You can use interior paint on wood outside, but only if you’re certain that the exterior is covered. Exterior paint is more durable, weatherproof, and comfortable to wear. In addition, exterior paints contain fewer VOCs, making them healthier for your home. But, when should you use interior paint on wood outside? Here are some tips to decide. You might be surprised at the results! Read on for some of the best exterior paints for outdoor use.
Exterior paints are more durable
While choosing a color for the exterior of your home can be challenging, it is important to know that there are several different options available. There are many different types of surfaces, including aluminum and clapboard siding, wood shingles, tar shingles, cedar shakes, and more. Thankfully, there are exterior paints for all of these surfaces and more. Below are some tips to help you decide what kind of exterior paint to choose and how much to use.
Exterior paints are more durable than interior paints because they’re specifically designed to withstand the elements. They’re also tougher, and won’t chip easily when contacted by debris. While interior paints can withstand the occasional scrubbing, direct hits can ruin the color. The difference lies in the type of paint film used. Exterior paints are more resistant to chipping and cracking, and contain stronger resins.
Quality exterior paints are also a consideration. Low-quality paints may contain cheap pigments that may fade over time, particularly if your home gets direct sunlight or southern exposure. Dark colors are more likely to fade over time, so choose paints with high pigment content, like titanium dioxide, which is costly and typically found only in premium lines. Similarly, if you’re using faux textures, make sure they contain UV-protectants.
They are more resistant to weather
There are several factors to consider when choosing paint for outdoor wood. The best exterior paint will protect your wood from the elements while blocking UV rays and sealing in natural oils. Acrylic latex paint is a better choice for outdoor wood than oil-base paint. It has a higher gloss and is less porous than oil-base paint, making it more durable and flexible. If your project is going to be outdoors for extended periods, acrylic latex is the way to go.
One of the most important factors to consider is color. Some exterior wood paints come in 1-gallon cans, which are ideal for small projects. You can also buy 5-gallon buckets to finish a larger project. You should also consider how much coverage the paint will have. For example, Valspar 1533 Porch and Floor Latex Satin Enamel offers good coverage. A better coverage means less paint per square foot.
The type of paint that you choose will have an effect on the weather. Exterior paints are designed to handle a wide range of temperature. While interior paints are meant for a small range, such as 60-90 degrees, outdoor paints need to be more weather-resistant. They are also more susceptible to scuffing and being marked by footfall. If you’re painting a wooden surface, you might want to consider using a more durable exterior paint.
They have fewer VOCs
To reduce your indoor air pollution, look for low-VOC paints. They contain fewer chemicals and heavy metals, but still give off fumes. Although VOC levels in these paints vary widely, you can find some that contain less than a hundred grams per liter. While zero-VOC paints are rare, they are available. Consumers should ask their paint dealers for information regarding the content of VOCs, and look for labels with low and no-VOCs on them.
Some low-VOC paints may contain other ingredients or controversial testing methods. For example, they might contain casein, a protein in cow’s milk, as a binder. This type of paint is unsustainable and has many negative effects on the environment, as cows emit greenhouse gases. As a result, many chemically sensitive individuals should look for low-VOC paints.
To protect your family’s health, look for interior paints with lower VOCs. These paints will require fewer coats of paint, but they will need to be cleaned afterward with soap and water. You’ll want to be sure to use a well-ventilated area for these projects. And, of course, be sure to follow the instructions on the label to make sure you’re not inhaling any harmful fumes.
When painting wood, look for paint that contains fewer VOCs. Some paints contain high amounts of VOCs, and it’s important to find one that does. Volatile organic compounds are substances that evaporate in the air and can pollute the atmosphere. You’ll also want to look for paints with low VOC levels, because they are generally better for your health. The most common brands are based on wood and have fewer VOCs than those made with plastic.
They are less likely to cause health issues
If you are planning on painting the inside of your home, you should choose interior paints that are made from water-based liquids. Oil-based paints can irritate the skin and may even enter the lungs. These mineral-based oils are harmful to the body, and can cause respiratory problems, such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to keep young children away from painted rooms.
You can use a nontoxic exterior paint, as long as it’s not oil-based. These are specially formulated for indoor use. They’re designed to adhere to different surfaces, absorb light, and reflect it. These paints are also better suited for daily contact. However, these exterior paints cannot withstand freeze-thaw cycles or harsh weather conditions. This makes them less likely to cause health issues.
Oil-based paints can emit harmful vapors, which may cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. They’re especially harmful if they’re inhaled, and people with respiratory issues are at greater risk of ill effects. While interior paints on wood outside are less likely to cause health problems, they should be avoided wherever possible. But there are still several factors to consider before selecting a paint.
They are less expensive
The cost of painting the exterior of your home varies, but in general you can expect to pay around $20 to $30 per gallon for a basic coat. The price difference between exterior and interior paint is due to the added ingredients that make the former more durable, resistant to moisture, and UV color corrosion. On the other hand, interior paints are less expensive because they have a more basic formula. In addition, you can apply them without much difficulty.
Using paint additives to make the process easier will also reduce the price per gallon. Some of these additives include Oil Bond, which helps repel dirt and moisture from the wood’s surface and doesn’t require sanding. Other types of paint additives include Dirt Repel, Hard Coat, and Metal Bond. When choosing paint, consider the type of project you have. A project that requires minimal maintenance is always a good one.
Using latex exterior paint on wood will give the best coverage, require the fewest coats, and are widely available. Latex paint is available at every hardware store. The range of colors and shades is vast. Using acrylic exterior paint on wood will prevent it from expanding and contracting in different weather conditions. Because wood absorbs moisture and heat, it will shrink when it dries. This type of paint can be costly, so it is best to purchase one that is less expensive.
