Interior paints are strictly for use on walls inside the home. They do not have enough substance to fight the elements for very long, and they do not seal the substrate well. With that in mind, interior paints are ideally suited for adding some color to your walls, and for sealing drywall or plaster. Their drying time is relatvely short, there is a variety of textures, and they are formulated to handle the very different environmental conditions INSIDE your home.

Exterior paints are made to protect the outside of your home from rain, snow, and other normal weather events. You might think this makes them perfect for protecting your rooms inside the house as well (after all, if it can stand up to snow and rain, shouldn't it handle a dog and a three year old?). In reality, some people actually do this, but we can't recommend it. The paint takes much longer to dry, and is not designed to withstand the conditions inside a home. Outside is where exterior paints belong.

There are a few that are made to be used in both locations. They are clearly labelled, but be sure to read the label for the manufacturer's guidelines for application.