
Painting Interior Doors: Which Type of Paint is Best?
Revamping your old interior wooden doors can breathe new life into your home, and choosing the right paint is a big part of that transformation.
For us, new unfinished interior doors have also become a big favourite with our customers in recent years, suggesting that more folks are wanting to add their own personal touch to renovation projects with doors in different colours and finishes beyond those offered prefinished.
While prefinished internal doors are great if you want less work at the fitting stage, they don’t always afford you the same flexibility as an unfinished door.
If you’re new to DIY, choosing the right paint for your interior doors can feel like a bit of a minefield. And there are some paint options out there that you may not have even heard of before.
Whether you’re aiming for a clean modern look with matching door frame, skirting boards and external doors, a more rustic eclectic vibe or something in between, the type of paint you use can make a world of difference.
Here, we’re going to dig into the different types of paint for interior doors, their unique qualities and why they may or may not work for your needs…
Do Interior Doors Need Special Paint?
When it comes to painting interior doors, you might be wondering if you need special paint. The answer is a bit nuanced – while you don’t need a “special” paint per se, choosing the right type of paint can make a big difference in the durability, appearance and ease of maintenance of your internal doors.
Let’s explore why selecting the right paint matters and what options are best suited for interior doors.
Understanding the Requirements of Internal Doors Paint
Interior doors endure a lot of use. From frequent opening and closing to occasional knocks and scuffs, they need a paint that can withstand daily wear and tear. Here are some key things to consider:
Durability
Interior wooden doors are often in high-traffic areas. The paint you choose should be durable enough to resist chipping, peeling and general wear.
Finish
The finish of the paint affects both the look and the cleanability of the door. High-gloss and semi-gloss finishes are easier to clean, while matte finishes might require a bit more maintenance.
Drying Time
Quick-drying paints can make the project faster and more convenient, especially if you’re painting doors that you use frequently.
Odour
Low-odour paints with fewer VOCs are preferable for indoor use, especially if you have children or pets.
Ease of Application
Some paints are easier to work with than others, requiring fewer coats and less prep work – which may be of more benefit to those with little time or those who aren’t too confident in their painting skills.

Different Types of Internal Door Paint
For many, semi-gloss and gloss paints tend to be the go to when it comes to painting internal doors, but there are other options that may serve your needs and wants much better…
Acrylic Latex Paint: The All-Rounder
Acrylic latex paint is a crowd favourite when it comes to painting interior doors, and for good reason.
This versatile paint is known for its durability and resistance to chipping and fading. Here’s why you might want to consider acrylic latex paint:
- Durability and Finish Options: Acrylic latex paint is available in a range of finishes, from matte to high gloss, allowing you to achieve the exact look you’re going for. Whether you want a subtle, understated finish or a high-shine, eye-catching door, this paint has you covered.
- Quick Drying and Low Odour: One of the biggest advantages of acrylic latex paint is its quick drying time. You won’t have to wait long before applying the next coat, and you won’t have to deal with a strong paint smell lingering in your home, either. This makes it a great choice for households with children or pets.
- Easy Cleanup: Because it’s water-based, acrylic latex paint is easy to clean up with just soap and water. This not only makes the painting process less of a hassle but also means that any accidental spills or drips can be quickly taken care of.
- Environmentally Friendly: Acrylic latex paint is a more eco-friendly option compared to oil-based paints. Its water-based formula means fewer harmful chemicals are released into the environment, making it a greener choice for your home.
Oil-Based Paint: The Durable Classic
Oil-based paint is the go-to for those who need a tough, durable finish. It’s been around for a long time and remains popular for several reasons. It can also be used on exterior doors, allowing you to colour match for a consistent look:
- High Gloss and Semi-Gloss Finishes: If you’re looking for a shiny, polished look, oil-based gloss paint delivers. Its high gloss and semi-gloss finishes are perfect for interior doors that need to stand out.
- Smooth Finish: Oil-based paint provides a very smooth finish, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s easy to wipe down, ensuring your doors look pristine even with heavy use.
- Durability: Known for its extreme durability, oil-based paint forms a hard finish that can withstand bumps, scrapes, and daily wear and tear. This makes it a great choice for busy households.
- Cleanup: The downside? Cleanup requires mineral spirits or paint thinners, which can be a bit of a hassle compared to water-based paints.

Alkyd Paint: The Best of Both Worlds
Alkyd paint is a fantastic middle ground between acrylic latex and oil-based paints. It offers some of the benefits of oil-based paint without some of the drawbacks:
- Hard Finish Without Yellowing: Alkyd paint dries harder than latex, providing excellent durability. Unlike traditional oil-based paints, it doesn’t yellow over time, keeping an interior door looking fresher for longer.
- Moisture Resistance: This paint is particularly good for areas exposed to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Its resin-based formula ensures that it stands up well to humidity.
- Easier Cleanup: Unlike oil-based paint, alkyd paint can be cleaned up with soap and water, making the process much more convenient.
- High-Quality Finish: With the right application, alkyd paint can produce a high-quality, glossy finish that rivals oil-based paint. It’s a great choice if you want a durable, attractive finish without the hassle of having to use mineral spirits.
Chalk Paint: The Vintage Favourite
If you’re going for a vintage or shabby-chic look, chalk paint is your best friend (not to be confused with eggshell paint). This paint has a unique, matte finish and a velvety appearance that can transform your doors into charming focal points:
- Matte Finish: Chalk paint dries to a beautiful matte finish, giving your doors a soft, vintage look. It’s perfect for creating a cosy, lived-in feel.
- Easy to Use: One of the biggest draws of chalk paint is its ease of use. It requires minimal surface preparation, so you can get started on your project right away.
- Cleanup: Like acrylic latex paint, chalk paint is easy to clean up with just soap and water.
- Wax Top Coat: For extra durability, especially in high-traffic areas, a wax top coat is recommended for chalk paint. This adds a layer of protection and gives the paint a slight sheen.
- Versatile Application: Whether you’re looking to create a distressed, antique look or a smooth, modern finish, chalk paint can do it all. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces.
Milk Paint: Rustic and Eco-Friendly
Milk paint is one of the oldest types of paint made from milk protein, lime and caseins, and it’s perfect for creating a rustic, distressed look. Here’s why you might choose milk paint for your interior doors:
- Natural Ingredients: Made from natural ingredients, milk paint is non-toxic and eco-friendly. It’s a great choice for those who are environmentally conscious. The downside to this is that the colour choices tend to be a little more limited due to being made from natural pigments.
- Matte Finish: Milk paint has a matte finish that adds a rustic, vintage “washed” look to any door. It’s ideal for creating a farmhouse or shabby-chic look.
- Durability: While durable, milk paint can benefit from a wax top coat to protect against wear and tear. This is especially important for busy areas.
- Ease of Use: Often supplied as a powder that you mix with water, milk paint is easy to use and requires minimal preparation. It can be used without priming, although multiple coats may be needed for a strong colour finish.
- Customisation: Milk paint can be mixed to create custom colours, allowing for a unique, personalised touch to your doors.
Preparing Wooden Internal Doors for Painting
While some preparation steps will be the same for all types of internal door paint, there are a few unique steps that could be worth taking note of for the type of paint you choose.
Before you start painting, remove all door hardware. Sanding back the surface of the door and repairing any imperfections is always recommended.
Lightly sand the door with medium-grit sandpaper (120-150 grit) to create a smooth surface and remove any old paint, which will improve adhesion of the new paint. Be sure to wipe away the dust with a tack cloth.
Once it’s been sanded back, fill any cracks or holes with wood filler. Sand the filled areas smooth once dry.
If it’s a glazed wooden door, use painter’s tape to protect the glass.
Here are some surface preparation tips for the different types of interior door paint:
Acrylic Latex Paint
- Clean the Surface: Remove dust, dirt, and grease using a mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Prime the Surface: Apply a high-quality acrylic primer if the door is bare wood or has a glossy finish. This helps the paint stick better and provides a uniform base.
Oil-Based Paint
- Clean the Surface: Use a degreaser or trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution to remove all grease, dirt, and grime. Rinse well and allow to dry.
- Prime the Surface: Apply an oil-based primer to ensure the paint adheres properly and to block any stains or tannins from bleeding through the paint.
Alkyd Paint
- Clean the Surface: Use a TSP solution or a mild detergent to clean the door thoroughly. Rinse and let it dry.
- Prime the Surface: Apply a high-quality bonding primer, especially if painting over a glossy or previously painted surface, to ensure good adhesion.
Chalk Paint
- Clean the Surface: Clean the door with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt or grease. Let it dry completely.
- Prime the Surface (Optional): For better adhesion and to block any stains or tannins, you can apply a primer, but it’s not always necessary with chalk paint.
Milk Paint
- Clean the Surface: Use a mild detergent and water to clean the door thoroughly. Rinse well and let it dry completely.
- Prime the Surface (Optional): Milk paint can often be applied directly to bare wood, but using a bonding agent or primer can help improve sticking power for a more durable finish, especially on previously painted or glossy surfaces.

Tips for a Successful Paint Job
No matter which paint you choose, following these tips can help you achieve the best results:
Preparation is Key
Properly preparing the door’s surface before painting is crucial – especially if it’s a previously painted door. Clean the surface, give it a light sanding if necessary and apply a primer if recommended.
Use Quality Brushes and Rollers
Invest in high-quality brushes and a foam roller to ensure a smooth, even application.
Apply Thin Coats
Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. This helps avoid drips, brush marks and paint build up for a more even finish. How many coats you apply will depend on the type of paint, the door material (some woods are more porous than others) and the paint brands, as each manufacturer will have their own recommendations.
Ventilation
Make sure the area is well-ventilated during painting and drying to help the paint cure properly and reduce odours.
Follow Drying Time Guidelines
Be patient and allow one coat to dry fully before applying a new coat, this prevents smudging and ensures a durable finish. This is also where applying too much paint can become problematic and will make all the difference in the end result.
These tips should help make sure your interior door is properly prepped for painting, resulting in a durable and smooth finish.

Painting Interior Doors: Selecting the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint for your interior wooden doors depends on your specific needs and can make a huge difference to the look you want to achieve. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Acrylic Latex Paint: Great for a durable, versatile finish with easy cleanup and a range of finish options. Ideal for busy households and eco-conscious homeowners.
- Oil-Based Paint: Perfect for high gloss and semi-gloss finishes with extreme durability. Best for high-traffic areas but requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
- Alkyd Paint: Offers a hard finish without yellowing, moisture resistance, and easier cleanup than oil-based paint. Excellent for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Chalk Paint: Ideal for a vintage, matte finish with a velvety look. Easy to use with minimal prep, but benefits from a wax top coat for durability.
- Milk Paint: Best for a rustic, distressed look with natural, non-toxic ingredients. Requires multiple coats and a wax top coat for durability.
Painting a door is a fantastic way to refresh the look of your living space and add your own personal touch.
Whether you go for the durability of acrylic latex, the classic finish of oil-based paint, the versatility of alkyd paint, the vintage charm of chalk paint or the rustic appeal of milk paint, you’re sure to get a stunning result.
So grab your brushes, pick your perfect paint and transform your doors into the beautiful focal points your home deserves. Happy painting!