the best approach. While some specialty exterior paints may be formulated to work in certain indoor scenarios, they are the exception rather than the rule.
Contact W.T. Kenney Company Today!
Choosing the right paint for your commercial property is essential for ensuring safety, durability, and visual appeal. While it may be tempting to use exterior paint indoors, the risks far outweigh the benefits. For most indoor projects, interior paint is the superior choice. If you’re looking for a painting contractor who understands these nuances and can guide you through the best options for your specific needs, look no further than W.T. Kenney.
W.T. Kenney has been a trusted name in commercial painting since 1939, serving clients across various industries with a commitment to quality and service. As a family-owned and operated business, they value long-term relationships and have built a reputation for reliability and excellence. Their extensive experience and dedication to safety, combined with a team of highly trained professionals, make them the ideal partner for your next painting project.
Contact W.T. Kenney today to discuss how they can help transform your space with the right paint solutions.
