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how long will interior paint last outside

by Tyshawn Hill Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How Long Will Interior Paint Last On Exterior? A paint job on the interior will last between five and ten years on average. A paint job on your exterior will last between five and seven years.Dec 5, 2021

Full Answer

How long will a good interior paint job last?

Other preparation steps include:

  • Dusting and cleaning surface areas
  • Scraping loose paint off interior and exterior walls
  • Stripping exterior paint when caked on too thick
  • Filling nail holes and gaps with spackle and caulk
  • Priming for a better paint application
  • Sealing window edges

How long is the useful life of interior paint?

When it comes to the lifespan of interior paint, it can easily last 15 years or longer, as long as the paint isn’t compromised. Paint indoors can last a very long time, and because of this, often the home gets new paint simply out of choice.

How can I make exterior paint last longer?

The common rules for storing any paint are the same:

  • Keep the paint away from heat and cold
  • Store it in a dry and cool place
  • Never let your paint freeze or melt

How long will leftover interior paint remain usable?

Old cans of interior paint may remain usable for several years if they been kept tightly sealed and stored away from freezing temperatures. Test old paint by stirring it well, then brushing it on to old newspapers. If there are lumps in the paint, it is no longer good and should be discarded. (nice one to Deadrick Whitfield for letting us know).

Will interior paint hold up outdoors?

Although the short answer is yes, it's not recommended. Interior paint isn't designed to withstand rain, snow, wind, UV, mildew, or temperature extremes. It has less pigment and binding resins than outdoor paints, and the finish is too porous .

What happens if you put interior paint outside?

The interior classified products are strictly for interior use only. They lack the heavy duty mildewcide and chemicals that exterior paints contain to withstand rain, snow and heat/cold. They would break down quickly in an exterior environment and would fade and chalk quickly.Jan 15, 2019

Can you add something to interior paint to make it exterior?

Well, the basic answer is yes. Exterior and interior paints can be mixed together or even used interchangeably.Dec 11, 2021

Can you paint over interior paint with exterior paint?

Technically, interior paint can be applied to exterior paint, but it simply isn't practical. If the exterior paint is on furniture or an interior wall, a new layer of paint would be fine as well.Dec 3, 2021

Can you use ceiling paint outside?

Choosing to use an interior paint, such as vinyl soft sheen paints, on an outside surface will lead to a range of problems. Immediately, you will notice that the paint itself may not be able to adhere to the surface. It is common for interior paints to be too thin for external surfaces, including masonry.

How long will interior latex paint last outside?

In general, interior paint will last from 5 to 10 years. You can expect your exterior paint to last between 5 to 7 years.

How long does interior paint last in a can?

PPG, the manufacturer of PPG Paints and Glidden Paints, estimates that an unopened can of latex paint will last for two years. For some of its paints, Sherwin-Williams estimates paint shelf life to be one year.Feb 24, 2022

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor paint?

Different paints come with different properties, as they are manufactured for different purposes. Exterior paint is formulated to handle mildew and fading. Interior paint, on the other hand, is made to allow cleaning and resist staining.Aug 26, 2020

How long does paint last?

In general, interior paint will last from 5 to 10 years. You can expect your exterior paint to last between 5 to 7 years. Keep in mind that your exterior paint will be affected by regional climate ...

How long does it take for exterior paint to dry?

Choosing a light color will add up to five years to the lifespan of your exterior paint. Let the paint cure before you apply a second coat. Be patient and let the paint dry or cure the recommended number of hours before applying a second coat (12 to 24 hours). This will extend the life of your exterior paint.

How to clean paint chips on walls?

Use a microfiber dust cloth or vacuum to clean dust that accumulates on your walls. Wash dirt and grease with a natural sponge with non-abrasive soap and water solution. Protect your paint with corner guards. Protect wall edges/corners with inexpensive corner guards. This will keep chips and damage to a minimum.

Why is my paint chipping?

Humidity, sunlight, harsh temperature fluctuations, snow or rain, hair or high winds, and proximity to the ocean can all lead to chipping, peeling and fading. Be sure to choose paints that are made to withstand severe weather conditions. Consider the material you’re painting on.

How much does oil based paint cost?

A good quality paint typically costs around $30 per gallon.

Why is it important to repaint the interior of a house?

Adding a fresh coat of paint to both the interior and exterior of your home makes everything look clean and new, and can breathe new life into spaces that felt tired or outdated. The thing is, repainting the interior of your home can be time consuming, and for the exterior, it isn’t an inexpensive job. That’s why it’s especially important ...

Do you need different paint for stucco?

For example, if you have an exterior made of brick, masonry, or stucco, you’ll need different paint than if you have a wood or metal exterior. Follow these steps before painting the exterior of your house to make your exterior paint job last longer.

What is interior paint?

Interior paints – The products that are classified as “interior” have certain characteristics that work well in an interior environment. Some are low odor, some are more spatter resistant.

Is exterior paint safe?

They cover better, are more durable, and stick like glue to most surfaces. But, there is a problem. Exterior paints have chemicals present that are unsafe to use in an interior environment.

Is it safe to paint outside?

But, there is a problem. Exterior paints have chemicals present that are unsafe to use in an interior environment. The mildewcide, resin, and chemical makeup release unsafe gasses into an interior area. They are safe to use outside and pose no threat.

How long does paint last?

Latex paint in pristine original condition, still sealed from the paint store and never used, might last up to a decade. A previously used can of the same type of paint, poorly sealed shut and with unwanted impurities, might last for only a few months. Liquid on the top and solids on the bottom do not necessarily mean that the paint is bad. All paint will separate over time. Instead of stirring by hand, take the paint back to the store where you purchased it and have them shake it up on the mixer.

How long does oil based paint last?

So, oil-based paints, if preserved well, can last up to 15 years and possibly even more.

What does paint smell like?

Rancid- or Sour-Smelling Paint. After the lid is opened, some paint might have a sharp smell: rancid, foul, or sour. Other paint might smell like mold or mildew. If the smelly paint is applied, the smell may lessen but not disappear. Bacterial growth is the driver behind this smell.

How to tell if paint is past its prime?

One indication that paint is past its prime is when it is entirely or partially jelly-like: neither solid nor liquid but an in-between goopy substance that refuses to mix smoothly.

How to keep paint from rusting?

Place paint in a plastic container since rust from metal cans might contaminate the paint. Before closing the lid, lay plastic kitchen wrap over the open container, then firmly tap down the lid, preferably with a rubber mallet to avoid denting the can. Read More.

Can you freeze paint?

While you should try to prevent your mixed paint from freezing, one manufacturer, Glidden, states that frozen paint can be successfully thawed and used, as long as it is not clumpy and does not exhibit a foul odor. Paint experts, though, tend to agree that repeated freeze-thaw cycles will eventually break down paint.

Can latex paint be dissolved?

But if the paint has solidified past the point of a thin film, it is time to discard the paint. Solidified paint chunks cannot be dissolved by adding water.

How long after painting can you paint?

Even a few drops count as wet because of latent moisture that can affect your paint. If it just drizzles, it is typically safe to resume painting after 24 hours of drying.

Why do you need to paint the exterior of a house?

Because painting the exterior of a house is a big job, you should hire a professional painter. A reputable professional painter will give your house a coat of paint that will look good and last as long as possible.

What to use to paint a house that is unpainted?

Using a Primer. It’s important to use a primer beneath the topcoat of paint, especially when the old paint job is not in good condition and when the house is unpainted. Primer acts as a base coat, helps smooth out any surface imperfections, and improves paint adhesion. When using acrylic latex paints, you can apply either a water- ...

Why does paint dry so quickly?

The weather and temperature, as well as the time of day when there is direct sunlight to an area being painted, make a huge difference in the longevity of a paint job. Painting parts of the house that are in direct sunlight will cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to visible seams, brush strokes, and unevenness.

Why is it important to prepare for painting?

The preparation for painting is extremely important in achieving a long-lasting paint job. If the old paint is dirty, moldy, chalky, or flaky, the new paint won’t adhere to the surface well and, over time, will begin to chip and peel. Always scrape off the loose paint or strip the entire surface before applying the paint to ensure it bonds to ...

What factors affect the durability of a paint job?

Some of the main factors that affect the durability of a paint job include the material the paint is on , the climate for the geographic area, and whether a proper paint job was done before. The paint on your house is critical to the curb appeal. Next to the landscaping and yard upkeep, there are few things as important as the paint ...

How to contact Osborne Painting?

They employ best practices to maintain the quality and longevity you want for the exterior of your home. Contact Osborne Painting at 919-878-6611 for consultation and assistance when looking at the best for your next paint job!

Why are exterior paints different from interior paint?

Interior and exterior paints differ because of additives. The interior environment of your house is protected from heavy winds, rainfall and harsh weather, whereas the outside isn’t. So, exterior paints contain special additives like heavy-duty weather-resistant chemicals and mildewcide to withstand heat, cold, snow, rainfall and the sun’s rays.

Which is better, oil based or water based paint?

Paints come in two basic types: oil-based and water-based. For exterior paint, oil-based paint is better because it contains alkyd, which is ideal for resisting dirt and handling temperature alterations and humidity.

Why use binders for exterior paint?

Because exterior paints need more help combatting the adverse effects of the environment, binders used in outdoor-friendly formulations give the paint resistance to integrity problems such as cracking and chalking, as well as increased moisture control.

Why are VOCs low in paint?

The guidelines set by the EPA indicate low usage of VOCs in interior paints because they can cause health-related issues.

What are the components of paint?

Differences begin to emerge when you look at paint's other three basic components, too: pigment, binders and liquids. Let's start with pigment, which is what provides a can of paint with its color. Interior paints may contain organic pigments for color, and certain types of organic pigments are known to significantly fade if used on an exterior ...

How much higher is VOC in paint?

The EPA reports levels of VOCs may average as much as two to five times higher inside your home compared to outside, and the levels can increase significantly post-painting. Look for interior paints with low-to-no VOC levels. Because exterior paints don't all meet the same low-to-no levels of VOC requirements as paints formulated for interior use ...

What are the additives in paint?

Additives are only one of four basic components of paint, though, and interior and exterior paints differ when it comes to the other three: pigment, binders and liquids. Advertisement.

How long does exterior paint last?

To answer your initial question, “how long does exterior paint last”, from several years of experience, the answer is 4 to 8 years on average in Raleigh, NC. But by painting your home correctly and practicing the proper maintenance and care, you can extend the lifespan of your paint job, and keep your home looking fresher for longer.

How to increase the lifespan of a paint job?

Another important thing that increases the lifespan of your paint job is to apply multiple coats. Additional paint coats will serve as a barrier that protects your home from damage from weather or other elements.

What is the best paint for exterior house?

One of the most important factors in achieving a long-lasting exterior paint job is your choice of exterior house paint. Acrylic latex paint is usually the best choice for exterior painting applications because it’s a versatile paint that can be used over both water-and- oil-based primers.

How to keep paint from getting faded?

Keep Your Exterior Surfaces Clean. As mentioned earlier, you should keep the exterior of your home clean to prevent paint damage. Plan to pressure wash your home almost every year. This will wash away any dirt or mildew that has made your paint look faded or discolored.

What kind of paint is best for steel railings?

These paints repel water and resist wear and abrasion more than an acrylic paint can. Oil-based paint is also a great option for steel and iron railings or any areas like steps or porches that get a lot of foot traffic.

Why do you paint when it's cooler?

When painting your home, it’s best to do it when it’s cooler. This is because direct sunlight can cause your paint to dry too quickly. This will not affect the actual paint. It just means harder work for the exterior house painters. Heat allows for visible brush strokes and general unevenness.

What do you need to know about painting your home?

What You Need to Know About Exterior Painting. When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, the key to success is preparation. Here are some tips, tricks, and insights you need to know in order to achieve a long-lasting exterior paint job. By following this advice, you can extend the life of your home’s exterior significantly, ...

What is the difference between exterior and interior paint?

The most significant difference between interior paint and exterior paint is that exterior paint has more additives to withstand the outdoor elements. Exterior paint has to be able to resist moisture from rain, snow, and wind.

What is interior paint?

Interior paint is designed to withstand pets, furniture, vacuums, and everything else that rubs against it on a daily basis. It counters staining, resists fading and yellowing, and can be wiped and scrubbed when it gets dirty.

What happens if you have leftover paint?

The paint fumes, chemical makeup, and VOCs are a health hazard, often leading to skin and respiratory irritation. If you’re stuck in a situation where you have leftover paint, there are fun and easy ways to put it to use, so you don’t waste it. For leftover interior paint, try using it for crafts, upcycling an old piece of furniture, ...

How long does it take for paint to cure?

Stay out of the room as much as possible for a few weeks while the paint cures. If it’s cold outside, this may take a few months. If you’ve used an oil-based paint and want to repaint the area, sand the wall down first before applying a new coat of interior paint.

Is exterior paint water based?

But, thanks to advances in technology, the trend has switched. Now, most exterior paint is water-based with acrylic resins to aid in binding.

Can you repaint interior paint?

The reality is, interior paint isn’t made to withstand harsh weather elements, and you’ll soon notice fading, peeling, and flaking. Once it starts to wear away, you’ll most likely have to sand, re-prime, and repaint the whole surface. This is a big job and one you want to avoid.

Is interior paint thinner than exterior paint?

But, besides the durability concerns, interior paint is thinner than exterior paint, so it doesn’t adhere well to exterior surfaces, and you ’d need apply additional coats to achieve the same coverage. Even with multiple coats, it won’t look as even as it would with exterior paint.

Table of Life of Exterior Wood Finishes (Paints & Stains) on Various Types of Wood Surfaces

Our page top photo of a painted sign (The Big Tomato lunche one tte in Poughkeepsie, NY) shows variation in two paints differing by color and chemistry, applied at the same time to the same surface. Also see PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION for details of paint failure cause, diagnosis, cure and prevention.

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