The Best Paint for Interior Doors – A Complete Guide for a Smooth, Durable Finish

When it comes to home interior design, the doors often serve as one of the key focal points in a room. Whether you’re updating old doors or completing a new build, choosing the right paint for interior doors is essential for achieving a polished, durable finish. Since interior doors are subject to regular use, they need a coat of paint that provides not only an aesthetic appeal but also lasting protection.

We’ll discuss the best types of paint for interior doors, factors to consider when choosing paint, and the steps you need to follow for a smooth, professional-looking result.

Why is Choosing the Right Paint for Interior Doors Important?

Interior doors endure a fair amount of wear and tear. They are opened and closed daily, exposed to fingerprints, smudges, dust, and scuff marks. The paint you choose should be able to stand up to regular handling while maintaining its finish for years. The right paint will also help elevate the overall aesthetic of a room, whether you’re opting for a bold, statement-making door or a more neutral, classic look.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Interior Doors:

1. Finish: The finish of the paint affects both its appearance and its durability. A high-gloss finish will be easier to clean and provide a sleek, modern look, while a matte or satin finish offers a softer, more subtle appearance.
2. Durability: Interior doors experience frequent contact with hands, so the paint must be durable enough to resist wear, scratches, and chips. The paint should also be able to withstand cleaning.
3. Ease of Application: The paint should be easy to apply without requiring too many coats. Look for paint that dries quickly and levels out to give you a smooth, streak-free finish.
4. Color and Aesthetic: Choose a color that complements the overall design of your space. Classic white or black can match almost any décor, but bold colors can add personality and interest.
5. VOC Content: If you’re sensitive to chemicals or want a more eco-friendly option, look for paints with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are better for indoor air quality.

Now that we understand the key factors to consider, let’s dive into the best types of paint for interior doors.

Best Paints for Interior Doors

1. Benjamin Moore Aura Interior Paint

Best for: Durability, smooth finish, and variety of finishes
Why it’s great: Benjamin Moore Aura is one of the top-rated paints for interior doors. Known for its durability and coverage, this paint is a perfect choice for doors that get a lot of use. It is available in a variety of finishes, from matte to high-gloss, which means you can choose the exact sheen that fits your door and room style.

Aura’s proprietary technology ensures rich color and excellent coverage, which often means you only need one coat for a solid finish. It’s also low in VOCs, making it a healthier option for indoor spaces.

Pros:

• Offers exceptional coverage and durability.
• Great for high-traffic areas.
• Available in a variety of finishes (e.g., satin, semi-gloss, high-gloss).
• Low VOC content, making it eco-friendly.
• Smooth, streak-free finish.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other paints.

2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint

Best for: Ease of application and long-lasting finish
Why it’s great: Sherwin-Williams Emerald is another fantastic paint for interior doors, particularly if you’re looking for an easy-to-apply product. This paint offers excellent durability and comes in both satin and semi-gloss finishes, making it a versatile choice for interior doors. It provides a smooth, even finish that resists scuffs, stains, and general wear.

Emerald’s advanced technology also ensures minimal brush marks, making it a great option for DIY painters who want a professional finish without spending too much time on touch-ups.

Pros:

• Easy to apply, with a smooth, even finish.
• Highly durable and stain-resistant.
• Available in multiple finishes.
• Low odor and low VOC content.
• Quick drying.

Cons:

• More expensive than some other brands.

3. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior Paint

Best for: Budget-friendly with good coverage
Why it’s great: Behr Premium Plus Ultra is a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet high-quality paint for interior doors. It combines paint and primer in one, which can save you time and money on a separate primer coat. This paint provides great coverage, a durable finish, and is available in satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes, making it suitable for a variety of door types.

While it is not as durable as Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin-Williams Emerald, Behr Premium Plus Ultra still offers a long-lasting finish and resists everyday wear, making it a solid option for those on a budget.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and high-quality.
• Paint and primer in one.
• Available in various finishes.
• Excellent coverage and stain-resistant.

Cons:

• May require additional touch-ups in high-traffic areas.

4. Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint

Best for: Vintage, matte finish
Why it’s great: If you want to give your interior doors a distressed, vintage look, Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint is an excellent option. This paint is ideal for achieving a matte, shabby-chic finish. It’s perfect for older doors that you want to refresh without a high-gloss or semi-gloss finish.

Rust-Oleum Chalked Paint has great coverage and requires minimal prep, making it an ideal choice for quick projects. After applying, it’s easy to distress the door to create a more rustic look, adding texture and character.

Pros:

• Ideal for achieving a vintage, distressed look.
• Minimal prep required.
• Very easy to apply.
• Affordable and readily available.

Cons:

• Not as durable as satin or gloss paints in high-traffic areas.
• Requires sealing for long-lasting results.

5. Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint

Best for: High-end finish with exceptional coverage
Why it’s great: If you’re after an exceptional finish that’s both durable and visually striking, Benjamin Moore Regal Select is a premium option. This paint is known for its luxurious appearance, easy application, and superior coverage. It is resistant to stains and can be wiped clean without losing its luster. Regal Select is available in multiple finishes, including matte, satin, and semi-gloss, so you can choose the right sheen for your interior doors.

Pros:

• High-quality, durable finish.
• Resistant to stains and dirt.
• Available in multiple finishes.
• Great coverage, which reduces the need for multiple coats.

Cons:

• Higher price compared to other paints.

Tips for Painting Interior Doors

1. Prep the Surface

Before applying paint, it’s essential to properly prepare the door. Clean the door thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and any other residue. If the door has an old paint finish, you may need to lightly sand it to remove peeling paint and provide a smooth surface for the new paint. If the door is unfinished, you may need to apply a primer before painting.

2. Choose the Right Tools

For a smooth finish, it’s important to use the right painting tools. A high-quality brush with angled bristles will help you reach into corners and around door hardware. A foam roller is a great tool for applying paint to flat, larger areas without streaks. Be sure to choose brushes and rollers designed for the type of paint you’re using (latex, oil-based, or chalk paint).

3. Use a Primer

Priming is essential for ensuring the paint adheres well to the surface and has a smooth, even finish. If you’re painting a door that has previously been stained or painted, consider using a bonding primer or a paint-and-primer-in-one product. This will save you time and help the new paint stick better.

4. Apply Multiple Coats

For the best results, you’ll likely need to apply at least two coats of paint. Make sure to allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. If you’re painting with a darker color over a lighter one, you may need to apply a third coat.

5. Let the Door Dry Completely

Once you’ve finished painting, allow the door to dry fully before re-hanging or applying any additional layers. Some paints require a curing time of 24-48 hours to reach maximum durability.

Conclusion

Choosing the best paint for interior doors can make a significant difference in the overall look and longevity of your doors. Benjamin Moore Aura and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are great premium options for a long-lasting, durable finish, while Behr Premium Plus Ultra is an excellent budget-friendly choice. For a vintage look, Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Paint provides an easy way to achieve a distressed finish, and Benjamin Moore Regal Select offers a high-end, luxurious look.

With the right paint, tools, and preparation, your interior doors will not only look beautiful but also stand up to the daily wear and tear of everyday use. Happy painting!