A close-up shot capturing a beautifully painted wooden door, displaying a flawless finish and crisp lines, showcasing the expertise and skill of the painter in choosing the best paint for trim and doors.

The Best Paint For Trim And Doors: A Guide For Choosing Durability And Beauty

ByHulya Aksu Updated on

Finding the perfect paint for trim and doors can make your house look brand new. The right paint will make your woodwork look fresh, clean and beautiful. But with so many paint options out there, how do you choose the best one?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick the ideal trim and door paint for your home.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Behr Marquee interior satin enamel is one of the best all-around paints for trim and doors, providing a durable finish that resists nicks, scuffs and stains while enhancing wood grain.

Consider the Finish You Want

When choosing the best paint for trim and doors, one of the most important factors to consider is the finish you want. The finish not only affects the appearance of the paint but also its durability and ability to withstand wear and tear.

There are three common finishes to choose from: satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss.

Satin

Satin finish is a popular choice for trim and doors because it offers a subtle sheen that adds a touch of elegance to any room. It has a smooth and velvety texture that is easy to clean and maintain. Satin finish is also more forgiving when it comes to hiding imperfections on the surface, making it a great option if your trim or doors have some flaws.

This finish is perfect for creating a sophisticated and refined look in your home.

Semi-Gloss

Semi-gloss finish is known for its durability and resistance to moisture, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms. It has a slight shine that adds a touch of glamour to the trim and doors.

The semi-gloss finish is also easy to clean and can withstand frequent scrubbing without losing its luster. If you want a paint that is both beautiful and practical, semi-gloss is a great option.

High-Gloss

If you’re looking for a paint finish that truly stands out, high-gloss is the way to go. This finish offers a mirror-like shine that reflects light and gives a luxurious appearance to your trim and doors.

High-gloss paint is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for areas with heavy use. However, it’s important to note that high-gloss finishes tend to highlight imperfections on the surface, so make sure to properly prepare and smooth the trim and doors before applying this type of paint.

When choosing the finish for your trim and doors, consider the overall style and look you want to achieve in your home. Satin finish provides a more subtle and elegant touch, while semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes offer a more glamorous and durable option.

Assess the level of wear and tear the trim and doors will be subjected to and select a finish that can withstand the demands of your household. Ultimately, the choice of finish will depend on your personal preference and the specific needs of your space.

Pick the Right Sheen for Each Room

Choosing the right sheen for your trim and doors is crucial in achieving both durability and beauty. The sheen refers to the level of gloss or shine in the paint finish. Different rooms in your home have different needs, so it’s important to pick the right sheen for each room.

Entryways and High-Traffic Areas

Entryways and high-traffic areas such as hallways and staircases require a paint with a high sheen, such as semi-gloss or high-gloss. These areas tend to receive a lot of wear and tear, with frequent contact and potential for scuffs and scratches.

A higher sheen paint not only provides durability but also makes it easier to clean. Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints are resistant to moisture and can withstand frequent cleaning without losing their shine.

Bedrooms and Lower-Traffic Areas

For bedrooms and other lower-traffic areas like living rooms and dining rooms, a paint with a satin or eggshell sheen is a popular choice. Satin and eggshell finishes offer a subtle sheen that adds a touch of elegance to the space while still being easy to clean.

These finishes are less reflective than semi-gloss or high-gloss paints, making them suitable for areas where you want a more relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are prone to moisture, steam, and splatters. Therefore, it’s important to choose a paint with a sheen that can withstand these conditions. A semi-gloss or high-gloss paint is an ideal choice for these rooms as they are highly resistant to moisture and can be easily wiped clean.

The reflective nature of these finishes also helps to brighten up the space and make it feel more spacious.

Remember, when choosing the sheen for your trim and doors, always consider the specific needs of each room. By picking the right sheen, you can ensure both durability and beauty in your home.

Choose a Durable Paint Brand

When it comes to painting trim and doors, durability is key. You want a paint that can withstand daily wear and tear, as well as resist chipping and peeling. Here are three top paint brands that are known for their durability:

Behr Marquee

Behr Marquee is a popular choice among homeowners and professionals alike. This paint is known for its exceptional durability and long-lasting finish. It has a high hide formula, which means fewer coats are needed to achieve full coverage.

Behr Marquee is also resistant to fading, stains, and mildew, making it an excellent choice for both interior and exterior trim and doors.

Benjamin Moore Advance

Benjamin Moore Advance is another top-notch paint brand for trim and doors. It offers a smooth, durable finish that is resistant to scuffing, cracking, and yellowing. This paint is self-leveling, which means it dries to a smooth and even surface, eliminating brush or roller marks.

Benjamin Moore Advance is available in a wide range of colors and has excellent adhesion, making it perfect for painting both wood and metal surfaces.

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic

Sherwin-Williams ProClassic is a trusted paint brand that delivers exceptional durability and a beautiful finish. It is formulated with advanced acrylic technology, providing excellent adhesion and resistance to peeling and cracking.

This paint is also self-leveling and has a fast-drying time, allowing for quick and efficient painting. Sherwin-Williams ProClassic is available in both latex and oil-based formulas, giving you flexibility in choosing the right paint for your trim and doors.

When selecting a durable paint brand for your trim and doors, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of surface you’re painting, the level of traffic the area receives, and the climate conditions in your area.

Additionally, always make sure to properly prepare the surface before painting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Prepare the Surface Before Painting

Before you start painting your trim and doors, it is essential to prepare the surface properly. This step will ensure that the paint adheres well and provides a smooth, long-lasting finish. Here are some important steps to follow:

Fill Cracks and Holes

Inspect your trim and doors for any cracks, holes, or imperfections. Use a high-quality wood filler or spackling compound to fill them in. Smooth out the filler with a putty knife and allow it to dry completely. Sand the filled areas lightly to create an even surface.

Sand Glossy Surfaces

If your trim and doors have a glossy or shiny finish, it is crucial to sand them before painting. This step will help the new paint adhere better to the surface. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to lightly roughen the surface. Be sure to clean off any dust or debris before proceeding.

Remove Hardware and Cover Floors

Before you start painting, remove any hardware such as doorknobs, hinges, or locks. This will make the painting process easier and ensure that you achieve a professional-looking finish. Additionally, cover your floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint splatters or spills.

By properly preparing the surface before painting, you will create a solid foundation for a beautiful and durable finish. Taking the time to fill cracks and holes, sand glossy surfaces, and remove hardware will result in a professional-looking paint job that will stand the test of time.

Apply Primer for the Best Results

When it comes to painting trim and doors, applying primer is essential for achieving the best results. Primer is a preparatory coat that helps create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. It not only enhances the durability of the paint but also improves its overall appearance.

Use Primer on New Wood

If you are working with new wood trim or doors, it is crucial to use primer before applying the top coat of paint. New wood often contains natural oils and resins that can seep through the paint and cause discoloration over time.

Applying a layer of primer helps seal the wood and prevents any bleed-through, ensuring a flawless finish.

According to experts at Sherwin-Williams, using a high-quality stain-blocking primer on new wood surfaces can help prevent tannin and sap stains from ruining the final paint job. It is recommended to choose a primer that is specifically designed for use on bare wood.

Prime for Stain-Blocking

In some cases, you may need to deal with existing stains or discoloration on your trim or doors. Whether it’s water stains, smoke damage, or old paint bleeding through, using a primer with stain-blocking properties is crucial to achieve a clean and uniform finish.

Brands like Zinsser offer stain-blocking primers that effectively seal and block stubborn stains, ensuring that they don’t show through the top coat of paint. These primers are specially formulated to prevent any discoloration and provide a smooth base for the final paint application.

Tint Primer to the Top Coat Color

While a white or neutral-colored primer is commonly used, tinting the primer to the color of the top coat can offer additional benefits. This technique is particularly useful when working with darker or vibrant paint colors.

By tinting the primer to match the top coat color, you can achieve better coverage with fewer coats of paint. This is especially important when painting over existing dark trim or doors, as it helps to prevent the previous color from showing through.

Tinting the primer also helps to enhance the richness and depth of the final paint color.

According to Benjamin Moore, tinting the primer to approximately 50% of the top coat color is generally sufficient to achieve the desired results. However, it is always recommended to consult the paint manufacturer’s instructions for specific tinting ratios and guidelines.

Remember, applying primer before painting your trim and doors is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. It helps ensure better adhesion, durability, and a flawless finish. So, don’t skip the primer and enjoy a long-lasting and beautiful paint job!

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint is the key to making your trim and doors look fresh, clean and beautiful. Look for interior enamel paints in satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes. Behr Marquee and Benjamin Moore Advance give great results. Prepare surfaces properly before painting.

And apply primer for maximum durability. With the right prep work and paint, you’ll enhance the look of every room in your home.

Hulya Aksu is the founder and editor-in-chief of Posh Seven Magazine, the leading lifestyle publication serving the affluent suburbs of Washington D.C. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Hulya moved to the United States to pursue her passion for fashion. She worked for major fashion houses before recognizing a need for a magazine that spoke to successful women in D.C.'s prestigious neighborhoods.

In 2007, Hulya launched Posh Seven Magazine from her home while on maternity leave. The magazine quickly gained an avid following for its insider's perspective on upscale living in communities like McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda.

Over the past 15 years, Hulya has built Posh Seven into a multimedia brand with print, digital, social media, and experiential components. Her visionary leadership and hyper-local approach has made Posh Seven a go-to resource for over 100,000 readers.

As founder and editor-in-chief, Hulya lends the magazine her impeccable taste and insights into luxury living. She resides with her family in Ashburn, Virginia where the Posh Seven headquarters are located. Hulya is deeply committed to serving the vibrant community of successful women who call D.C.'s affluent suburbs home.

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