Also, keep in mind that while eggshell paint is good for medium-traffic rooms, it will not hold up to the beating that high-traffic surfaces, like door panels, mudrooms, garage spaces, and others get.
Semigloss is the best paint finish for interior doors and trim. The reason being, semi-gloss can take up quite an abuse and stand up to nicks and scrapes better than any other sheen, flat or eggshell finish. The large surfaces gather dust just like your furniture.
For Doors: Semi-gloss acrylic latex paint is often the best choice for its balance of durability, ease of application, and maintenance. For Trim: Semi-gloss or satin finishes work well, depending on the desired level of sheen.
A: It is suitable for doors, windows, skirting boards, furniture, cupboards, kitchen cabinets, wall panels and radiators.
Semi-gloss is the most recommended paint sheen for doors and trim, but design rules are always meant to be broken.
Avoid using eggshell paint in high-contact, high-traffic areas such as door and window trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. It's best to use semi-gloss paint in these areas.
The more gloss present in the paint, the more durable it is. This degree of durability makes gloss paint a popular choice for areas subjected to heavy wear and tear, such as doors, trim, and cabinetry.
When it comes to interior doors & other woodwork, the choice is between an eggshell, satin or gloss finish, depending on the level of durability and the finish you desire. Eggshell as the flattest finish can provide a beautifully modern look, while gloss provides the most durability against scratches and knocks.
Short or medium pile microfibre mini rollers are the best when applying water-based, woodwork paints, such as Quick Dry Eggshell, Quick Dry Satinwood or Quick Dry Gloss. Avoid using foam mini rollers when applying Quick Dry products, as these can cause paint bubbles to form when rolled onto the surface.
In high traffic areas especially, a repaint can really transform the room, giving it a clean, crisp finish. Enamel paint is the best choice, as it breathes new life into old doors, windows and trim by giving it a durable, long lasting finish.
Of the two, satin is more durable and is slightly less likely to scuff or mark than eggshell and it's easier to clean when it does get marked. This makes it a better choice, especially for woodwork such as painting skirting boards, than eggshell for high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Once you have applied paint to a section of the door, use the lay off technique to smooth it out. Gently drag a clean, dry brush or roller over the wet painted surface in one long stroke. This should be done from top to bottom to remove any excess paint and eliminate brush marks.
If you want to go for a bolder statement go for the full gloss, but if it's something more subtle you're after opt for the sophisticated eggshell finish. For exterior woodwork Farrow and Ball recommend using a wood primer and undercoat for both before you get the paint on.
If you scrub too hard, you might leave behind faded or discolored areas. Eggshell- and satin-finish paints tend to be easier to clean than flat finishes but require a gentler touch than semi- or high-gloss paint. Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft, warm cloth. Test a small area first.
Sherwin-Williams recommends using our SnapDry™ Door and Trim Paint, a durable acrylic latex paint that dries quickly so that you can complete your project faster. Plus, using a higher sheen, like Satin or Semi-Gloss, will make it easier to hide imperfections and clean the door in the future.
If you're wondering, does eggshell paint need a primer, it's worth knowing that it's actually self-undercoating, so you can get a great finish from just two coats. It's why so many choose eggshell paint for skirting boards as it is quick and easy to apply.
Satin and low-lustre paints have a slightly higher sheen than eggshell finishes. Paints in this category are warmer and provide a greater appearance of depth than flat paints. They also resist stains better than flat paints.
Satin finishes provide a subtle sheen that is more lustrous than a flat paint finish but not as shiny as a semi-gloss. This finish tends to resist dirt, mildew, and stains, which makes it an excellent choice for interior doors.
Go with a semi-gloss finish
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.
To apply flat, eggshell, or satin paints and stains, a knit roller cover is recommended. Knit roller covers can pick up and release higher amounts of paint than woven fabrics because the fibers have a looped backing with a single pass-through process resulting in a more “open” fabric.
For front doors, glossy or semi-gloss paints are frequently used, but flat or eggshell finishes are also an option.
An angled brush is ideal for painting in tight, detailed areas such as around the trim and edges. A foam roller is perfect for larger, flat surfaces of the door, as it provides a smooth finish without any streaks.
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.