Sikkens Interior vs. Exterior Finishes
Hi,
I am about to finish some exterior doors with Sikkens clear (Cetol 1? -it’s at the job site). I have only been able to find the exterior product and the local stores have never stocked interior.
I’ve been told that the only or main difference is the interior is harder to hold up to cleanings and resist stains better and the exterior more elastic to withstand wood movement outside.
Since I’m finishing an exterior door should I use exterior on both sides? It’s actually an accordian “slider” so will be exposed to exterior quite often.
Will using an exterior on interior surfaces in general cause problems down the road? it’s it really that bad of an idea and some thing to avoid absolutely?
I really like the product as it seems to brush and lay down very nicely, WAY better than any others I have used in the past and this is a plus for me.
Thanks,
Warren
Replies
I don't think there's any harm in using exterior finishes inside. They aren't formulated to stand up to fingerprints, cleaning techniques, etc, and may haze over time due to the way they're designed to interact with sun and rain. But the world won't come to an end.
The biggest danger is that the surface will remain a little oily and/or soft compared to interior finishes. But, as I said, the world won't come to an end.