Are you looking to elevate the look of your interior space? Giving your interior a fresh makeover isn’t just about the walls and trim. Choosing the best interior paint for doors is key, too! However, the type of paint sheen that looks best on doors may not be the same as what you choose for your walls and trim. Read on to learn what kind of paint is best for doors so you can create the long-lasting look you’re going for!
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The Importance of Choosing the Best Paint For Interior Doors
Choosing the best paint for interior doors is a key part of upgrading your interior space. Interior doors contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space. The paint you choose for your doors can create the perfect contrast or harmony with your walls, trim, and other decor and elements, depending on the aesthetic goals you have in mind.
Doors are high-traffic areas in your home, which is why it’s important to choose a paint finish that can withstand the constant opening and closing and potential scuffs and scratches. You’ll definitely want to choose a paint that is durable and long-lasting.
When it comes to choosing interior door paint, there are so many options out there. From different types of paints to different finishes (sheens), colors, and products, it can be hard to know what is best for your doors and your space.
Let’s dive into what type of paint is best for interior doors, including a breakdown of the best interior door sheens and our favorite products!
What Type of Paint Is Best For Doors?
When choosing the right type of paint for your interior doors, you’ll need to decide between water-based or oil-based paints, both of which are good options for interior doors. Each of these types of paints has different pros and cons, including different consistencies, adhesion levels, longevity, dry time, cleanability, etc.
At Oak City Coatings, we prefer water-based paints that have an enamel finish. This makes them harder than normal semi-gloss wall paints, hybrid acrylic alkyds, or urethane-based paints.
Urethane-based paints use urethane instead of latex in their chemical makeup, making them extremely hard and durable.
Water-Based Paints
Pros:
- Thinner consistency
- Dries faster
- Healthier options with less VOCs.
Cons:
- Visible brush marks
- Won’t last as long
Oil-Based Paints
Pros:
- Thicker consistency
- Smooth finish
- Minimal brush marks
Cons:
- Longer dry times.
- Increased VOCs.
What Sheen of Paint for Doors Should I Choose?
The sheen or finish of the paint you choose not only impacts the overall look, but also the durability and cleanability of the doors.
The five main types of paint finishes are:
- Flat and Matte
- Eggshell
- Satin
- Semi-gloss
- High-gloss
On the sheen level, you should aim to not go flatter than satin for interior doors. The glossier the finish, the more durable and easier to clean it is. Semi-gloss and high-gloss sheens are the best option for interior doors since they will be exposed to high-traffic, scrapes, scuffs, and other potential damages.
Best Interior Paint for Doors
After extensive research and experience in painting hundreds of interior doors over the years, our top recommendation for the best interior paint for doors is Sherwin-Williams Semi-Gloss Pro Classic.
This is a high-quality paint product that is both durable, easy to apply, and provides a long-lasting finish and visually-appealing look.
Best Paint for Interior and Exterior Doors
For doors that serve both interior and exterior purposes, we recommend the Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Enamel or the Sherwin-Williams Porch + Floor Enamel for your doors. Both of these products are designed specifically to withstand various weather conditions and traffic levels while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for guidance on choosing the best paint finishes for your interior walls and trim, check out these blog posts below:
No matter what sheen of paint you choose for your interior doors, we recommend choosing high-quality paints (like those mentioned above), and taking the time to properly prep your doors before painting. This will be key to achieving the look you desire.
If you’re looking for a trusted professional in the Raleigh area to help you with your next interior door project, visit our contact page to book your free consultation with our team!
