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Planning to paint your home or hire a professional painter? You might be wondering whether, aside from the prominent (location), there are any actual differences between interior and exterior house painting.
Can you use your spare exterior paint for an interior project? Does the prep work vary? What are the differences in color longevity and durability? We've answered all these questions and more in this guide.
The Paint Itself Isn't the Same
First, let's talk about the paint itself. As it turns out, exterior and interior paint aren't the same. They're designed differently, for different purposes, which is why it isn't recommended to use one type of paint in place of the other.
Exterior paint is made to handle the various weather conditions it'll be exposed to, including UV rays and moisture. Since weather isn't an issue for interior painting, interior paint is primarily designed for aesthetics. Since exterior paint can off-gas, you should never use it indoors. Additionally, interior paint will peel due to weather exposure, making it unsuitable for outdoor painting.
The Prep Work Varies
When we think about prepping for a paint job, this can vary from one type of painting to another, too.
Prepping for exterior painting usually includes power washing and scraping away old paint, as well as repairing siding or stucco (if necessary). Interior prep usually focuses on cleaning walls and patching holes, followed by sanding. You'll also need to protect your furniture when you're painting indoors. Interior prep work can usually be done at any point, while for outdoor prep, you're very much at the mercy of the weather.
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Tools and Equipment Can Be Different
In terms of the tools required for a home painting project, these will depend on the job at hand. For an exterior job, you'll likely need ladders or scaffolding, and you may also consider using sprayers for application. With interior work, you're more likely to use drop cloths and painter's tape, as well as fine brushes and rollers.
The thickness of the paint you're using and the application methods you choose can also vary depending on the surface type. If you don't have much painting experience, it's best to hire a professional painter, like Pemco Painting, who will have the tools and expertise needed to do a top-quality job.
Color, Longevity, and Durability Matter More Outside
When painting a building outdoors, it's essential to pay close attention to color longevity and durability. Why? Sunlight fades exterior paint over time, so good exterior paints should have UV resistance and mildew resistance built into them.
A fresh coat of paint indoors will fade much more slowly, so there's less of a focus on color longevity. It's also much easier to do touch-ups as and when needed.
Price and Time Can Vary
Finally, whether you're taking on a paint job yourself or hiring an expert, there's going to be some difference in cost depending on whether you're painting an interior or exterior.
Exterior painting usually costs more because it has more extensive equipment requirements and generally involves a larger surface area. Interior jobs are often quicker, but if you are hiring a contractor, it's still always worth comparing quotes in advance.