Interior paint type recommendation

[Chicagodiy]

I’ve read different websites that say to use exterior paint for interior walls and some that say never do this. I have a residential 2-car garage that is not used for anything other than parking and typical residential uses.

Right now there are two coats of primer up over a bunch of spackle and beat up drywall. I’d like to have something moderately durable and resistant to scuff marks with washability.

Suggestions appreciated!

 

[Handyandy23]

The argument I've typically seen is that if a garage isn't heated then exterior paint is best, since the inside of the garage will end up going through a wide temperature range, and probably be subjected to moisture. If you live in Illinois and park your car inside in the winter, I'm sure there are lots of times in the winter that there is lots of snow and slush tracked in too.

If it's a heated and insulated garage then the features of an exterior paint are a lot less important for you.

Generally speaking the more glossy finishes are more scuff resistant / washable, but they also highlight imperfections more. I'd think eggshell is a good happy medium, but that's kind of a personal preference.

I've had good luck with Sherwin Williams paints, but I know reviews are kind of mixed on almost any paint. I will say though it's generally worth it to buy higher quality paint. The cheap stuff takes more coats to cover, and will mark / stain a lot easier. A professional painter I met recommended the Sherwin Williams Duration, and I've found it to be much better paint than anything I had used before from a big box store.

 

[foodie]

The argument I've typically seen is that if a garage isn't heated then exterior paint is best, since the inside of the garage will end up going through a wide temperature range, and probably be subjected to moisture. If you live in Illinois and park your car inside in the winter, I'm sure there are lots of times in the winter that there is lots of snow and slush tracked in too.

If it's a heated and insulated garage then the features of an exterior paint are a lot less important for you.

Generally speaking the more glossy finishes are more scuff resistant / washable, but they also highlight imperfections more. I'd think eggshell is a good happy medium, but that's kind of a personal preference.

I've had good luck with Sherwin Williams paints, but I know reviews are kind of mixed on almost any paint. I will say though it's generally worth it to buy higher quality paint. The cheap stuff takes more coats to cover, and will mark / stain a lot easier. A professional painter I met recommended the Sherwin Williams Duration, and I've found it to be much better paint than anything I had used before from a big box store.

+1 on all of this, except I would do exterior paint regardless. I think it is more durable overall. I did use the Sherwin Williams Duration also. Be advised though it is a really thick paint. It took me some getting used to applying it, but don’t let that deter you, it is great coverage.

 

[billie]

Any Acrylic Latex Kitchen & Bath paint.

You can also get Acrylic Latex Exterior paint but I doubt you need UV protection.

 

[dw1]

+2 on the SW Duration, we used it on our new house, seems like a good, quality paint.

 

[BillK]

Forget about the "websites" . . . . what do the paint manufacturers say ? You would think they would know their product the best.

My understanding is that exterior paint is designed to slowly "shed" for lack of a better word in order to keep a fresh surface.

I have been in two different buildings with my business. The present one for over 20 years now. Both have been block walls and we painted both of them with a block filler primer followed by a high quality Benjamin Moore semi gloss white interior paint. My current one still looks great other than needing a good scrubbing. If it can hold up in an automotive machine shop I assure you it will last forever in a home garage.