Exterior paint ok for bathroom?

Can I use exterior paint in the bathroom?

23 Answers

The primary reason to avoid using exterior paint inside is that its chemical composition can be harmful to humans. Exterior paint is designed to last for years, despite regularly being exposed to UV radiation, rain, high winds, blowing debris, sleet, hail, and snow. This is possible due to the type of pigments, binders, and the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in the formula.VOCs present the biggest problem, as inhaling or coming into contact with these toxic components can lead to significant health risks. Before using a paint product, it’s recommended to check the ingredients list for any VOCs. Common VOCs include 1,3-butadiene, benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, and xylene.
27th May 2024
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RJ Painting & Decorating
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
No can be harmful because of VOCS that it releases
29th May 2024
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No your better off using either a bathroom or kitchen paint which is breathable otherwise the paint could dry and crack
31st May 2024
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I would not use exterior paint in a bathroom. I would recommend an emulsion such as soft sheen or eggshell.
3rd Jun 2024
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Using exterior paint in a bathroom is generally not recommended due to several factors. Exterior paints are formulated for different conditions and surfaces compared to interior paints. Here are some considerations:

1. Moisture Resistance: While exterior paints are designed to withstand weather conditions, they are not necessarily optimized for the high humidity and moisture levels typical in bathrooms. Interior paints, particularly those designed for bathrooms, contain mildewcides and are formulated to resist mold and mildew more effectively.
2. Durability: Exterior paints are made to be more durable against UV rays and harsh weather, which are not concerns inside a bathroom. The durability you need in a bathroom is against frequent cleaning and moisture, which interior bathroom paints provide.
3. VOC Levels: Exterior paints often have higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to indoor air quality and may cause health issues in poorly ventilated spaces like bathrooms.
4. Finish and Aesthetics: Interior paints offer finishes that are more appropriate for indoor settings, providing a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing result. The finishes in bathroom-specific paints are designed to be easy to clean and resistant to water and stains.

For best results in a bathroom, it is recommended to use a high-quality interior paint specifically formulated for high-moisture areas. These paints typically come in semi-gloss or satin finishes, which are better suited to handle the humidity and are easier to clean.
7th Jun 2024
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RMD plastering
0 Reviews
No exterior paint is for the outside painting you will need to use interior bathroom paint as of the steam
12th Jun 2024
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I would advise against using exterior paint for a bathroom.
Exterior paint contains chemical additives meant for outside (not enclosed spaces indoors).
Can cause chest/respitory issues if used inside.

There are plenty of bathroom specific paints available to use.
20th Jun 2024
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No I would recommend using a bathroom paint because it’s more suitable for interior
4th Jul 2024
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In principle, you should not use exterior paint for bathrooms. There is a wide range of specialist paints for bathrooms that are water repellent and can be easily cleaned etc. and offer a mold-free environment if applied correctly and sufficient time is allowed for drying of prepared walls.
9th Jul 2024
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ANO Access Ltd
0 Reviews

Using exterior paint in the bathroom is not recommended. Exterior paints are formulated to withstand different weather conditions and may contain chemicals that are not suitable for indoor use due to potential health risks. Additionally, exterior paints might not handle the high humidity levels in bathrooms as effectively as paints specifically designed for interior use.

For bathrooms, it’s best to use interior paint labeled for high humidity areas. These paints are designed to resist moisture, mold, and mildew, making them more suitable for bathroom environments. Look for paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish, as these are more durable and easier to clean compared to flat or matte finishes.
18th Jul 2024
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Stanislav Stoichkov
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
Best way to find correct paint is to read the manufacturer description, and for what areas is suitable. Be aware that some of exterior paint doesn't give you such a smooth finish as interior paint
2nd Oct 2024
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No because you need a specific paint for condensation
19th Aug 2024
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I personally wouldn't recommend using external paints inside due to voc levels and majority carry fungiesides which can be become harmful to vulnerable people with respiratory problems.
2nd Oct 2024
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Exterior paint is not recommended for use in bathrooms because it can be dangerous and may cause health problems.

Exterior paint contains higher levels of VOCs than interior paint, which can be harmful to your health in the short and long term. VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. In confined spaces like bathrooms, VOCs can linger longer and increase moisture and mildew.
2nd Oct 2024
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While it's technically possible to use exterior paint in a bathroom, it's not recommended because it's formulated differently than interior paint and may not perform as well
2nd Oct 2024
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No you can’t because the fumes you can get good kitchen and bathroom paint now off the shelf in most stores
2nd Sep 2024
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Using exterior paint Indoors is not recommended it can be dangerous and cause health issues.

They also need longer times for curing and the finish given indoors will be poor

9th Sep 2024
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Hnl Refurbishments
0 Reviews
They are made to go on different backgrounds so i would not recommend .
23rd Sep 2024
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No, definitely not. Exterior paints tend to contain fungicides that are dangerous when inhaled. I would recommend a specialist interior paint such as 'Zinsser Permawhite mould inhibiting emulsion' or 'Crown Trade clean extreme'.
6th Nov 2024
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michelle alcide
0 Reviews
I wouldn’t recommend as contains some harmful chemicals. Keep well ventilated
31st Dec 2024
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Bills
0 Reviews
No, exterior paints won't provide the kind of moisture protection you need from your bathroom paint. Over time, this will lead to peeling, blistering, and mould or mildew growth.
3rd Jan 2025
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Swainson’s decorating
1 Reviews, 100% Positive
No this should be only used outside as exterior paint inside a bathroom can be dangerous because of the number of VOCs released that can negatively impact the indoor air quality. These chemicals will linger longer in confined spaces such as bathrooms and increase moisture and mildew.
16th Feb 2025
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Exterior paint contains additives for weathering. It is better to use a paint specifically designed for bathrooms. It can peel off.
24th Apr 2025
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