Priya Kapoor
Interior and exterior paints are formulated differently and serve distinct purposes. Interior paints are designed to resist scuffs and marks, making them easier to clean and more suitable for areas like rooms, hallways, offices, bathrooms, and kitchens. On the other hand, exterior paints are created to withstand harsh weather conditions, UV radiation, and mildew. They are made with flexible resins that can handle temperature fluctuations and additives that resist fading and mildew growth, making them ideal for protecting the building's exterior. The selection of interior paint typically involves considering colour and brightness, as well as gloss levels, to ensure it meets aesthetic expectations and is suitable for specific areas like kitchens. Exterior paint, however, offers fewer finish options and focuses on functionality, with considerations such as two-part urethane systems or marine enamels.
Difference between INT and EXT paint
| Characteristics | Interior Paint (INT) | Exterior Paint (EXT) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Used in the interior of a building, in areas such as rooms, hallways, offices, bathrooms, and kitchens. | Used to protect the exterior of a building from being adversely affected by external factors. |
| Composition | Water-based products are now used instead of solvent-based paints due to health concerns. | Water-based paints are preferred but some exterior paints are oil-based, though this is becoming rarer due to the emission of ozone-depleting VOCs. |
| Resin | Rigid resins that don't scuff or scratch easily and can be cleaned with soap and water. | More flexible resins that can handle changes in temperature that may cause the paint to expand or contract. |
| Additives | Rarely contain fungicides and are low VOC-emitting. | Formulated to resist fading and mildew and to help the paint adhere to rough surfaces. Contain fungicides and emit higher amounts of VOCs. |
| Finish | Available in a range of gloss levels: glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. | Only available in flat, semi-gloss, or gloss enamel. |
| Cost | Two-part urethane systems are the most costly exterior paint option. |
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What You'll Learn
- Exterior paint is made with flexible resins to withstand temperature changes
- Exterior paint has additives to resist fading and mildew
- Interior paints are easier to clean and resist scuffs and marks
- Interior paints are low-VOC emitting and rarely contain fungicides
- Exterior paints emit higher levels of VOCs
Exterior paint is made with flexible resins to withstand temperature changes
Paint is made up of four components: solvents, pigment, resin, and additives. The key difference between interior and exterior paint is the type of resin and additives used. Exterior paint is made with flexible resins to withstand temperature changes, and additives are included to resist fading and mildew and to help the paint adhere to rough surfaces.
The solvents in paint dissolve and combine the other ingredients into a liquid and then evaporate as the paint dries. In latex and acrylic paint, which make up the majority of products on the market, the solvent is water. In oil-based paints, it is turpentine or mineral spirits. Oil-based paints are rarely used for exteriors because they emit much higher levels of ozone-depleting VOCs (volatile organic compounds) compared to water-based paints. In some parts of the US, their sale and use are prohibited by law.
Pigment is the finely ground material that gives the paint its colour. Exterior paint offers fewer options for finishes and is typically available only in flat, semi-gloss, or gloss enamel.
Exterior paint is designed to withstand changing weather conditions, fading from UV rays, and mildew from damp conditions. Interior paints, on the other hand, are formulated to resist scuffs and marks and are easier to clean. They use more rigid resins that don't scuff or scratch easily and can be cleaned with soap and water. Interior paints rarely contain fungicides and are low VOC-emitting.
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Exterior paint has additives to resist fading and mildew
The main difference between interior and exterior paint lies in the type of resin and additives used in each. Exterior paints are made with resins that are more flexible and can handle changes in temperature that may cause the paint to expand or contract.
The resins in exterior paint are designed to withstand changing weather conditions and protect the building from being adversely affected by external factors. They hold the pigments together and help the paint adhere to the surface. The resins used in exterior paint are more flexible and elastic, allowing them to handle changes in temperature that may cause the paint to expand or contract.
Exterior paints also contain a higher amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) compared to interior paints. VOCs are emitted during and after the application of paint, and oil-based paints emit much higher levels of ozone-depleting VOCs than water-based paints. Due to the health and environmental concerns associated with VOCs, the sale and use of high-VOC paints are prohibited by law in several parts of the US.
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Interior paints are easier to clean and resist scuffs and marks
Interior paints are formulated to be easier to clean and more resistant to scuffs and marks than exterior paints. They are designed to withstand the wear and tear of indoor spaces, which may include high-traffic areas such as hallways, offices, and kitchens.
Interior paints achieve this durability through the use of more rigid resins that do not scuff or scratch easily. These rigid resins also make the paint easier to clean, as dirt and marks can be washed away with soap and water without damaging the paint surface. This is particularly important in areas like kitchens, where walls may become contaminated by cooking grease or food stains.
The choice of paint for interiors also takes into account the health and comfort of the occupants of the space. Interior paints rarely contain fungicides and emit lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to exterior paints. This makes them safer and more comfortable for people to live and work in close proximity to.
Additionally, interior paints offer a wider range of finish options than exterior paints. They come in various gloss levels, including glossy, semi-gloss, and matte, allowing for different aesthetic effects and levels of light reflection. This variety of finish options gives users more flexibility in creating their desired ambiance and style for their indoor spaces.
When choosing an interior paint, it is essential to consider not only the colour but also the brightness and gloss level that will best suit the specific space. Some areas of the home, such as kitchens, may require more specific types of paint that are designed to be cleanable or dirt-repellent, ensuring long-term durability and aesthetics.
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Interior paints are low-VOC emitting and rarely contain fungicides
Interior and exterior paints are formulated differently and serve different purposes. Interior paints are made to resist scuffs and marks and are easier to clean. They are also less likely to contain harmful substances that may affect human health. For this reason, interior paints rarely contain fungicides and emit low levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
VOCs are released from the solvents in paint, which dissolve and combine the other ingredients into a liquid. In water-based paints, the solvent is water, and as the paint dries, the water evaporates without causing any harmful effects. In oil-based paints, the solvent is turpentine or mineral spirits, which emit VOCs that are harmful to human health and the environment. Oil-based paints are increasingly rare, especially for exterior use, due to their high levels of VOCs.
Interior paints use more rigid resins that do not scuff or scratch easily and can be cleaned with soap and water. They are also available in a wider range of finishes, including glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. On the other hand, exterior paints are made with more flexible resins that can withstand changes in temperature, which may cause the paint to expand or contract. Exterior paint additives are formulated to resist fading and mildew and help the paint adhere to rough surfaces.
When choosing an interior paint, users consider colour and brightness, as well as the gloss level. For areas like kitchens, which are more prone to contamination, a cleanable or dirt-repellent paint is preferred. 0% VOC paint and cleanable paint are also recommended for children's rooms to extend the life of the paint.
Overall, the main difference between interior and exterior paints lies in the type of resins and additives used, with interior paints prioritising ease of cleaning and low VOC emissions, while exterior paints focus on durability and resistance to the elements.
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Exterior paints emit higher levels of VOCs
To reduce the environmental and health hazards associated with VOCs, water-based paints, also known as latex or acrylic paints, have become the preferred choice for both interior and exterior painting in residential settings. These paints use water as the solvent, which evaporates during the drying process without releasing harmful gases.
However, it is important to note that even water-based exterior paints typically contain and emit higher levels of VOCs than interior paints. This is because exterior paints require additives and resins that can withstand changing weather conditions, UV radiation, and mildew from damp environments. These additives and resins contribute to higher VOC levels in exterior paints.
To address the environmental and health concerns associated with VOCs in exterior paints, some manufacturers have started offering low-VOC or 0% VOC exterior paint options. These paints are designed to reduce the impact on the environment and human health while still providing the necessary protection for exterior surfaces.
When choosing between interior and exterior paints, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the project, including the desired level of protection, aesthetic appearance, and compliance with environmental and health regulations. By selecting the appropriate type of paint and following proper application techniques, individuals can achieve the desired results while minimising the negative impact of VOC emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Interior and exterior paints are formulated differently and are used in different areas. Exterior paint is made with more flexible resins that can withstand changing weather conditions, UV rays, and mildew. Interior paints are easier to clean and use more rigid resins that don't scuff or scratch easily.
Exterior paints are typically oil-based or water-based. They contain additives and resins that emit higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Interior paints are typically water-based and rarely contain fungicides. They come in various gloss levels such as glossy, semi-gloss, and matte.
The choice of paint depends on the usage area and cost. Consumers look for good coverage, long-term protection, aesthetic appearance, and cost-effectiveness.
It is not recommended to use exterior paint for interiors due to the higher levels of VOCs emitted, which can be harmful to human health. Interior paints are formulated to be low-VOC and resistant to scuffs and marks.
