Whether or not interior and exterior paint colors should match is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people like having the same color on both the inside and outside of their home for a cohesive look, while others prefer to use different colors to add visual interest.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual homeowner to decide what works best for their home.
When considering the use of color, it is important to think about how each color will look when the sun reflects off of the exterior of the home. Some light colors, such as pale gray or off-white, may be brighter on the outside of the home than they are on the inside.
Conversely, darker shades can create a dramatic effect on the outside while still providing a cozy atmosphere indoors.
The material of the exterior is also an important factor to consider. If the home’s exterior is made of brick or stone, it might be best to use the same color throughout, as this will help tie in different elements of the home.
However, if the exterior has clapboard siding or other materials, different colors can be used to create depth and contrast.
When selecting paint colors, it is wise to look at color swatches in the home’s natural lighting. This will help homeowners make an informed decision about whether or not the colors match as desired.
Additionally, it is also possible to take a look at sample homes or photos to get design inspiration for the interior and exterior of the home.
In the end, it is important to choose a color palette that is aesthetically pleasing to the individual homeowner. Whether the colors inside and outside match or not, the right color combination can help homeowners create a beautiful home that reflects their personal style.
What is the actual difference between interior and exterior paint?
The main difference between interior and exterior paint is the formulation of the paint. Interior paint is designed for use within the home, while exterior paint is specifically made to withstand weather, UV rays, and other elements from outdoors.
Interior paint is also less thick to allow it to be more easily applied to indoor walls and surfaces. Exterior paint has a thicker consistency in order to provide an extra layer of protection from the outdoors.
Additionally, interior paint often has lower VOC (volatile organic compound) gases and better coverage than exterior paint. As outdoor parameters can change depending on climate, the amount of pigments and other additives used in exterior paint may be higher than that of interior paint.
Can interior paint be used as exterior paint?
No, it is not recommended to use interior paint as exterior paint. While they both have similar components, exterior paint is designed with higher quality binding agents, pigment and UV inhibitors to better protect the home from the harsh weather elements such as sunlight, wind, rain and temperature changes.
This is why exterior paint also costs more. If interior paint is used as exterior paint, it will not offer the same level of protection, and the more harsh weather conditions can cause the paint to fade or flake off quickly.
Additionally, using interior paint on the outside of the home can void the manufacturer’s warranty in some cases. It is best to use exterior paint for the exterior of the home and interior paint for the interior of the home.
How do you match exterior and interior paint?
Matching exterior and interior paint requires careful consideration of both the outside and inside of the home. To begin, determine what type of finish and color you would like for the exterior of the home.
You may want to consult with a color consultant or an interior design professional to get an idea of what colors and finishes will match the look and feel of the home’s exterior. You can also take pictures of your home’s exterior and take them to a local store to help you choose the perfect color palette.
Once you’ve determined the finish and color you’d like to use for the exterior, it’s time to pick a corresponding paint for the interior. Using the same color family and a similar finish as the exterior will help create a cohesive look throughout the home.
Having a unified look between the interior and exterior helps draw attention to the home’s overall aesthetic.
To make sure your interior color selection complements the exterior color selection, bring a sample card of the exterior color when you’re looking for interior paint. You can also take pictures of the room to get an idea of how the color will look in the room before purchasing a gallon of paint.
It’s also helpful to ask the store associate or a professional designer for advice on paint matching. With the right color combination, matching exterior and interior paint can be achieved with ease.
What happens if you mix interior and exterior paint?
If you mix interior and exterior paint, it can create a variety of results depending on the type of paint used. Interior paint is designed to be less durable and to offer more vivid color options than exterior paint, which is designed to withstand outdoor weather and environmental elements.
If the two types are mixed, the interior paint may end up making the exterior paint less able to stand up to outdoor extremes. Additionally, the interior paint may not adhere properly to the exterior surface, resulting in uneven or patchy coverage where the paint may peel, flake or chip away easily.
What type of paint should be used outside?
When painting outdoors, you should use exterior paint that is specifically formulated to withstand UV rays, rapidly changing temperatures, and moisture. Exterior paint typically includes binders that help to strengthen the paint layer to prevent chipping, cracking, and peeling of the paint.
It also includes mildewcides and fungicides that, when activated by the sun, protect the paint from mold, algae, and mildew.
Exterior paint comes in several different types, including acrylic, alkyd, and latex. Acrylic paints offer better durability but may not be as versatile as latex paints, which can be easily applied to multiple surfaces and can provide better coverage.
Alkyd paints provide greater protection from the elements but tend to be more difficult to apply, so it’s best to leave them to professionals for application.
When choosing the color for outdoor paint, it is best to select a light, neutral color that will reflect sunlight and remain relatively maintenance free. If a brighter color is desired, you should use one that is designed to resist fading from UV rays.
Finally, no matter the type of paint chosen, it is important to always select a paint with a low VOC rating to minimize impact on the environment and your health.
Can I use Behr exterior paint inside?
No, Behr exterior paint is not intended for use inside of a home or other enclosed building, as it has not been formulated to meet the stricture VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) regulations that indoor paints must meet to be safe.
Exterior paint also doesn’t adhere well in an interior environment, meaning it will not remain on your walls as long as an interior paint. Instead, you should use specially-formulated interior paints, such as those made by Behr, which are designed to be safe and long-lasting in an interior setting.
Be sure to choose a paint that is designed to meet the particular needs of your interior space, whether you’re looking for a paint that resists mildew and mold or one that can brighten a dark space.
Can you use water based paint outside?
Yes, you can use water based paint outside. The main advantage of using water based paint is that it is easy to apply, meaning even beginners can use it without any fuss. It is also more environmentally friendly, as it contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Plus, it usually doesn’t have an odor, which makes it more attractive to those who don’t wish to be stifled by that strong, paint-like smell.
However, one of the downsides of using water based paint is that it doesn’t tend to last as long as oil-based paint. If you’re looking for paint that will hold up to the elements for a longer duration of time, then you may want to opt for a more durable option such as an oil-based paint.
In conclusion, water based paint can be used outside, but it is important to keep in mind that its longevity may be shorter than that of an oil-based paint. Therefore, it might be best to select a product based on what elements you expect it to face and how long you need it to last.
Can latex paint be used outdoors?
Yes, latex paint can be used outdoors. Latex paint is a water-based paint. It is designed to be weather-resistant and will normally not crack or peel because of the weather. Latex paint is also easy to clean, making it suitable for outdoor use.
The major advantage of using latex paint outdoors is that it is durable and can withstand changes in temperatures and humidity. Latex paint is also relatively easy to apply and can easily be touched up if needed.
Generally, it takes approximately two to three coats of paint to properly cover an outdoor surface. Unlike oil-based paints, latex paints are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and have no odor, making them a great choice for painting the exterior of your home.
Is exterior paint more durable than interior?
The durability of exterior paint versus interior paint depends on a variety of factors. Exterior paint generally needs to be more resilient and protective against weather, UV exposure, and temperature changes.
Exterior paints may have higher levels of binders, oils, and resins, making them more durable than interior paint. Exterior paints also often contain additives called pigments which work to extend its lifespan.
This is especially important if you live in a region with colder winters, frequent windy days, or direct sun exposure. Generally, exterior paint will last longer on walls, fences, and siding than interior paint – around 8 years (or more) versus 3 to 4 years for interior walls.
Additionally, exterior paints come in a more heavily fortified formulation to withstand the harsher environmental conditions outside. As such, they have higher solids contents and sturdier protective films to resist peeling and blistering.
Should you use interior or exterior paint in a garage?
The answer to this question depends on the type of surface you are painting, the amount of moisture involved, and the necessary longevity of the project. For instance, if you are painting a drywall wall in your garage, you should use interior paint, as exterior paint would not provide adequate coverage and protection against moisture in such an environment.
However, if you are painting a concrete wall in your garage, an exterior paint may be a better choice, as its higher resin content and waterproofing characteristics can offer better protection against mildew and other moisture-related damage.
Ultimately, the best choice for your garage paint project depends on the surface you are painting, the desired longevity of the finish, and the anticipated levels of moisture present.