In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between indoor and outdoor paint. Before going on to the main topic let us first discuss the basics What does indoor paint mean? What does outdoor paint mean? Difference between indoor and outdoor paint? Characteristics of indoor paint? Characteristics of outdoor paint? We will give information to you in the form of video and images in an interesting way. Keep on reading for more details in this article. Before completion of this article, we will include the main details you require in an easy manner.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint
Going into this topic let’s get an overall idea about the difference between indoor and outdoor paint in the form of a video
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint
What Does Indoor Paint Mean?
Indoor paint is designed to withstand pets, furniture, vacuums, and everything else that rubs against it on a daily basis. It counters staining, resists fading and yellowing, and can be wiped and scrubbed when it gets dirty. It’s usually water-based (also referred to as latex) rather than oil-based, and made up of four basic compounds: pigments, solvents, additives, and resins. When compared to exterior paint(outdoor paint), interior paint(indoor paint) uses more rigid resins, which leads to easier cleanup and stain resistance. Another key characteristic of interior paint is that it produces less odor due to a smaller amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than exterior paint.
What is VOCs
VOCs are chemical gases that release into the air as the paint dries. Have you ever got a headache after being near paint for long periods? That’s a result of extended exposure to VOCs.
What Does Outdoor Paint Means?
In the past, most outdoor paints were oil-based because they provided a more durable finish. But, thanks to advances in technology, the trend has switched. Now, most outdoor paint is water-based with acrylic resins to aid in binding. The most significant difference between indoor paint and outdoor paint is that outdoor paint has more additives to withstand the outdoor elements. Outdoor paint has to be able to resist moisture from rain, snow, and wind. It needs to tolerate both temperature drops and quick increases and maintain its color hue even after hours in the sun.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint
As we said we’ve covered the basics, now it’s time to inspect the differences between these indoor and outdoor paint. These both paint will change the color of whatever surface you apply them on.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint: Pigments
As we already mentioned above that pigments give your paint color. Indoor paints use organic pigments, to avoid adding extra chemicals into the mix. These indoor paints don’t contain harsh odors hence, these paints are completely safe to breathe. Whereas outdoor paints need durability more than that they need to keep out the harsh chemicals. So that you’ll find non-organic pigments in outdoor paints which help to magnify the intense odors and fumes.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint: Weather-Resistance
Hence indoor paints have low-temperature resistance, and low water resistance, and fade quickly in sunlight because of this indoor paints are not expected to deal with harsh or changing weather conditions. Whereas exterior paints are made to withstand all of these, so they have superior weather resistance.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint: Durability
Outdoor paint is built to withstand years of trauma from the weather. It’s also made tough enough to not chip off from contact, such as twigs being thrown against your house by the wind or bugs flying into the wall. Outdoor paint is much more durable than indoor paint. But indoor paint is lovely and durable as well; able to withstand occasional scrubbing and cleaning.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint: Adhesion
Both indoor and outdoor paints offer good adhesion. However, outdoor paints cohere well enough to withstand all sorts of inclement weather, a claim that indoor paints cannot take off. In general, outdoor paints twig better and last longer.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint: Dry Time
Oil-based paints tend to dry slower than water-based paints. But, paints that are outside in the open air will dry faster than paints inside without constant airflow. Finally, heat will also make the paint dry faster. When you combine all of these factors, exterior paint usually dries quicker, particularly if it’s water-based.
Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Paint: Cost
The cost difference between these two types of paint isn’t great, but it’s there. Outdoor paint has more additives, more chemicals, and holds up better, so it’s generally the more expensive option. Indoor paint tends to be a bit more affordable, though it doesn’t offer the same durability and protection.
Characteristics of Outdoor Paint
- This type of paint is exposed to various weather conditions. Therefore, it has to provide protection against moisture caused by rain and snow, and ultraviolet radiation caused by sunlight. It also has to protect against fungal growth.
- These paints are made to combat fading and mildew. Facing the UV radiation mentioned above, as well as very high temperatures, they need to be fade-resistant.
- As already mentioned, the resins used for exterior paints are soft. This also makes them very flexible. As such, they don’t easily crack on contraction or expansion. This allows them to survive the ill effects of moisture and temperature changes.
- As it releases more volatile organic compounds, exterior paint is unsafe for indoor use. Moreover, it requires sunlight to cure.
Characteristics of Indoor Paint
- This type of paint is used for decoration and aesthetics. At the same time, indoor paint adds properties of dampness prevention, washability, and easy maintenance.
- Indoor paint is formulated in such a way that it can withstand abrasion. As it occupies the same space as people, it is also designed to be more delicate than outdoor paint.
- This type of paint resists staining and can be scrubbed. As it doesn’t have to deal with sunlight, it has no fade-resisting properties. Also, it doesn’t need sunlight to get cured.
- Indoor paint needs to have a low amount or zero volatile organic compounds. This reduces health risks and is vital to preserving air quality in one’s home
Refer Also: Can you use exterior paint inside
In Closing
Before painting a house the most important to have in mind is what type of paint to have on surfaces? If you use outdoor paint on inside surfaces, you might end up with ubiquitous chemical fumes filling your home. If you use indoor paint on outside surfaces, you might likely find it cracking, chipping, and fading away in a very short time. It’s best to use the type of paint that’s intended for whatever surface you’re painting, whether that’s inside or outside. I do hope the information contained in this article will be useful. tried my level best to include all the necessary points that are required related to the article.
