Best Paint for Interior Doors | Fall River Painting Experts
Interior doors are high-traffic elements in our homes. They get opened, closed, pushed, and sometimes bumped. Choosing the right paint for them isn't just about color; it's about durability, cleanability, and achieving a smooth, attractive finish that enhances your home's style.
What type of paint finish is best? Which brands hold up well? Let's explore the best options for painting interior doors to ensure they look great and withstand daily wear and tear.
Why does the right paint matter?
Doors require paint that can handle more abuse than typical walls:
• Durability: Needs to resist scuffs, scratches, and fingerprints.
• Cleanability: Should be easy to wipe down without damaging the finish.
• Smoothness: A smooth finish looks more professional and highlights the door's details.
• Blocking: Needs to resist "blocking" – the tendency for painted surfaces to stick together (like a door sticking to its frame).
Using standard wall paint on doors often leads to a finish that damages easily and looks worn out quickly.
Paint finish options
The sheen or finish of the paint plays a huge role in durability and appearance. for interior doors, these are the most recommended options:
• Satin: Offers a subtle sheen that's more durable and easier to clean than eggshell or flat finishes. It hides minor imperfections better than glossier options. It provides a modern, velvety look. Durability is good, but less robust than semi gloss.
• Semi-Gloss: This is the most popular and often recommended finish for doors and trim. It offers excellent durability, is highly resistant to moisture, and is very easy to clean. Its noticeable sheen reflects light and highlights architectural details (but also imperfections). It provides a sleek, polished look.
• High-Gloss: Provides the maximum durability and washability with a very shiny, reflective finish. It makes a bold statement and is excellent for high-traffic areas. However, it shows every imperfection on the surface, requiring meticulous prep work. It can look very modern or traditional depending on the context.
Flat or Eggshell finishes are generally not recommended for doors due to their lack of durability and difficulty cleaning.
Which to choose?
- Semi-Gloss: The go-to choice for most homeowners due to its balance of durability, cleanability, and attractive sheen.
- Satin: A great alternative if you prefer a slightly lower sheen than semi-gloss but still want good durability.
- High-Gloss: Best for making a statement or for doors that see extremely heavy use, provided the surface is perfectly prepped.
Best paint brands for doors
Look for high-quality paints specifically designed for doors, trim, and cabinets. These often have self-leveling properties for a smoother finish and enhanced durability. Some reputable options include:
• Benjamin Moore Advance (Waterborne Alkyd): Cures to a hard, furniture-like finish. Excellent durability and leveling.
• Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel: Known for its toughness, smooth finish, and resistance to blocking.
• Behr Premium Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel: Offers good durability and a smooth application.
Using high-quality paint is worth the investment for a longer-lasting finish. H2: How to apply paint for a smooth finish?
Achieving a professional look requires good technique:
• Preparation: Clean the door thoroughly. Fill any holes or imperfections. Lightly sand glossy surfaces. Prime if necessary (especially over oil-based paint or bare wood).
• Remove Hardware: Take off doorknobs and hinges for a cleaner job.
• Use Quality Tools: A high-quality angled brush for details and a mini-roller (foam or microfiber) for flat panels work well.
• Paint Panels First: If the door has panels, paint these first, followed by the horizontal rails, and finally the vertical stiles.
• Thin Coats: Apply thin, even coats to avoid drips and runs. Allow proper drying time between coats (check the can).
• Sanding Between Coats (Optional): For the smoothest finish, lightly sand with very fine-grit sandpaper (220+) between coats, wiping away dust before recoating.
Get professional interior painting help
Painting interior doors requires patience and attention to detail for a truly professional result. If you want flawless, durable doors without the DIY hassle, Pessotti Construction offers expert interior painting services in Fall River, MA, and surrounding areas.
We handle all the prep work and use high-quality paints and techniques for a beautiful, long-lasting finish on your doors, trim, and walls. contact us today for a free estimate!
