Interior vs Exterior Paint: What’s the Difference?
👉 “Can I use the same paint for inside and outside?”
The short answer is no. While they may look similar in the tin, interior and exterior paints are made for very different purposes. Choosing the right type ensures your paint job not only looks beautiful but also lasts longer in Australia’s unique climate.
1. Durability & Protection
- Interior Paint → Designed to resist stains, marks, and everyday wear. It’s easy to clean, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and kids’ bedrooms.
- Exterior Paint → Built to withstand sun, rain, humidity, and temperature changes. It includes special additives to fight mould, mildew, and fading.
2. Finish & Appearance
- Interior Paints: Come in a wide range of finishes (matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss). Matte hides imperfections, while satin and gloss are more durable and easier to clean.
- Exterior Paints: Focused on performance and weather resistance. Products like Benjamin Moore® Aura® Exterior Paint are formulated with Color Lock® technology for rich, lasting colour and superior fade resistance outdoors.
3. Ingredients & Safety
- Interior Paint: Often water-based and low-VOC, making it safer for indoor air quality and everyday use. For an eco-friendly choice, products like Benjamin Moore Eco Spec® (ZERO-VOC) are perfect for Australian homes.
- Exterior Paint: Contains more resins and additives for weather resistance. These paints are tougher but usually have a stronger odour and need proper ventilation during application.
4. Where to Use Each Type
✅ Use interior paint on walls, ceilings, trims, and cabinetry.
✅ Use exterior paint on outdoor walls, fences, decks, and any surface exposed to the elements.
⚠️ Never swap them—interior paint won’t hold up outdoors, and exterior paint can release unnecessary fumes indoors.
Final Thoughts
The right paint makes all the difference. Interior paints are formulated for comfort and easy maintenance inside your home, while exterior paints are engineered to resist Australia’s harsh sun, rain, and temperature changes.
At My Paint & Co, we stock premium Benjamin Moore paints and a full range of professional tools and eco-friendly options. Our team is here to help you choose the perfect paint for your project—whether it’s a cosy living room makeover or a weatherproof exterior refresh.