Can I use an exterior paint indoors??

Question

I have a whole gallon of the exterior I used on my garage door. I really like the color and would like to paint a couple walls in my house. Can a exterior paint with a primer be used on interior walls??

Answer 1

The short answer is "Yes, But"

Be careful though.  Many exterior paints are oil-based while most interior paints are latex or water based.  Generally latex paint does not adhere well to an oil based or alkyd type paint so if you use an oil based paint inside your house now, you will have difficulty changing later.

My recommendation (assuming your garage door paint is alkyd) would be to store it for next year.  If you really like the color, take a sample to your paint store.  Most good paint stores can match colors very closely using a laser-light machine.

Answer 2

NO NO NO!!! Exterior paints have mildicides and other chemicals in it that will make you and pets sick. Please don't do it. Just suck it up and go buy a $25 gallon of paint made for indoors. Bring the exterior paint with you and they will match the color.

Answer 3

Yes it can be used inside.Prime and then paint. If the paint is oil based then use an oil based primer. You can have the primer tinted close to the paint color also. Just beware of the fumes-have good ventilation.

Answer 4

yes, it is just paint that has additives to with stand elements.

Answer 5

There may be different environmental requirements - fumes and the like.     I don't know what the list would be and I don't know whom you'd call.    

They can mix indoor paint to have the same sheen as the outdoor.