Is there any reason I shouldn’t use water-based exterior trim paint on interior trim? I’m running very low on the interior paint. I thought of using exterior paint for all but the last coat.
I was told by a painter that exterior paint is designed to chalk. Does this make it unsuitable for interior use? Will it prevent the final coat from adhering?
Janet
Replies
be careful who you listen to
If you use exterior trim paint on your interior trim it will make your windows grow shutters.
Good quality exterior paint is designed to slowly flake off or wash away (over a couple of decades), in order to prevent chalking. But this effect is accomplished by rain and sunlight, and it would not occur with an interior application.
Aside from the fact that exterior paint usually does not have the sheen usually preferred for interior use, the only problem with it would be that it's probably a tiny bit less safe around children who might eat it (though to my knowledge no house paint is made anymore that contains lead or other seriously toxic materials). It might also not stand up to bumps as well as interior paint, if used on door frames, eg.
Mainly it's more expensive.