Which Trim Paint Is Ideal For An External Door?

Consumer Reports recommends semi-gloss paint for exterior doors and trim, with top paints from tests and tips on how to paint like a pro. Sheen options include satin, semigloss, or full gloss, and oil-based vs. latex paint. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Exterior Paint is the best overall choice, while Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Latex Paint is the winner-up.

Choosing trim paint colors, finishes, and brands can be a DIY project. Dulux Weathershield gloss is the best paint for front doors, especially in dark colors like black. Latex, acrylic, and oil-based paint are all good options, with epoxy paint being a more durable choice for doors subjected to heavy use. Behr Marquee Exterior is the best paint in our ratings, sold for $51 per gallon at Home Depot.

Oil-based paints leave fewer brush marks and produce a high-quality finish, but 100% acrylic paints are more expensive but cure harder and are less porous, making them durable and easy to clean. Oil-based paint stands up best to weathering, but it takes longer to dry than latex-based paint. Latex-based paint dries quicker and covers better compared to oil-based paint, and advancements have closed the durability gap between the two.

To prepare existing trim for paint, scrape off the old paint that has started to lift and chip using a Purdy 10-1 tool. Overall, choosing the right exterior trim paint is essential for a well-maintained and visually appealing home.

What is the best trim for outside use?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) trim is a low-maintenance option for homeowners seeking durability without constant maintenance. It is impervious to rot, moisture, and insect damage, making it suitable for any climate. Its easy-to-clean surface and absence of painting or staining reduce upkeep efforts. However, some may find its appearance less appealing than natural wood and its reaction to extreme temperature changes can pose challenges.

Fiber cement trim combines durability with aesthetics, withstanding rot, termites, and fire, offering an impressive lifespan. It can mimic the look of wood, but requires professional installation and periodic painting. Composite materials, a blend of wood fibers and plastics, are a robust, low-maintenance option for exterior trim. They resist common pitfalls of wood trim, such as rot, warping, and insect damage, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Although more expensive initially, their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements justify the investment. However, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of their production and disposal.

What do professionals use to paint trim?

The most durable paint for trim and baseboards is acrylic enamel or oil-based paint. Oil-based paints are smelly and hard to work with, while acrylic enamels like Insl-x are more expensive but harder to clean and durable. Insl-x Cabinet Coat has been a reliable choice for its ability to harden to a nice finish, resisting chipping, scuffing, food stains, grease, and water. It is available in a wide range of colors and two sheens, and has excellent flow and self-leveling properties. It can be dry to touch in 1 hour and can be recoat in 6 hours.

What color should exterior door trim be?

The trim around your front door can be painted to make it pop and add a pop of color. White is classic, but contrasting trim can make a colorful door stand out. Dark brown trim stands up to the emerald green door, making the scene look finished. Consult the Color Wheel to find the right colors to match the facade, trim, and shutters on your house. Treat the front door as an accent, like choosing the right throw pillow for your sofa.

First, find your house color and then look to the other side of the color wheel to find candidates for an accent color. For example, if your house is dark blue, look across the color wheel to yellows and oranges. Complementary colors, which are directly across from each other on the color wheel, give maximum contrast and drama while still looking pleasing together.

What paint finish is best for outside door?

Semi-gloss paint is the best choice for exterior doors due to its enhanced durability, better surface imperfections masking, and easier cleaning. It is also more cost-effective than flat or eggshell finishes. Exterior paint may have specific features designed to address specific needs, such as fade resistance and mold/mildew resistance. Most homeowners can benefit from using fade- or UV-resistant paint on west- or east-facing doors, as they are exposed to the most sunlight.

For areas with high precipitation and humidity, it is crucial to look for paint that protects against mold and mildew. Understanding these features is essential for the longevity and performance of the paint.

What kind of paint to use for outside door trim?

A solid exterior paint on a front door can increase a home’s value by up to $6, 000. However, the paint finish must be semi-gloss, as it provides a smoother surface and a visual contrast. Semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and will last for years, according to Richard Handel, a test engineer at Consumer Reports. He also recommends a semi-gloss finish for porch railings and porch-and-patio paint for the floor and stairs.

Spring and autumn are ideal times for repainting doors and trim due to warm weather and less disruptive rainstorms. Daytime temperatures between 50° F and 90° F with minimal wind are generally best for exterior paint jobs.

What is the best finish paint for trim and doors?

The paint sheen used for interior trim affects the level of light reflected off the finish. The most common and best sheen is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paints have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean, while semi-gloss paints have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. If you prefer a lower sheen or want to paint walls and trim the same color and sheen, use a satin paint finish. This is especially recommended for areas with imperfections in drywall. A full skim coat or “Level 5” finish can be done, but it can be expensive and not suitable for most applications.

What kind of trim do you use for an exterior door?

The appearance of trim in a home is crucial, as it interacts with the door and siding. Plastic trims like vinyl have wood grain appearance but have less appealing molded edges, making them less appealing. Aluminum and steel trims can develop a chalky paint surface over time, making it difficult to create a wood-look trim that looks right for the design. Natural wood trim is a versatile material that can be painted to match any siding, but it must resist insect activity and rot. Cedar is an option, but it often has issues with bleed-through and staining the trim’s color. Preservative-treated trim, like Belco’s XT trim, provides the desired appearance and performance.

What is the best paint finish for door trim?

The paint sheen used for interior trim affects the level of light reflected off the finish. The most common and best sheen is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paints have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean, while semi-gloss paints have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. If you prefer a lower sheen or want to paint walls and trim the same color and sheen, use a satin paint finish. This is especially recommended for areas with imperfections in drywall. A full skim coat or “Level 5” finish can be done, but it can be expensive and not suitable for most applications.

What is the best paint finish for exterior trim?

The optimal finish for exterior trim is typically satin, irrespective of the system in question. Backrolling paint is a popular option for repainting interior residential spaces, and the term “VOC” (volatile organic compound) is a common one in the context of paint product research. In order to demonstrate the advantages of Backrolling Paint, professionals frequently utilize videos of professional repainters.

What is the best paint for smooth finish trim?

The best paint for trim and doors is enamel paint, such as Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel. Enamel paints are durable and dry smooth, making them the best choice. Oil-based paint is another durable option, but has downsides like odor, longer drying time, and messy cleanup. Water-based paint can also be used, but requires proper prep and quality paint. Enamel paint is the best interior door paint and will always be the first choice for interior painting.

How do you paint exterior trim like a pro?

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to paint exterior wood trim. It covers cleaning, repairs, replacement of boards, caulk joints and small holes, scraping loose paint, priming, and painting. The process is not only easy but also provides protection for your home and increases curb appeal. Although it may be a smaller project, it is a valuable investment in your home’s overall aesthetics. The post emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and preparation to ensure a successful and visually appealing finish.