Choosing the best paint for interior doors

29-12-2023

 

In the realm of interior design, your home's doors play a crucial role that goes beyond mere functionality. They significantly contribute to your space's overall aesthetic. Opting for the right paint for these doors can transform your rooms, giving them a fresh, updated appearance.

Yet, the abundance of options—varying brands, finishes, colors, and types—can make the decision-making process overwhelming when it comes to painting doors. This comprehensive guide delves into some of the top paints for interior doors, explores the specifics of latex and oil-based paints, and offers tips on achieving a professionally finished paint job.

By the end of this guide, you'll possess the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. Let's embark on the journey to enhance your interiors with the perfect paint choice for your doors.

Some Of The Best Paints For Interior Doors

Selecting the ideal paint for your interior doors is a significant decision in home improvement. Much like choosing exterior door paint, the selected paint should enhance the visual appeal and be durable and easy to apply. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into some of the best brands in the world of interior door painting, each bringing its unique strengths to the forefront.

Benjamin Moore

Renowned for its quality and durability, Benjamin Moore offers an extensive range of paint finishes suitable for interior doors. Notably, the Advance and Aura lines provide excellent coverage, easy application, and a robust finish that withstands regular cleaning.

Sherwin-Williams

A preferred choice among professionals, Sherwin-Williams boasts high-grade paints such as ProClassic and Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, ensuring durability, a smooth finish, and resistance to sticking.

Dulux

Dulux presents a variety of paints suitable for interior doors, with the Diamond Interior Acrylic standing out for its excellent flow, leveling properties, and visually pleasing smooth finish.

Farrow & Ball

For those seeking deep, rich colors and eco-friendly options, Farrow & Ball's Estate Eggshell is known for its environmentally conscious properties and luxurious pigments, adding a touch of luxury to your doors.

Valspar

Valspar's Cabinet Enamel stands out for its non-yellowing formula and easy-to-clean finish, making it an attractive choice for durable and visually appealing door paint.

Behr

Behr's Marquee Interior Semi-Gloss is a strong contender, offering outstanding coverage and durability, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

PPG

PPG offers a range of interior paints known for their resilience to wear and tear. For instance, the Manor Hall Interior Paint is praised for its excellent adhesion and resistance to spotting and streaking.

Glidden

Glidden provides good value for money with its Premium Interior Paint and Primer, praised for its low-VOC, low-odor formula and adequate coverage.

Rust-Oleum

Renowned for specialized paints, Rust-Oleum's Protective Enamel is particularly suited for doors due to its durable and chip-resistant finish.

KILZ

KILZ offers a range of paints suitable for doors, including their Tribute Satin Paint and Primer in One line. This series provides excellent coverage, easy application, and a variety of attractive colors, making it a versatile choice for doors in your home.

How To Paint Your Interior Doors?

A freshly painted door has the power to breathe new life into a room’s overall aesthetics. Whether your door is attached or detached can influence the best approach. Regardless of your choice, remember that thorough preparation is the key to successful painting; exercising patience throughout the process ultimately pays off.

Attached Doors

A majority of people can paint an interior door while it’s still attached to its frame. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Prepare the Area: Commence by safeguarding your floor with a drop cloth. Utilize painter's tape around door hardware and hinges, or opt for removal if feasible.

  • Clean the Door: Employ mild detergent to clean the door and eliminate dirt or grease. This step establishes a clean canvas for a smooth paint application.

  • Sand the Door: Gently sand the door to eliminate gloss from the previous finish. This enhances the new paint's adhesion.

  • Prime the Door: Apply a suitable primer, especially if transitioning from a darker color or working with bare wood. Ensure it dries completely before proceeding.

  • Paint the Door: Starting at the top, apply the initial coat of paint. Utilize a brush for intricate panels and corners, while a small roller works wonders on flat areas. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly before applying a second.

  • Reattach Hardware: Once the door is dry, carefully remove the painter's tape and reattach any hardware removed earlier.

Unattached Doors

Should you have the flexibility to remove your door, this method can simplify and refine the painting process:

  • Remove and Prepare the Door: Detach the door from its hinges and remove any associated hardware. Place it on a flat surface, ideally on a sawhorse, to facilitate easy access to all edges.

  • Clean and Sand the Door: Wash the door with mild detergent, rinse, and allow it to dry. Proceed lightly to sand the door, eliminating gloss from the previous finish.

  • Prime the Door: Apply a coat of primer and permit it to dry thoroughly. This step is crucial if you paint over a darker color or bare wood.

  • Paint the Door: Begin with the initial coat of paint, starting with panels and progressing toward the edges. A brush for detailed areas and a roller for larger, flat surfaces ensure a smooth finish. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat.

  • Reattach the Door: Reattach the hardware once the paint is dry and hang the door back on its hinges. Following these detailed steps ensures a beautifully painted interior door, elevating the overall appeal of your living space.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint for your interior doors is crucial for home design, impacting aesthetics and door longevity. We've covered vital considerations, including the paint type (latex or oil-based), each with unique benefits. Latex is user-friendly, eco-friendly, and resists yellowing, while oil-based provides durability with a smooth finish but demands more effort for application and cleaning. Consider factors like durability, finish type, color, and brand, with Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore standing out for quality. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference and your space's design aesthetic. Investing in quality paints ensures a professional and durable result.