Semi-gloss is ideal for front doors, as it's more wear- and stain-resistant than flatter sheens.
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.
Glossy or semi-gloss paints are typically used for front doors, but an eggshell or flat finish are also available. When considering flat paint, remember that it is harder to clean and will show scrapes and nicks better than a glossy paint.
A front door could be painted in a satin or gloss finish – exterior paints are sold in both these finishes as well as flatter options. Gloss has more luster than satin paint and is generally more durable, and easier to clean, but satin can still be a great choice for a front door if you prefer less sheen.
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.
If you do not have a glass or storm door that stands between your door and the elements, you'll want to make certain you use exterior paint. While you can choose any finish, glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim, because they stand out and highlight these architectural features.
Most paints come in flat (sometimes called matte), satin, semi gloss and high-gloss. For my door I choose semi gloss. I usually prefer flat because I like how it doesn't reflect light. But for a front door semi gloss or high-gloss is a better option because it can be cleaned more easily.
Exterior paint, particularly if it's being used on a front door, needs to be both durable and attractive. Sheens run from flat to semi- and high-gloss. Flat paint may be suitable for a garage door, but any high-traffic entry, such as your front door, usually looks better painted in satin or semi-gloss.
High gloss paints are used for front doors because it reflects light. Because of the high sheen, they always look like new and grab the attention of people. Oil based gloss paint creates a hard surface which is very resistant to scratching and is easily washable.
Since your door will be exposed to rain, sun, wind and other elements, you'll need a flexible and mold-resistant exterior paint. The most common kinds of exterior door paint are acrylic resin or latex-based and with a semi-gloss finish. Latex-based exterior paint is the most flexible type and is quite popular.
Front door paint can be applied using brushes or rollers, but professionals use rollers for a smooth finish. If your door has panels, painting the panels first gives you the best results: Use the roller's curved edge or the angled brush to paint the molding profiles around the panel edges.
A satin or semi-gloss finish is the best for doors both inside and outside the home. Glossy finishes offer the best protection against damage and deterioration, while semi-gloss paint is easy to clean, given the paint dries in a way that allows accumulated dirt and grime to wipe off with little effort required.
Typically, semi-gloss paint is the best choice for exterior doors and trim because it adds shine, provides visual contrast, and is easy to clean. Consumer Reports found six winners in its tests of semi-gloss exterior paint.
A semi-gloss paint offers visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. The glossier sheen makes semi-gloss paint more durable than satin, so it's easier to clean. Semi-gloss paint can also endure harsh weather conditions and withstand excess moisture.
Some paints cover in two coats, often it takes three, but it's best to work with thinner coats so that the layers dry quickly. 6. If you encounter minimal brush strokes or drips between coats, use a fine grit sanding* wedge to knock down those edges.
"Using a matte finish on trims and doors will create a silky and elegant contrast against walls that have a slight sheen," she says. "Dark matte trim and doors against light walls will create an especially striking look that's unexpected, while colorful walls with a white matte trim can modernize a space."
Polyurethane for Entrance Doors
For a smooth, hard finish that will protect your solid wood door from moisture and daily knocks and bumps, polyurethane is an effective option. Oil-based polyurethane brings out the beautiful wood grain, too.
It should go without saying that it is far easier to paint a flat surface than it is a vertical one, so it is worth taking the door off of its hinges and laying it on a workbench when possible.
There are a few different standard sizes for front doors, but the most common is 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall.
You will want to paint both sides of a front door, but you don't need to paint them the same color. Just be sure you paint the exterior side of the door a color that matches both the interior and exterior.