What happens if you use interior paint on the exterior of house?

Answer 1

i bought 5 gallons of paint for the exterior of my mobile home, did not double check the paint after the clerk mixed it, took it home, gave it to my painter (spanish speaking only) and went to work. He paint half of my house and needed more paint....I went back to the same store, different clerk on duty and she mixed another 5 gallons of paint. This looked different but the labels read exterior semi-gloss, which is what I wanted. When I get home, I discover that the first clerk had mixed interior paint. what will happen to the interior paint on my exterior home.

Answer 2

Interior paint will not hold up as well outside as an exterior paint. It is not formulated to withstand freeze/thaw cycles like an exterior paint which will cause it to crack and peel after a few years in a northern US climate, nor is it formulated to withstand UV ray so it will color fade faster in sub tropical climates. It will also mildew faster in covered or damp areas since interior paint doesn't normally carry the same amount or strength of mildewcide.

There's no need to repaint immediately if it has already been applied, however, it will require repainting within three to five years instead of seven to ten. Also, it may require cleaning more often.