Interior/Exterior Paints

• While exterior paints are generally not recommended for use indoors, they can be used with proper ventilation and safe ingredients in the paint (in other words, make sure they are not lead-based).
  
  However the best way to use exterior paints indoors is to buy interior/exterior paints, which work for both indoor and outdoor environments. These paints come in nearly 2,000 different colors but should still be used in well-ventilated areas.
  
  

Down Side

• Regular exterior paints can contain harmful ingredients that you don't necessarily want near your skin or where you prepare food on a regular basis. While you won't be directly ingesting or absorbing these ingredients, being around them over time can cause some of these exterior paint elements to adversely affect those living in your house.
  
  When using exterior paint indoors, be wary of the fumes because the paint has oils and other chemicals that can make you dizzy or pass out if inhaled. Make sure your house is properly ventilated when painting, according to Wisegeek.com.
  
  

Different Look

• It's also important to recognize how exterior and interior paints dry differently after being painted on the walls. Exterior paints are usually designed to go on treated wood or siding, while interior paints are meant to be spread on sheetrock or untreated wood walls. Because of this, the paint will dry differently or may be a slightly different color then it was when you used it on outside surfaces.
  
  Make sure you test it out on a swatch and allow the paint to dry before putting it on your walls.