What Paint Finish To Use On Interior Doors And Trim

When it comes to painting interior doors and trim, choosing the right paint finish is essential for both aesthetics and durability. Different finishes offer varying levels of sheen, durability, and ease of cleaning, so it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.

Here are the most common paint finishes used on interior doors and trim, along with their pros and cons:

Flat

Flat paint has no sheen, giving it a matte finish. It's a good choice for hiding imperfections in the surface, but it's not as durable as other finishes and is more difficult to clean.

Matte

Matte paint has a very low sheen, giving it a slightly more reflective finish than flat paint. It's still good at hiding imperfections, but it's also more durable and easier to clean than flat paint.

Eggshell

Eggshell paint has a soft, velvety sheen. It's more durable than flat or matte paint, and it's also easy to clean. It's a good choice for areas that get moderate traffic, such as bedrooms and living rooms.

Satin

Satin paint has a slight sheen that gives it a more polished look. It's very durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss paint has a higher sheen than satin paint. It's extremely durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for areas that need to be frequently cleaned, such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, it can also be more difficult to apply evenly.

Gloss

Gloss paint has the highest sheen of all the finishes. It's very durable and easy to clean, but it can also be difficult to apply evenly and can show imperfections in the surface. It's best used sparingly, such as on accent pieces or trim.

In addition to the sheen level, you should also consider the type of paint you use. Latex paint is the most common type of paint used on interior doors and trim. It's water-based, so it's easy to clean up and dries quickly. Oil-based paint is more durable than latex paint, but it's also more difficult to apply and takes longer to dry.

Once you've considered your needs and preferences, you can choose the right paint finish for your interior doors and trim. With a little care and attention, you can achieve a beautiful and durable finish that will last for years to come.