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Best door paints


How to Choose the Best Exterior Door Paint for Your Front Door (And Why)

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Q: I want to repaint my front door to cover up some old water stains and add curb appeal. What is the best paint for front doors?

A: A fresh coat of paint can hide minor imperfections on your front door, defend it against harsh outdoor elements, and boost curb appeal in a big way. But to get these entryway assets, you can’t slap on any old paint. The best paint for a front door will have a blend of qualities that maintain its integrity and good looks in the face of stormy weather and scorching sun. You’ll want to consider paint durability, sheen, color, and suitability for the material of the door. Read on to learn how to pick the right products for your front door, plus color selection and application tips to ensure professional quality results.

RELATED: How To: Paint Your Front Door

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How to Pick the Best Front Door Paint

Every DIYer tackling a paint project should bone up on the different types of paint, suited to different surfaces and locations, as well as the basics of paint selection. Then consider the paint properties that best suit the surface of your front door, keeping in mind the durability of color and finish.

First, look for paint (or a paint-and-primer product) that is labeled “exterior” or “interior/exterior.”

Front doors must withstand temperature fluctuations, rain, hail, snow, and dirt, and only paints labeled “exterior” (formulated only for exterior use) or “interior/exterior” will prove up to the

task. These thicker paint formulas contain more resins, pigments, and resiliency additives than interior paints, which makes them resistant to staining, chipping, fading, and peeling. (By contrast, interior paints can only tolerate light wear-and-tear.)

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Both dedicated exterior paint (used on top of a separate primer, discussed in detail below) and exterior primer-and-paint-in-one products make great front door paint. Today’s primer-and-paint combination formulas often cost half as much as separate primer and paint and can provide equally good coverage in some scenarios. Using one will also cut down the hours spent on the project, saving you from applying the standard two coats of primer and allowing adequate dry time in between. The choice of separate paint and primer versus a primer-and-paint product should come down to the condition of your door.

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A primer-and-paint product may be sufficient if:

A separate paint and primer are needed to improve paint adhesion if:

Always use a coordinating exterior primer if one isn’t built into your paint.

If a separate paint and primer are needed, be sure that the primer is labeled for exterior or interior/exterior use. Applying primer may seem like a pesky step—perhaps not as satisfying as seeing that pretty new color transform your door—but it’s essential. It helps hide stains and covers the old shade, allowing you to use less paint for full coverage and vibrancy. Primer also gives the surface the proper texture and porousness, so the final results will hold up.

Either a water-based primer (Zinsser Bulls Eye Primer, $22.98 for one gallon at Home Depot) or an oil-based interior/exterior primer (e.g., KILZ Interior/Exterior Primer, Sealer, and Stain Blocker, $22.98 for one gallon at Home Depot) should suffice. But if you’re painting over an existing oil-based paint coat with water-based paint coat, you must use bonding primer (e.g., KILZ Adhesion Bonding Primer, $42.98 for one gallon at Home Depot), a special primer formulated to stick to glossy surfaces like that of an oil-based paint coat.

The color of the primer should also be close to that of the paint, such as, for example, a light gray primer for a lilac door. You can also ensure a perfect color match by buying a white primer and having it custom-tinted at the store to match your chosen door paint color.

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Let door material dictate your choice of paint base, oil or water.

Exterior paints come in water- and oil-based varieties. Water-based (a.k.a. latex) paints have excellent color retention, which makes them well suited to front doors exposed to the elements. Water-based paints are also a more eco-friendly choice, as they produce fewer fumes. Not only do they dry faster than oil-based paints, they can be successfully applied on top of oil-based paint.

Oil-based paints are a more durable choice, largely because they contain pigment and resin in a solvent thinner; when the thinner evaporates, the resin forms a hard coating that resists stains. But oil-based paint emits more fumes and takes longer to dry than latex paint.

If your front door is made of wood, start the selection process by investigating the best paint for wood surfaces. Then narrow your choices, based on the ideal type of paint for your door, be it wood or some other material.

Go for a semi-gloss finish, which is as durable as it is attractive.

Exterior paints are sold in flat/matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss sheens, in order of the lowest to the highest luster. Semi-gloss is ideal for front doors, as it’s more wear- and stain-resistant than flatter sheens. It’s also more reflective, which means it easily wipes clean, highlights carvings or other architectural flourishes on the door, and provides an attractive pop of shine in the entryway. Semi-gloss will also mask imperfections better than a high gloss sheen, which can draw attention to divots, errant brush strokes, and other minor flaws.

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RELATED: Welcome Home: 11 Fresh Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Door

Prioritize fade resistance.

Without a storm door, awning, or a shade tree to protect your front door from direct sunlight exposure, the onslaught of UV rays can eventually fade its paint color. Front doors with east or west exposures are even more prone to fading. Fortunately, today’s exterior paints are often formulated with fade-resistant properties.

Look for exterior paints labeled “fade-resistant” or “UV-resistant,” which will include colorfast pigments and a higher volume of binders than ordinary paints. This allows them to retain a crisp color despite prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. While no paint is fade proof, modern exterior paints may only fade 1 to 3 percent per year, while older products would fade average 7 percent a year in direct sun.

Select low-LRV paint colors, which tend to be more muted, to preserve the color and the door itself.

While buying a fade-resistant paint will help color stay true, it’s also crucial to consider the light reflectance value (LRV) of the color. This value, rated on a scale of 0 to 100, indicates how much light reflects from the paint color when dry. The higher the LRV, the more light the color reflects, and the less likely the paint finish is to fade with sun exposure.

The LRV will be listed on the paint manufacturer’s website or on the paint chip, a card showing the range of colors available for a particular paint brand. Look for an LRV of at least 55 to ensure that your painted door reflects a fair amount of sunlight to retain color. In general, lighter, more muted shades, such as beige or mint green, have a higher LRV, whereas darker, richer colors, such as cherry red or navy blue, have a lower LRV.

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Black paint, which often has an LRV of 0, depending on the brand, reflects virtually no light, meaning it will absorb most of the light that hits it and fade quickly. In fact, certain door manufacturers will void your warranty if you paint the door black because high heat absorption can warp the door. However, if your warranty will allow it and your front door is shaded, you might still find the color’s positive impact on home resale value worth the risk. The Paint Color Analysis survey performed by real estate database Zillow found that homes with black or charcoal gray front doors sold for $6,271 more than expected in homes around the country.

Pick rot-resistant paint if you see a lot of rain or snow.

Traditional exterior paints are certainly more rot-resistant than interior paints, but they can still form a fair amount of mildew or mold with enough exposure to water and humidity. So look for a paint specifically labeled “mildew-resistant” or “mold-resistant,” especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or snow. These paints are formulated with antimicrobial chemicals that prevent mildew and mold from setting in for a period of years indicated on the paint container.

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Must-Know Tips for Choosing Front Door Colors

Now that you’ve got a handle on the paint properties that will best serve your front door, it’s time for the fun part: picking the perfect color that meshes with the rest of your home’s exterior.   While black and dark gray still rate high when it comes to resale value, you still have freedom of choice!

RELATED: 11 Problems You Can Solve with Paint

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Tips for Painting the Front Door

Consider this professional guidance when tackling your front door paint project for great-looking, long-lasting results.

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How to Choose the Best Paint for Exterior Doors | Plastpro

Giving the front door a new coat of paint can be an easy and exciting way to add front door curb appeal and refresh the look of your home. Choosing a new front door color can be exciting, but choosing the best type of paint to use is equally important.

There are a few key considerations when choosing the best paint for exterior doors. Let’s take a look at what to consider when choosing paint for your exterior door.

Choosing the Best Paint for Exterior Doors

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to finding the best paint for exterior doors. This will come down to a variety of factors, some of which will vary from situation to situation. That being said, there are some universal considerations that can influence both the quality and effectiveness of the paint.

Ensure the paint is for exterior use

While it may seem obvious, it’s important to choose paint that is specifically designed for exterior use. Exterior door paint is typically thicker and contains more additives to help stand up against the elements. Being that interior door paint is thinner and less durable, painting an exterior door with interior paint will likely result in peeling and fading far more quickly than if exterior paint is used.

Choose a latex-based paint when possible

While it’s not best for all situations, opting for a latex-based paint (also known as water-based paint) whenever possible is recommended. Latex-based paint dries quicker and covers better compared to oil-based paint, and advancements have closed the durability gap between the two paint types. If you have a fiberglass door, latex-based paint is always a great choice.

One of the most important reasons to opt for latex-based paint is that it’s more environmentally friendly and produces less paint fumes than oil-based paints. Not only does this make it an eco-conscious choice, it’s also better for your health. Many oil-based paint formulas include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released as vapors when the paint dries. VOCs are hazardous to health—some states have chosen to ban their use altogether.

Modern latex-based paint is equipped to handle all door materials, though there are a few situations where oil-based paint may perform better; for example, wood that bleeds, such as cedar, can benefit from oil-based paint. Painting one of these doors with latex-based paint can result in tannin bleed-through, leading to yellowish-brown stains on the door. If necessary, look for oil-based paints with no VOCs added.

Go with a semi-gloss finish

While you may be inclined to choose a paint finish based on personal preference or style, semi-gloss paint is the ideal choice for exterior doors. Semi-gloss paint offers enhanced durability against wear-and-tear and harsh weather compared to flat or eggshell finishes, and it masks surface imperfections better than high-gloss. The glossiness also makes the door easier to clean as compared to flat or eggshell finishes.

Know which features you need

In addition to paint base and finish, exterior paint may also come with certain features designed to address specific needs. Knowing which features you need is essential for the longevity and performance of the paint.

Two common exterior paint features are fade resistance and mold/mildew resistance. Most homeowners can benefit from using fade- or UV-resistant paint on their exterior doors, but this is most important for those with either west- or east-facing doors, as they will be exposed to the most sunlight. For those in areas with high precipitation and humidity, it’s especially important to look for exterior paint that protects against mold and mildew. 

By identifying these needs ahead of time, you can choose a paint that will last longer under the conditions your door is exposed to and can save you time and money in the long run.

Paint-and-Primer vs. Paint and Primer

Did you spot the difference? When shopping for paint, you may come across paint-and-primer combination formulas—meaning no need to buy paint and primer separately. This can seem like a great idea being that it is typically more affordable and will save you time by allowing you to apply both simultaneously.

However, it’s vital to know which situations paint-and-primer is best used in. While it may save time and money, it also may not be the best solution for your door, which can result in more work in the future.

Paint-and-primer combinations are best utilized in situations where the paint doesn’t need to do a lot of work, such as when painting a new, unpainted door or painting your door the same color. For tougher jobs, applying paint and primer separately is recommended. This can include painting a door that is stained or painted a dark color (especially when changing to a lighter color) or when the existing paint is worn and peeling.

Choose high quality paint

Chances are there will be numerous cans of paint that fit the description you’re looking for. While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, spending a bit more to get high quality exterior paint can make a world of difference—and it can save you time and money in the long run. 

While price doesn’t always equal quality, it’s safe to assume that, when it comes to paint, higher price options will last longer. Set your budget, and then choose a paint that comes as close to it as possible. That way, you know you’re getting the best investment for your money.

Get Started on Painting Your Exterior Door

Once you’ve taken all the major factors into consideration and selected the best paint for your exterior doors, it’s time to start painting. Plastpro has guides on how to paint both woodgrain and smooth skin doors available for reference.

If you’re looking to pair a brand new door with an exterior paint of your choice, check out Plastpro’s fiberglass doors, including the Smooth Skin Door Series. Available in a pre-pigment white skins, the Smooth Skin series can be easily painted any color of your choice

To find out where to get a Plastpro fiberglass door today, visit our Where to Buy page to find where Plastpro doors are sold near you.

paint overview, work tips

One way or another, everyone needs a cosmetic renovation of the apartment. Usually start with wallpapering. And then there is a need to replace the internal interior doors. But this is not at all necessary. Old ones are often made of much better quality, from good wood, and it is only necessary to make some effort to transform them. Any person armed with knowledge of modern paints and varnishes and familiar with painting technology can give an old interior door a new life, fit it into an updated interior.

The easiest way to do this is with brushes, rollers and a can of paint.

Types of paints for painting interior doors

Paints for interior doors are of the following types:

Varnishes

If you remove the layers of old paint, which are probably on the old door, with thinner and emery, you can see an interesting and beautiful wood pattern. In this case, for painting it is better to choose a varnish for interior work. Clear or tinted, highlights the natural patterns of the wood and gives the door a fresh look. Before varnishing, you can use various tinted impregnations based on natural oils, which can help change the color, make the wood more resistant to environmental influences, and the varnish film will further consolidate the effect.

The lacquer is almost odorless, dries quickly and is quite safe. The varnish is conveniently applied and does not spread over the surface, however, modern high-quality varnishes are not cheap.

Alkyd enamels

The most common paint for interior doors is alkyd enamel. These paints are cheap, have a rich color palette and, once dry, provide a very durable finish. The main disadvantage of using alkyd enamel is the strong smell of fumes , which does not weather for more than a day. The evaporation of enamel solvents can lead to allergies and even poisoning, therefore, to use this paint, it is necessary either to ensure the absence of tenants in the apartment, or to work outdoors.

Acrylic enamels

If these conditions are not met, acrylic enamel can be used to paint interior doors. These paints are practically odorless, but the resulting coating is not very resistant. Acrylic enamels create a matte finish, so most often acrylic varnish is applied over the enamel, thanks to which the surface acquires a gloss and added durability of coating. The wide color palette of these paints allows them to be used to find various design solutions.

Nitro-paints

When painting interior wooden doors, nitro-paints or nitro-varnishes are considered to be the best materials in terms of coating durability. However, protective equipment, such as a respirator, is necessary to use them, as the paint is highly toxic and can cause an allergic reaction. For its use, the absence of people or work in the fresh air is necessary. In addition, road nitro paint . But the quality of the cover justifies the price.

General tips for painting interior doors

For do-it-yourself cosmetic repairs of interior doors, in addition to the selected paint, you need:

To prepare the door for painting, it is necessary to remove a layer of old paint. The easiest and most effective way to do this is with a building hair dryer, but if it is not available, you can get by with a spatula and sandpaper. Some paints, such as vinyl and nitrocellulose, can be easily removed with chemical solvents. Modern products of this type are in the form of gels, powders and liquids. They are applied to the surface to be cleaned and kept for some time, which is indicated on the packaging of the solvent.

After removing the old coating, the door must be washed and cracks and chips, if any, should be repaired with putty. After the putty has dried, the surface must be carefully sanded with a fine sandpaper and washed again.

Paint over only after complete drying. To improve the quality of the coating, the door must be removed from the hinges - so you can avoid bumps and streaks when applying the paint layer.

Before starting work, the fittings that cannot be removed are pasted over with masking tape. It will also help keep the glass inserts clean and allow, if necessary, to carefully paint the door in several colors.

Before painting, it is better to treat a wooden interior door with primer , which will improve the adhesion of the paint to the wood and reduce its consumption. The primer is selected for each type of paint individually.

When choosing a primer and paint, it is also necessary to take into account which areas of the apartment the door separates. If you have to paint the door to the bathroom, then you should choose varnishes and paints marked "waterproof" and with an antifungal effect.

What paint to paint interior doors and how to do it?

28.06.2022

Contents:

If you're renovating your home, and not just changing the door frame, then you are wondering: what paint should you choose in order to update the color of windows and doors? Very important question. Indeed, in addition to a pleasant color, the material should be odorless. How to choose a high-quality and suitable product among all the presented options?

Paints for painting interior doors are divided into several types:

Special attention should be paid to eco paint if you have children. Such a product will not harm a fragile body, but the price of such a product will be much higher than that of the options presented earlier.

How to choose door paint?

Doors of old designs are made durable and high quality. Valuable tree species were used in the manufacture. That layer of paint that has accumulated on the surface over the years spoils the view. But there are plenty of ways to update the color of a door without ruining the structure of the item.

All doors are made of wood or modern materials that imitate a natural resource. Paint can have a different composition, so not everyone knows which product is suitable for which surface.

Before starting work, you need to understand what stages it consists of.

1. First you need to choose a dye. If the repair is carried out where you live at the moment, then it is better to choose odorless materials. This point is important to think about right away.

2. Then prepare the surface for applying a new coat of paint by removing the old one. Color will fall well only on a clean door.

3. Apply primer next. This will improve the adhesion of the surfaces, which is very important if you want to enjoy your work for a long time.

4. And the last step is painting. First read the instructions and properly apply the product on the door.

What are the criteria for choosing paint?

Coating materials are:

Acrylic paints come in a huge variety of colors and when choosing something for yourself, do not forget about this product.

We come to the conclusion that alkyd enamel is best suited for painting interior wooden doors in a room without tenants. It is very budget-friendly and has a rich color spectrum. It can paint almost any surface. But there is one drawback - the smell. This problem can be solved by removing the door from the hinges or by protecting yourself with protective equipment.

However, there is another painting option, which is considered very good - acrylic enamel. It has a unique composition and is suitable for all surfaces. You will also choose from a huge variety of colors, but you won't smell it. In addition, there is another difference from the previous version - fragility. A layer of such paint will have to be covered with acrylic varnish. This will protect the surface from mechanical damage and add shine.

Nitrolacquer and nitropaint are highly durable and toxic. Often it is used for painting natural wood doors. But do not forget about its harmful qualities, if you like this method of painting, use protective equipment when working with the material. This will help protect you from its negative impact.

Renovating a door gives it a second chance and after a while it looks like new. If you take this matter seriously, you can easily fit it into any interior, completing the complete picture of the interior.

Choosing a color

A definite plus of repainting the door is that you will have many different colors in front of you. On an interior door, for example in a nursery, you can create a magical picture by painting it with scenes from your favorite cartoons and fairy tales.

The door will also be protected by a durable coating after the surface has been painted. But in case of scratches and other mechanical damage, it will be possible to simply paint over the problem area. Of course, only if no varnish was applied after the paint layer. Then you have to remove all the material and apply again.

A pet, as practice shows, does not try to sharpen its claws on a painted door, which is undoubtedly a plus for any owner.

Painted surfaces require little maintenance. You do not need various detergents and polishes. Water and a sponge are enough to remove dirt. In extreme cases, a mild soapy solution will help.

Of course, everyone will choose a color for personal reasons, but there are still some tips on this matter.

If the bedroom set is white, then the door of the same color, decorated with golden panels, will look most pleasant.

The beauty and comfort of a wooden house will be emphasized by a natural wood door covered with oil impregnation.

A door of the same color matches furniture of different colors.

If you are a connoisseur of the past and you have old and antique furniture, then the door can be artificially aged.

Water-based paints are the safest for people and pets, so you need to pay attention to such a product.

Tikkurila, MASTER LUX AQUA have characteristics such as moisture resistance and elasticity. But Wood Dye deserves more attention. It is designed for wooden doors and is available in 11 colors, but they can be combined if desired.

Sometimes after renovation it becomes clear that the room is too dark. This can be corrected by using paint to match the color of light-colored curtains or furniture upholstery.

Also in the opposite direction: if the room is empty and monotonous, then a dark door block will help dilute boring walls.

Some tricks

These tips will make your job much easier: