Can I Use Exterior Paint Inside in Arvada, CO? The Surprising Truth You Need to Know

Can I use exterior paint inside? The question seems simple enough, but the answer might surprise you.

At first glance, it makes sense to assume that a paint tough enough to handle Colorado’s unpredictable weather could be perfect for your home’s interior. But is it really a good idea?

Spoiler: it’s not. Before grabbing that can labeled “exterior paint,” it’s important to know why this decision could cause more harm than good.

Interior and exterior paints are built for entirely different purposes. While both aim to make your walls look great, they achieve this in very different ways.

Let’s explore why using exterior paint indoors is a mistake and how interior painters in Arvada CO can help you achieve the flawless finish your home deserves.

• This blog explores the risks of asking, “Can I use exterior paint inside?” and why it’s not recommended for Arvada, CO homeowners.
• Exterior paints emit harmful VOCs and aren’t designed for indoor wear, making interior paint a safer, more practical choice.
• Professional interior painters in Arvada CO, ensure the best results with expert techniques and low-VOC products.

Can I use exterior paint inside? Sure, you can use exterior paint inside, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Here’s what you need to know before starting your interior painting projects:

Exterior paints are specially formulated to endure extreme outdoor conditions like rain, snow, and sun. Manufacturers pack them with heavy-duty pigments and a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to achieve this durability.

While VOCs help the paint adhere to outdoor surfaces, they also release harmful fumes into the air as the paint dries. Those same VOCs will linger in your enclosed living spaces if you use exterior paint inside.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even long-term damage to vital organs like your liver and kidneys. Is a durable finish really worth risking your family’s health?

Interior paints, on the other hand, are designed to have low or no VOCs. They’re safe for your home and loved ones, making them the obvious choice for any indoor painting project.

RELATED: A Guide to Choosing Between Low-VOC vs Regular Paint for a Safer Home

Outdoor paints are built to combat the elements, not everyday indoor life. Without exposure to sunlight, exterior paint takes much longer to dry and cure indoors.

During this extended drying time, your walls are more vulnerable to smudges and scuffs. Plus, once the paint does cure, it’s not designed to withstand indoor activities like vacuuming, accidental bumps, or kids’ sticky fingers.

Interior paints, however, are formulated to handle all the bumps and scratches that come with daily life. They’re durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making them perfect for busy households in Arvada, CO.

Exterior paint is engineered to be waterproof and weather-resistant, which sounds great until you spill something on it inside your home. Cleaning exterior paint is much trickier than cleaning interior paint, often requiring harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.

Meanwhile, interior paints are designed to be washable and maintain their look even after repeated cleanings. Sticking with paint designed for indoor use is the smarter option for a stress-free home maintenance routine.

At a glance, all paints might seem similar. However, their ingredients and purposes are vastly different. Here’s a breakdown of what sets them apart:

You’ll get better results and avoid unnecessary headaches by using the right paint for your house painting project.

Still tempted to grab the wrong type of paint for your project? Don’t take the risk.

Our interior painters in Arvada CO specialize in helping homeowners make informed decisions about their painting projects. Here’s a quick overview of our process:

1. Consultation and Assessment: We start by evaluating your space and discussing your specific needs. Whether it’s selecting low-VOC paints or finding the perfect shade to complement your interior, we tailor our approach to you.
2. Expert Product Selection: Our team recommends the best products for your project, ensuring safety, durability, and an impeccable finish.
3. Meticulous Surface Preparation: Proper preparation is key to a flawless outcome. We clean, repair, and prime surfaces to create the perfect canvas for painting.
4. Professional Application: Using advanced tools and techniques, we apply each coat with precision, ensuring a smooth and even result.
5. Detailed Cleanup and Maintenance Tips: Once the job is done, we leave your home spotless and provide guidance on how to care for your freshly painted walls to extend their life.

At American Painting Specialists, we specialize in delivering top-tier interior house painting services that enhance your home’s beauty and functionality. Serving Arvada, Denver, Westminster, and surrounding areas, our team takes the hassle out of painting.

So, can I use exterior paint inside? Technically, yes. But in reality, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Not only do you risk exposing your family to harmful fumes, but you’ll also end up with a finish that’s hard to clean and prone to damage. Interior paints are specifically designed to handle life indoors, making them the safest and most practical choice for your home.

Ready to get started? Call us at 303-622-3933 for a FREE estimate today.