What is the difference between interior and exterior paint?

Interior and Exterior paints have very different chemestries to hold up best in their designated environments. You should never use an interior paint outside or an exterior paint inside, for you will be quite unhappy with the results either way. Waterbase interior paints are typically made of vinyl acrylic or latex acrylic polymers that bond well to interior surfaces, cure without direct sun exposure, are low in odor, and are best at leveling and hiding brush and roller marks. Waterbased exterior paints are usually 100% latex acrylics (some cheaper paints are vinyl acrylic) that are very flexable to tolerate temperature changes, tolerate adverse weather conditions, and are highly mold and mildew resistant, due to the fact that there are alot addatives put in to prevent this. Exterior paints also need to be exposed to the sun in order to cure properly. If an interior paint is applied outside, the weather will cause failure quickly and mold growth is most likely going to happen. If an ...  more

Interior paint is formulated for: Exterior paint is formulated for: Good scrub ability and stain resistance Good hiding ability Splatter resistance Easier touch up Color retention Resistance to fading Flexibility (to withstand expansion and contraction due to weather) Mildew resistant Resistance to bleed  more