Interior vs. Exterior Painting – What’s the Difference Between the Two?

Exterior Painting Denver

​Many home renovators think that painting is simple enough to do themselves, and they don't need to hire a contractor. However, there are many things to consider before starting a painting job. 

What is the difference between exterior and interior painting, for example? If you are going to paint your house yourself, it is important to know what materials you will be using. You'll discover below a guide on what paint is made from, and the differences between interior and exterior paint.

Paint Ingredients
Solvents, additives and resins are the four main ingredients that make up each paint type. Here's everything you need to learn about these four ingredients:

• Solvents transform the mixture of ingredients into a liquid, which then evaporates when exposed to the air.
  There are two main types of solvents added to paint - water-based paints, which dry faster, produce less smell, and last for a long time, as well as oil-based paints, which are generally more durable and stain/rust-resistant.
• Paint is colored by adding pigments. It can be mixed with water or oil to make all types of paints, including acrylic, watercolors, and pastels.
• Additives are substances that are added to a solution to enhance its properties. Additives can be anything from defoaming agents to rheology moderators, which affect the flow of paint.
• The resin (typically epoxy, silicone or acrylic) is what makes the paint adhere to the surface. The resin also helps to keep the paint color by holding the pigment particles together.

Let's look at the characteristics of exterior and internal paint now that we understand what they are made of.

Interior and exterior paints have major differences
Interior and exterior paint differ in their composition, as well as the type of component. Exterior paints, for instance, may contain more resins or special additives in order to improve resilience. These additional components can cause VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) to be released.

Even interior paint can take several months to cure and remove all VOCs, depending on factors such as ventilation and insulation. Paints with a high VOC content are often used for exterior painting because the gasses can dissipate safely into the air.

Exterior and interior painting: Specifics
Exterior paints can release VOCs up to a few years after they are painted. They also contain substances that help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, as well weatherproofing a building's exterior.

The paint used for interior painting is not as durable or weatherproof as that used on exteriors. Some brands offer VOC-free paints, while others have low VOC counts. Interior paints are still largely made up of additives that make them stain and scratch resistant. They come in different finishes from matte to glossy.

Are you preparing for a renovation? Check out our interior painter Denver guide and our exterior painting Denver guide. Our blog has more useful painting and decorating advice.