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.
Satin or Semi-gloss acrylic latex paint is ideal for front doors. You want the paint to be durable, and easy to clean. This tutorial is for painting a wood door, but this kind of paint works on fiberglass doors as well.
Polyurethane is a highly durable and moisture-resistant clear finish that's ideal for protecting wood entry doors. Follow these steps to use it: Apply two coats of exterior-grade polyurethane to start. Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish.
What is the best front door paint finish to use? The best finish for a front door is gloss or semi-gloss. The same goes for exterior trim. Semigloss paint gives a smoother surface than lower sheen finishes and gives that extra degree of shine providing more of a visual impact.
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. It fills in larger imperfections on a door's surface and resists cracking and chipping.
Most people go for semi-gloss or satin paint on their front doors because it hides imperfections a bit better than a gloss sheen, but is more durable than matte finish. Semi-gloss and satin paints also wipe clean easily and provide just enough lustre to make your timber door stand out in all the right ways.
The product you apply needs to be UV and weather-resistant, as the exterior side of your door is exposed to outdoor elements. 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.
When to Use Satin Sheen for Your Exterior Paint. Satin finish paints, while not glossy, do have more of a sheen than flat finish paints. Because of the extra shine, satin sheen paints are perfect when you plan to use bright, vivid colors on your home exterior. The satin sheen will reflect light and make the colors pop.
If it's a paneled door, first use a brush to paint the inlaid areas, then use a roller on the flat, outer sections. Leave your door open until the paint is dry. The label on your paint can will give you an idea of how much dry time is required.
Semi-gloss finish: This is the best finish for your trims such as baseboards, mouldings and even cabinets and doors.
In the U.S., siding or stucco and brick veneer are the most common exterior finish types.
The most popular materials for an exterior door are wood, steel and fiberglass. Most homeowners don't mind the upfront investment for wood because of its traditional look and natural appeal.
Epoxy finishes provide the most protection of all outdoor finishes, creating a thick, plastic-like, water-impermeable barrier on the surface of the wood.
Should I paint the front door satin or semi-gloss? Satin finishes are great for hiding imperfections and providing an elegant look that can last longer than other types of paint. Semi-gloss is more durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as entryways.
If your home does have some unwanted imperfections, a finish like semi-gloss or gloss would not be good for the exterior of your home. In general, we recommend a satin finish for Sherwin Williams' exterior products and a low-luster finish with Benjamin Moore's Aura.
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.
Brushes excel at executing the detail work around windows, doors, and trim. They allow for careful application, ensuring all areas of your exterior are neatly painted without overspray or missed spots.
Painting doors standing up is less space-consuming and allows you to paint both sides at the same time (if they're dry to the touch).
Satin paints are taking over glossier finishes as the go-to choice for exterior paint sheens. With modern moisture-resistant, durable formulas widely available, satin paints offer lots of bonuses.
Good news: the same finish paint finish works for interior AND exterior doors. If you thought a satin finish was best, you are correct! Same people like a high gloss finish on doors for its wipe-ability, but you can achieve that with a satin door as well without the sheen.
Semi-gloss exterior paint is glossy and repels water better than satin paint. It's gloss makes it ideal for showing architectural details on your mantels, kitchen cabinets, front doors, and overall trim.
For front doors, glossy or semi-gloss paints are frequently used, but flat or eggshell finishes are also an option. When contemplating flat paint, remember that it is more difficult to clean and will show nicks and scrapes more clearly than glossy paint.
Overall, when comparing Sherwin Williams products and Behr products, Sherwin Williams comes out ahead on coverage, color consistency, in-store assistance, and long-term value.