What Paint Finish Should Be Applied To Interior Doors?

Painting interior doors can be a quick, easy, and affordable way to refresh your home’s interior spaces. It can add a pop of accent color, complement existing walls and trim, or refurbish worn, scratched doors. To achieve a professional-looking paint job, follow these steps: clean, prep, and prime the door. Determine the previous paint type and determine if you’ll need a fresh coat. Choose an interior door paint color that matches the trim.

For interior doors, an eggshell finish is recommended due to its durability. You can choose a more matt finish (10 sheen interior eggshell) or a durable gloss or semi-gloss sheen that makes them easy to clean. Paint in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to circulate the air. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are popular choices for doors due to their subtle shine and easy-to-clean characteristics. Glossy finishes can provide a more striking look but may highlight any imperfections on the door’s surface.

At Oak City Coatings, they prefer water-based paints with an enamel finish, which makes them harder than normal semi-gloss wall paints, hybrid acrylic alkyds, or oil-based paints. High-gloss and semi-gloss finishes are generally the top picks due to their balance of durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic versatility. For a more modern approach with a velvety matte finish, go with satin or eggshell. High-gloss and semi-gloss finishes are easier to clean, while matte finishes might require more maintenance.

Water-based enamel paints like Dulux Aquanamel are perfectly fine for painting doors and architraves. Watch our how-to video to learn the best way to paint your interior doors with expert tips along the way.

What paint finish is best for interior doors?

For interior doors, avoid satin finishes and opt for glossier finishes for durability and easy cleaning. Semi-gloss and high-gloss sheens are best due to high-traffic exposure and potential damage. Sherwin-Williams Semi-Gloss Pro Classic is the top recommendation for interior paint due to its durability, ease of application, and long-lasting finish. This high-quality paint product provides a visually appealing look and is easy to apply, making it a durable and easy-to-clean option.

Is oil or latex paint better for interior doors?

Oil-based paints are ideal for high-traffic areas due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and better adhesion to metal surfaces like stair railings, gates, and garage doors. They are not based on water suspension, preventing rust development. Oil-based paints are also suitable for metal railings, steel windows, and iron cast tubs, as they are not easily scuffed or peel. Specialized paints designed for metal surfaces are also available, although they may not be as common as latex paints. Overall, oil-based paints offer a more durable and easy-to-clean option for various surfaces.

Should interior doors be sanded before painting?

Prior to the application of paint, it is recommended that the door be cleaned with a degreasing agent, that any holes be filled with sandable filler or spackle, and that the surface be sanded with 120-grit sandpaper in order to achieve a smoother finish. It is imperative that dust be removed from the surface subsequent to sanding before priming or painting.

Is satin OK for interior doors?

Satin is a lustrous, lustrous paint finish that resists dirt, mildew, and stains, making it an ideal choice for interior doors. Brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer stunning satin finishes in various colors. Semi-gloss is more reflective and durable, easy to clean, and resistant to wear and tear. Lighter colors show less dirt and damage over time. Gloss offers the highest level of shine and durability, but may highlight imperfections on the door surface. Proper preparation is crucial before applying this finish, but it can provide a striking, contemporary look.

Should doors be painted gloss or flat?

To prime an exterior door, use approximately one quart of paint. If you don’t have a glass or storm door, use exterior paint. Glossy paints are preferred for doors and trim as they highlight architectural features and last longer. It’s crucial to choose between latex or oil-based paint, as oil over latex paint isn’t recommended. The primer should match the paint type. If you have a storm or glass door, paint it in place or remove it from the hinges to protect your home. If you prefer to remove the door, tape a tarp over the opening. Prime the door before painting if changing colors. Remove all hardware, whether painting in place or on sawhorses.

Do designers use satin or eggshell?

Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the type of paint for interior painting. Satin Finish paint is preferred due to its “gleanability” and easy cleaning properties. Glossy finishes are more reflective than Flat or Matte finishes, making imperfections more visible. Flat and Matte finish paints are ideal for covering walls with flaws or blemishes, as they absorb light and “hide” bumps and lines. Consumers and designers often prefer Eggshell or Satin paint due to their reputation for a “chalky” look after using low-quality flat paints.

Freeland Painting professionals recommend using superior grades of flat paint to avoid this issue. Harmony paint by SW is recommended for interior projects, as it removes the illusion of chalkiness and provides a warmer atmosphere. Overall, choosing the right paint for your home depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your project.

How do you get a smooth finish when painting an interior door?

In the case of a plain door, it is recommended that a foam roller be used to apply the paint, with an angled brush employed for the sides. It is advisable to avoid the formation of roller lap marks and to smooth the paint surface with a lightly loaded roller. In the case of a panel door, it is recommended to utilise an angled brush for the recessed areas and to apply paint to the raised areas. The paint should be rolled down the center of the door with the aid of a foam roller. This process ensures a smooth and clean finish.

What is the most common paint finish for interior walls?

Eggshell finish is a popular wall paint with a low sheen and soft, smooth texture, which lends itself well to low- to mid-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, entryways, and family rooms.

Should interior doors be gloss or satin?

Satin paint is a medium-sheen finish paint suitable for interior woodwork that needs to be painted but is not in perfect condition. It is less reflective than gloss paint, allowing it to hide small imperfections like dents, scratches, or chips. Satin paint is versatile, available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and can be used on various surfaces like trim, cabinetry, and doors. It is also less slippery than gloss paint, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, staircases, and entryways. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners who want a soft, muted look without the drama of gloss.

What paint finish do interior designers use?

Water-based latex paint in an eggshell finish is the most popular type for interior walls, ceilings, doors, and trim. There are three main types of house paint: eggshell, semigloss, and matte. Eggshell is durable and easy to clean, semigloss is great for accents and trim, and matte is great for older walls to hide imperfections.

The paint finish can change color, but the differences are subtle. High-gloss paint makes colors look more vibrant and saturated, while gloss and semigloss add a sense of glamour and vividness. Satin finishes have a smooth, gentle glow and more sheen than eggshell, making colors appear brighter. It is recommended to test samples on a small section of the wall under different lighting conditions to find the best paint type for your needs.

What is the best paint resistant to scratches on interior doors?

Benjamin Moore Scuff X is a durable latex-based paint suitable for woodwork, walls, and metal trim. Available in Satin, Eggshell, and Matt finishes, it is resistant to scuffs, scratches, and general wear and tear. It requires minimal maintenance and is ideal for interior doors, skirtings, and sills. Scuff X can be washed, wiped, or scrubbed without damaging the color or finish. It has a low odor despite medium VOC and dries quickly. Available in 3, 500 colors, Scuff X is scratch, scratch, and general wear and tear resistant.

Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Satin is a water-based, durable satin paint designed for interior joinery like doors. It has excellent opacity, a smooth, low-sheen finish, and all the characteristics of a traditional oil-based paint, with added benefits like quick drying, low odor, and non-yellowing.