Choosing the right exterior or interior door pain can be a real challenge for the design and renovation novices among us. Which type of paint should I choose? What colour? Which finish? To help you see more clearly, here are a few door paint tips.
Interior Door
As for any interior design element, interior door paint must be selected according to usage, the desired look, and ambient light.
Two types of paint are available for your interior wood door: water-based paint or oil-based paint. Water-based paint, also known as latex paint, is the most commonly used as it dries quickly, is easy to apply and clean, and contains fewer harmful chemicals. Oil-based (or alkyd-based) paint contains more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it more harmful to the environment and our health; however, it could still be coveted for its highly-resistant high gloss finish. It is up to you to set your priorities!
Generally-speaking, experts agree to recommend the semi-gloss or glossy finishes for doors, mouldings, and trims because of the wear they undergo and to facilitate cleaning.
And now, the ultimate design dilemma: which colour should you choose for your interior door? You must first determine the design “role” of your door: do you want it to vanish into your décor or stand out as a focal point in the room? Do you want it to become an extension of your wall, or rather contrast with it? What overall look are you going after? Although interior doors are typically painted white, nothing stops you for choosing another colour. Be bold! Play with your colour palette to transform your door into a design element. For example, if your room is painted entirely white, why not liven it up with a yellow or blue door? For a more graphic effect, paint only a section of your door or apply various bands of colour. And do not forget the mouldings or even the wall surrounding door: they also can be coloured differently to create various effects. However, if you wish to “hide” your door, paint it the same colour as your wall. Your wall carries two colours, one at the bottom and one at the top? Simply reproduce the same display on your door.
Regardless of paint type, never neglect the effect of natural light when selecting your final colour. A poorly-lit room will always make colours appear darker.
Finally, remember that every door contains in fact two “canvases” to better serve your creative needs. Do not hesitate to personalize both sides according to your inspiration and needs.
Exterior Door
The main function of any exterior paint is primarily to cover the surface and protect it from bad weather. Nonetheless, just like in interior design, the choice of your exterior door colour is extremely important, if not even more crucial given its unique role. As the main entry point, your exterior entry door truly sets the overall tone of your front façade. As such, it represents the perfect opportunity to personalize your home and set it apart from your neighbours. Opt for a unique look by choosing an attractive bright colour or breathe new life into your older home with a trendier colour. Regardless of the style chosen however, always take into account the colour of your windows, soffits and fascia, gutters, roof, and exterior cladding for an esthetically-pleasing and successful overall look.
Finally, the type of exterior paint required will depend on your door material (steel, wood, fibreglass). For example, steel doors are typically coated with water-borne urethane-acrylic paint. For an absolutely perfect finish, it is essential to have it factory-applied by door specialists. Premium door manufacturer, Portatec uses a high-performance eco-responsible coating paint available in 25 standard colours, or any custom colour based on a colour sample of your choice.