Raheela

There’s a lot of excitement when you start a painting project. You get your paint supplies out, throw on your painter’s attire and begin creating your masterpiece.

Unfortunately, the realization that your hair is vulnerable to paint splatters settles in too slowly, and you’re left with paint splotches on your head and colored strands once the project is over.

This is when the excitement turns into panic, and you wonder, ‘how can I remove paint from my hair without damaging it?’

The first thing you can try is to comb the paint out. If that doesn’t work, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Baby oil, vegetable oil, or dish soap also works wonders for cleaning oil-based paints from the hair. Interestingly, peanut butter and toothpaste can also be used to remove paint from hair.

Luckily, there are several DIY solutions to this common problem. So, let’s go over each of them, and you can decide which one you want to try out first.

Does paint come out of hair?

Yes, it does! Even if it doesn’t come off right away, it’s not an impossible task.

If you get stuck with paint in your hair, you first need to establish the type of paint you’re dealing with. So, check the label on the spray paint to find out if it’s water-based or oil-based.

Water-based paints are easier to remove compared to oil-based paints, and the method for paint removal is different for each.

The second factor that will affect which paint remover works best for you is the amount of paint you have accidentally splashed on your head. If it’s just a speck or two, the colour should clean up easily, but if it’s a considerable amount, you may need more than one trick to remove it completely.

Tricks to clean paint from hair

Here are a few tried and tested solutions that might work for you too.

1. Comb through your hair

Sounds too good to be true? Sometimes the simplest tricks are the most effective.

If you have splashed a little paint in your hair, the comb might be the easiest way to remove it. However, you can’t expect it to clean a giant splotch of colour, so be reasonable with your expectations.

Hold the strand of your hair with paint on it, and make sure to pull it slightly, so the strand is stiff. Now comb slowly through it with a fine-toothed comb focusing more on the paint-stained area. Use a back-and-forth motion to loosen the paint.

Work in small sections and keep going until you start seeing some progress. Remember to be patient and not dish out your frustration on the strand of hair you’re holding.

2. Wash with a clarifying shampoo

Depending on the type of paint you’ve used, you might be able to shampoo it out from your hair. Water-based paints are user-friendly because they can be cleaned easily, so give a strong, clarifying shampoo a shot.

First of all, loosen the dry paint by combing through your hair. Follow it up by making them wet and applying a liberal amount of shampoo. Scrub the stained strands for a few seconds with your fingertips.

Rinse out the clarifying shampoo and check whether all the paint is gone. If you’ve missed a few spots, repeat the same process again, but leave the shampoo in your hair for longer.

3. Clean with dish soap

If shampooing doesn’t work, it’s time to go a notch up. Dish soap contains more potent chemicals that can cut tough grease and stains.

This time I won’t ask you to apply dish soap to your hair liberally but recommend a spot treatment instead. Take some dish soap on your fingers and gently work it on the hair strands with paint. You can also use a washcloth or a comb to give the dried stain a nudge.

Scrub the paint for a minute or two and thoroughly rinse your hair out with water. If this trick works in the first round, perfect! If not, you can always repeat the process two to three times.

You can also use dish soap to wash off paint from clothes, but we have you covered if you want to find out more ways to remove paint from clothes.

4. Try vinegar

Vinegar is a great choice for removing paint from hair, especially apple cider vinegar. However, it has a pungent odour that might turn you off.

If you’re not bothered by the smell, go ahead with this tip.

Massage a good amount of vinegar into your hair, making sure the painted strands are completely soaked. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before detangling the strands with a fine-toothed comb. The natural acid in the vinegar helps break down the paint particles, making it easier to comb the dried paint out.

Finally, wash your hair with a regular shampoo to clean the vinegar and any paint residue.

5. Use toothpaste

When you try to remove paint from your skin, you turn to a loofah or a pomace stone to shake things up. But the same cannot be used on your hair, so you have to find the next best thing that is gritty and abrasive enough to clean paint from your hair.

Toothpaste has the perfect texture to remove paint from hair strands. So, start by squirting some onto the colour in your hair and massage it in thoroughly. You should stretch the strand you’re working to reach tough spots.

Rinse the toothpaste out to check if all the paint has come off. If your hair is back to its original state, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, repeat the process until you remove every speck of paint.

6. Try baby oil

Oil-based paints can be tricky to remove, and your best bet is to use an oil-based cleaner. Oil helps soften the dried paint and makes cleaning it easier.

You can take some baby oil on a cotton ball and dab it on the painted strands. Make sure to cover the stain completely by rubbing it in as much as possible. Leave it in your hair for around 30 minutes, then try to run a detangling comb through it. 

You should be able to comb out the paint completely, but if some residue remains, you can repeat the same process again.

Finally, wash your hair and condition it as usual.

7. Apply olive oil

If you find baby oil to be too mild for the job, try olive oil instead to break down the paint. Apply a liberal layer of the oil to your hair, making sure to massage it into the strands with dried paint.

Let olive oil sit in your hair for fifteen to thirty minutes before combing the strands with first a wide-toothed comb and then a fine-toothed comb. In the end, simply wash your hair with shampoo.

A perk of using olive oil is that it makes your hair soft and shiny. So, even if it doesn’t clear all the paint away, you will be left with lustrous locks in the end.

8. Clean with peanut butter

Did you think peanut butter was only good for making a sandwich? You’d be amazed at how this delicious snack can remove oil-based paints.

Before you start racking your brain trying to figure out why peanut butter is a good paint remover, let me give it to you straight. Peanut butter is made primarily of oil, making it perfect for breaking down oily substances.

The grit in peanut butter works the same way as sandpaper so massage some into your hair from where you want to remove the paint.

Allow it to sit for some time before checking its progress. If the paint starts to move around, it’s time to wash it out. But if the stain doesn’t budge, apply more peanut butter and wait a few extra minutes before washing your hair.

9. Use a chemical like turpentine or paint thinner

If you have exhausted all natural paint removers but still need to get rid of the paint in your hair, it’s time to bring in the big guns. Just be aware that strong chemicals like paint thinner, turpentine, or mineral spirit can damage your hair. For this reason, I am mentioning them near the end of the list.

These harsh chemicals can eat away the paint and remove it effectively from your hair. All you need to do is soak a rag with the chemical paint remover of your choice and wipe down the hair with dried paint on it.

In a few wipes, you will begin to see the paint coming off bit by bit. Reapply the chemical as needed and keep wiping until all the paint is removed.

Wash your hair thoroughly to ensure all the chemicals are removed. You can shampoo your hair twice just to be safe, as the harsh compounds can burn through your strands and leave permanent damage.

10. Try WD-40

If you are stuck with latex paint in your hair, you will need a heavy lifter to remove it. Although using on your hair sounds bizarre, it might be the solution you need.

Spray it directly on the paint and rub the liquid, so it covers the area entirely. Let it sit for a few minutes so it can work its magic.

Once you start to see the paint move on your hair, rinse it out with warm water.

FAQs

How to remove latex paint from hair?

Removing latex paint from hair can be challenging but rubbing alcohol, and other solvents can get the job done quickly. Soak a rag cloth in the solvent and rub the paint stain gently. In a few wipes, the paint will ultimately come off.

How to get enamel paint out of hair?

If you have a few specks of enamel paint in your hair, you can apply a few drops of cooking oil to the affected area. Massage the oil for a few minutes and wash your hair with regular shampoo.

How to remove acrylic paint from hair?

Acrylic paint is easy to clean from the hair. Work up a lather using warm water and shampoo and apply it to wet hair. Allow the product to sit for 10 to 20 minutes before washing it off.

Will nail polish remover get paint out of hair?

Nail polish removers are made of acetone which is a paint thinner. For this reason, it can break up the paint particles in your hair. However, it can cause damage to your hair and should only be used when you have exhausted all other paint-removing options.

Does hair spray remove paint?

Hairspray contains isopropyl alcohol which helps break down paint stains on clothes and hair. Simply spray a generous amount on the paint stuck in your hair and allow it to work its magic for a few minutes. Next, comb through your hair to remove paint residue.

Conclusion

The best way to prevent the paint from getting into your hair is by covering it. (Hint: shower cap) But if you do end up getting a few flecks here and there, my tips will help you get rid of them in no time.

So, keep calm and continue painting!

Painting is fun- whether you do it on a canvas or your walls. But once the project is complete and you’ve admired your creation, you look down only to find your hands and nails covered in paint.

Understandably, your first instinct is to simply hit the shower and wash everything off, but I have been in the same position too many times to believe that would work.

As a rule of thumb, water-based paints are easier to remove than oil-based paints because they dissolve in water. Fortunately, I have quite a few tricks up my sleeve to help you get rid of oil and enamel paints as well.

You can remove oil-based paints with oil-based cleaners. Sounds simple enough?

You can start with a light layer of mineral or baby oil to rub off the paint from your skin. If that doesn’t work, you can try rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. For tougher stains, I recommend using vegetable or cooking oils.

But these are just a few cleaners to help you get rid of paint from your face, hand, and nails. In the article, we will discuss several other options that work just as well.

So, stick around to find the fastest way to get paint off hands and nails.

Can you remove paint from the skin?

Yes, absolutely!

The best way to clean paint from your skin depends on the type of paint you’re dealing with. This is important because both types of paints require different cleaning methods. 

Water-based paints require less effort as they dissolve in water, but oil-based paints are trickier and more time-consuming to clean.

Let’s start with water-based paints.

How to get rid of water-based paint from skin and nails

Usually, paints are easier to remove while wet but water-based paints can be quickly cleaned even after they have dried. If you’re unsure whether your paint is water-based, here are a few examples to help you decide.

• Water-based paints include:
• Watercolors
• Latex interior and exterior paint (spray and liquid)
• Acrylic craft paint
• Finger paint
• Fabric paint

Now, let’s move on to paint removal methods.

Wash with water and soap

You should always begin with the gentlest cleaning method to avoid exposing your skin to unnecessarily harsh ingredients. Wet the skin with warm water and generously apply soap to the area. Work it into a lather and gently scrub away the paint using your hands or a washcloth.

You can repeat this method two to three times to completely remove any splatters of paint.

Use a pomace stone or salt

If you feel the water and soap aren’t working as well as you’d like, add some salt to the mix to add an element of abrasion. You can also use granulated sugar instead of salt- the idea is to give the paint a push with something harder.

If these natural ingredients aren’t effective, use a pomace stone or a soap bar containing ground pomace. Scrub the skin using gentle motions and rinse well.

Apply isopropyl alcohol

If the water-based paint has dried on the skin, you can dampen a cotton ball with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and apply it lightly to the paint. Keep scrubbing the stain with the cotton ball for a few minutes until the color starts to dissolve.

Once the paint is wet with alcohol, try the above two steps to remove it altogether from your skin.

How to remove oil-based paint from skin

Oil-based paints can be challenging to remove, especially if they have dried on the skin. They can irritate your skin’s natural barrier because of the petroleum distillates it contains. Therefore, it’s best to act quickly and remove the paint before it damages your skin.

Turpentine and thinner and other mineral spirits are best for removing oil-based paints but aren’t the most skin-friendly. For this reason, you should exhaust other safer options first before jumping to these strong cleaners.

Use baby oil

Since oil-based paints can be cleaned using oil cleansers, this is the gentlest option of the lot. Apply some baby oil liberally on your skin using circular motions. Keep cleaning the dried paint with the oil until it starts to move around. It may take a few minutes to see visible results but stay patient.

Rinse and repeat a couple of times to get rid of paint splatters completely.

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Try cooking spray

Removing oil-based paint with baby oil might test your patience so try cooking spray instead. Spray a thick layer of cooking spray on the paint-covered area. Rub the skin gently to move the paint, and keep spraying more as you scrub the previous layers off.

If you have managed to get a considerable amount of paint on your skin, you may need multiple sessions of cooking spray to get it off entirely.

Wash with dish soap

Dish soap is used to clean up oil spills in the kitchen, then why shouldn’t it work on oil-based paint?

After you’ve used a cooking spray or baby oil, you will be left with oil build-up on your skin. That’s when you can turn to your dish soap and clean the grease and oil off.

Dish soap contains mild cleaning agents that don’t harm the skin, so rest assured that even if the paint doesn’t come off, your skin will be just fine.

Clean with mayonnaise

Who would have thought your favorite sandwich spread could remove tough paint stains?

While this choice may sound surprising at first but just hear me out. Mayonnaise is made with oil, so it works similarly to other oil-based cleaning options. But the highlight of using mayo is that it can be cleaned up easily once you’re done because it’s not entirely oil-based.

It is a safe paint remover that should probably be your first or second choice. Since it’s so mild, it may not get the job done as well as other potent ingredients, but it’s a good place to start.

Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly can do much more than just hydrate your skin. It can be used to lift oil-based paints from your skin as well.

Since petroleum jelly has a mild formula, it’s perfect for sensitive skin. While it can be used on your hands, it’s ideal for cleaning paint off the face.

That being said, the mild formula may not be as effective at removing paint as the other options mentioned, but it’s a good start. Just make sure the jelly doesn’t spread paint onto other parts of the skin as you rub it in.

Use acetone

Acetone is the main ingredient in nail polish removers; therefore, it does a pretty decent job of removing paint from the skin. However, it is not a gentle cleaning agent and can cause adverse reactions on the skin.

Although it’s highly effective at getting rid of paint, I recommend using this method only after you’ve exhausted all the others.

Just make sure to use it sparingly to avoid getting your skin worked up. Wash it with warm water and soap immediately to minimize its harmful effects.

Make a paste of coconut oil and baking soda

You can mix 1 cup of coconut or any vegetable oil with ½ a cup of baking soda. Create a thick paste and apply it to the dried paint. Next, use toothpaste to gently scrub away the stain and continue until all the color has come off.

You can wash your skin with dish soap and warm water to remove paint residue and the grease from coconut oil.

Try Vick’s Vapor Rub

Did you know that Vick’s Vapor Rub contains turpentine oil? Well, it does, and that too in safer quantities. Therefore, you can use it to remove oil-based paint without aggravating your skin.

Cover the area you want to clean with a layer of Vick’s vapor rub and let it sit for a few minutes. Then gently wipe away the paint with a clean washcloth, some soap, and water.

How to remove paint from under fingernails

The worst side-effect of being an avid paint lover is paint-stained fingernails.

The problem with cleaning fingernails is that the skin underneath is very hard to reach; therefore, removing paint becomes tricky. Your best bet for cleaning your nails is to soften the dried paint first and then attempt to remove it.

If you’re working with water-based paints, any paint on your nails should wash right off with water and soap. In case it has dried down, you can use a sugar scrub or butter to soften the paint before washing it off.

However, if you need to clean oil-based paint, get ready for a long ride.

1. Scratch as much paint as you safely can from your nails and the skin underneath them.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
3. After drying your nails, apply a few drops of mineral oil to the dried paint and massage it in.
4. Continue rubbing the paint for a minute to soften it.
5. Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush can work too) to scrub the paint on top and underneath your nails. Remember to be gentle, as the skin under your nails is delicate.
6. Wash your hands again with warm water and soap to remove all residue.
7. Repeat the above process until your remove all the paint from your skin.

Mineral oil is just one option; you can also try the above methods to clean paint from your fingernails. Always start with the mild options first and use a chemical remover only when everything else fails.

 Tips to keep paint off your skin

Removing paint from your face, hands, and nails is a time-consuming task that gets even more difficult when you’re tired from completing a paint job. So, instead of focusing on ‘how to remove paint from the skin,’ think about ‘how to prevent paint from getting on your skin.’

Here are a few handy tips you can use the next time you paint.

• Wear thin rubber or plastic gloves.
• Wear an old long-sleeved shirt with overalls or long pants.
• Use a paint roller guard to avoid paint splatters when painting.
• Add a pistol-grip handle to your spray can to minimize the staining of your trigger finger.
• Keep a wet cloth handy while you paint to remove any paint splatters immediately.
• Wear safety gear to protect your hair, face, hands, and clothes from accidental paint splashes.

FAQs

How long does it take for paint to come off the skin?

Water-based paints can come off in a single wash, but oil-based paints may need repeated washing and scrubbing. You can expect it to take two to three days to come off completely.

Does WD 40 remove paint from skin?

Yes, WD 40 can remove paint from the skin, but it has harmful chemicals that can cause an adverse reaction. That’s why you should stick to mild paint removers only.

What happens if you have paint on your skin?

Paint can block the pores on your skin, leading to acne, blemishes, and rashes. Any type of paint pigment prevents your skin from breathing, so you should wash it off entirely while it’s still wet.

Is wall paint toxic to skin?

Wall paints are usually safe, but prolonged exposure to them can sometimes cause skin irritation, a sore throat, and watery eyes.

Final verdict

If you’re someone who enjoys DIY paint jobs, you should make sure to cover your clothes and skin adequately to avoid any paint splatters. However, if you miss a spot, you can try any of the methods above to remove paint from your skin.

We have you covered even if you need help removing paint from your clothes, so check that out as well.

Looking for activities to engage with your friends and family? Paint your interiors! It is an answer to dull and faded walls, transforms your space, and, more importantly, gives you cherishable moments.   

As for me, nothing gets me more excited than talking about coloring a home’s interior because indoor painting is what makes a house the HOME.

Being someone with a passion for painting, I often encounter the question: how much interior paint do I need? 

Let’s answer you right away;

To paint a room of 400 sq ft, you need one gallon can of paint. To paint a room of 800 sq ft, you need two-gallon cans of paint and so forth. If we talk about an average room size, 1 gallon can of paint easily covers the entire room with a single coat. 

Now only if things were this effortless…

I know, I know, if you’re up for a DIY job, you have so many questions racked up in your brain, and my job is to get them all answered. 

Keep scrolling to learn about all the ins and outs of the paint quantity you need to make your walls shine.

PS: Other than learning how to calculate the quantity of interior paint needed, some more nuggets of gold await you to ensure nothing goes wrong while you’re on the job. Grab them 🙂

How Much interior Paint Do I Need?

When it comes to painting indoors, there’s some measurement that goes into it. To avoid multiple trips to the store or overspending a lot of money just to see cans leftover in your garage, you need to be sure how many gallons of paint you need. 

If you can learn how to take your wall’s dimensions and follow the steps coming ahead, calculating the paint quantity will become as easy as ABC.

1. Calculate the Area of Your Room

• Measure the perimeter of your room which is (length + width) x 2. In our case, it becomes (12 ft + 10 ft) x 2 = 44 ft.
• To get the room’s total wall area, multiply the perimeter by the ceiling height. (44 ft x 9 ft) = 396 sq ft.

2. Calculate the Area of Windows and Doors

• It’s obvious not to paint your windows and doors. Which means we will not include their area in our measurements.
• An average door is 20 sq ft, and an average window is 15 sq ft. The total sq ft of the two is 35. You can measure the area of your doors and windows if you think they’re not a standard size.

3. Measure the Total Room Area Minus the Area of Doors and Windows

• In our case, we are considering one standard door and one standard window in the room. Now our total wall area of the room becomes 396 sq ft – 35 sq ft = 361 sq ft.

4. Divide the Answer by 400

• Since we already know that one gallon can is needed to cover 400 sq ft, we will divide the total wall area by 400, and that will be an adequate measurement of how much paint you’ll need. For our considered example, 361/400 = 0.9025. This means 1 gallon can will be enough to cover an average-sized room of 12 ft x 10 ft. 

The above measurements are for a single coat. For two coats, you can simply multiply the number of gallon cans by 2. 

Although the above steps can help you calculate the paint quantity for any dimensions, the below table will help give an estimate of some standard room sizes (the standard area of one door and one window are taken into consideration).

Pop Out Your Room With Different Trim Colors

Finishing your crown moldings, baseboards, windows, doors, and ceilings in a different color than walls attracts more eyes. 

To calculate the paint needed for trims, multiply the length and width of each trim separately and add all the area measurements to get the total area of the trim. 

This may sound tiresome, but usually, trims are all the same size, so it won’t take you much time to recalculate.

Now to calculate how much paint is needed, simply divide the area by 400, and you’ll get your answer.

PS: Trims do not need much paint, so consider buying paint in quarts rather than spending on an entire gallon. Do check out the details about how to paint trims on our website. 

Time to Paint the Ceiling

To calculate the paint needed for the ceiling, just multiply the length and width of your space. Now divide this area by 400 to get your desired answer. You will likely need paint in quarts for ceilings as well. 

Let’s Calculate the Primer Needed

Did you just think of finishing your walls without a primer? That’s definitely a BIG NO, as your walls may start to crack shortly. Moreover, you will also need multiple coats of paint to finish indoors. You can read more about why primer is necessary and what happens if you skip it. 

To calculate how much primer is required, you just need to divide your total area by 200 and the answer will give you an estimated value of the gallons. 

Go for Paint Calculators

Another way to determine the quantity of indoor paint you need to cover your spaces is to use online paint calculators. The calculator has columns that let you insert the value of your walls’ width and height and mention the doors and windows you have in the room. Moreover, you can also add measurements of the baseboards, crown moldings, and trims in the custom calculator option. After inserting all the values, press the calculate button, and there, you have it – your answer to how much indoor paint you need to coat your spaces. 

PS: Do not forget to paint the doors. You can see the best paint for interior doors and pick the right one for yours.

Some Nuggets of Gold Before You Pick Up the Brush

• Be properly prepared with the right tools and equipment. Using the right tools can lead to less paint consumption, offer a better and smooth finish without marks, and save you time and cost. 
• Recoloring your walls with the same old color? Just one coat of paint would do the work. Moreover, the good news is, you won’t need a primer for recoating. Hence, you will be refurbishing your home at a lower cost. 
• Getting custom paint? Make sure to calculate exactly and get all the batches at the same time for evenly matched hues. You may also need to have a quart or two extra for future touch-ups.
• If your walls are porous like stucco or you have unpainted dry walls, you may need more paint than calculated. While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to apply primer to stucco walls to protect color and have consistent shade. You can learn more about priming your stucco walls. 
• To prevent your walls from having roller lines, ensure your final stroke goes down the wall and not upwards.

FAQs

How much paint do I need for a 12 X 12 room?

For a 12 X 12 room with a 9 ft height, 1.25 gallons of paint would suffice for a single coat. For multiple coats, you can multiply 1.25 by the number of coats needed. 

How much interior paint do I need for a 2000 sq ft. house?

To color a house of 2000 sq ft, you will likely need 5 gallons of interior paint. You are likely to go for a different shade for each room, so it is best to calculate separately for each room. 

How much interior paint do I need for a 1500 sq ft house?

Since 1 gallon covers 400 sq ft, to paint the indoors of a 1500 sq ft house, you will need around 4 gallons of interior paint. However, it also depends on the number of rooms and size of each room, this article covers how you can calculate it precisely to get the accurate answer.

How much interior paint do I need for a 1000 sq ft house?

A 1000 sq ft house can be easily painted with 2.5 gallons of paint. Again, it depends on the size of your rooms, bathrooms and kitchen and what exactly you want to paint. We recommend you to calculate your rooms separately to get exact answer to your question.

Is a 5-gallon can of paint cheaper than 1-gallon? 

Yes, buying a big bucket of paint will cost you less than buying single buckets individually. If you have a big job and a single color is needed, go for a bigger gallon instead of buying smaller gallons. 

Can a quart of paint cover one wall?

A quarter of paint generally covers 100 sq ft area. If the area of your wall is 100 sq ft, it can be easily covered by a quart. For estimated coverage, check out the paint container.

I have a sloping ceiling. How will I calculate the area?

A sloping ceiling makes a triangle, and to calculate its area, you need to multiply the height of the triangle by its base and divide that number by 2. Visit the link to learn more complexities on how to measure rooms with sloped ceilings. 

In a Nutshell

Painting indoors is a fun way to make the most of time with your family and friends or by yourself too. There is no exact quantity to how much paint you will need to color the interior, but a good estimate is 1 gallon for 400 sq ft. You can further calculate the area of the walls and divide that by 400 to evaluate an approx quantity of the containers needed. 

Moreover, if you are thinking of refurbishing your indoors, make sure to check out the best season to paint the interior,  and the best humidity and temperature to paint indoors so everything happens smoothly. 

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below, and we will get back to you. 

Interior doors face the most wear and tear, so it’s important to repaint them once they start looking ugly. However, it’s easier said than done. But by selecting a paint finish that is durable and washable, you can extend the life of your door paint by a few years.

Semi-gloss is the best paint finish for interior doors because it can be cleaned easily. The finish is durable and has a glossy appearance that isn’t too bright but also highlights the surface it’s applied to against flat walls.

Picking a color for doors and trims is relatively easy, but when it comes to selecting the finish, many people need help deciding which way to go. I will reveal how to choose the right paint, finish, and color for your interior doors so you can paint confidently.

Should interior doors be matte or glossy?

There are five paint finishes: high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and flat. The first two are obviously glossy, while satin sits right between glossy and matte ends. Eggshell has a very subtle sheen to it; therefore, it can’t be called glossy.

As a rule of thumb, glossy surfaces are more durable and easier to clean than their flat counterparts. Since interior doors get their fair share of traffic, it’s just smarter to select a finish that doesn’t ruin easily.

Apart from washability, glossy surfaces have the ability to draw attention to themselves. So, when you paint your doors and trims a high-gloss or semi-gloss finish, it stands out against flat walls, especially if everything is painted the same color.

Hence, a glossy finish is better suited to interior doors surrounded by matte walls.

Is satin or semi-gloss better for doors?

The satin finish feels velvety to the touch and has a low sheen. Even though it is slightly shiny, it’s still not as glossy as a semi-gloss finish. Satin paints can be cleaned easily compared to flat colors, but the semi-gloss finish is more durable and hard-wearing, making it a better choice for doors and trims.

You can learn more about how washable each paint finish is to ensure you select the correct one for your home.

Semi-gloss or High-gloss: Which one is better for doors?

High-gloss paint is hands-down the most resilient of the lot, and it’s perfect for areas prone to nicks, stains, and high traffic. Naturally, you’d feel it is the better choice for interior doors. But the finish also has a downside: it brings out every surface imperfection.

Moreover, high-gloss can be ‘too bright’ for some people as it gives an enamel/plastic-like finish. Semi-gloss, in comparison, offers all the benefits of a glossy surface without extreme shine.

Why you should choose semi-gloss for your doors

Semi-gloss finish is widely used for doors, door jambs, and interior trims. Homeowners prefer this finish as it can easily withstand continual dusting and rigorous cleaning with a damp cloth. Since doors accumulate dust just like other furniture in your home, you need a finish that can handle regular cleaning. Hence, a semi-gloss finish is perfect for interior doors.

You can use a semi-gloss finish on the following interior doors:

• Slab doors
• Solid wood doors
• Raised paneled doors
• Hollow-care interior doors

Doors are a focal point on plain walls, and a semi-gloss finish brings attention to just that. In addition, the semi-gloss sheen is available in a wide variety of colors, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Is oil-based paint more lasting on doors?

Door paints are either water-based or oil-based, and both have different properties.

Latex or water-based finishes are perfect for indoor use because they are quick-drying and have low VOCs. On the other hand, oil-based paints contain harmful fumes you’d rather not expose your family to.

However, oil-based paints are much more long-lasting and durable. They are also ideal for use on wood surfaces.

Generally, water-based paints are recommended for walls, ceilings, etc. but not on furniture or doors. Oil-based paints are best for doors and trims because they dry to a hard finish and can be cleaned easily. So, you can always search for oil-based paints specially formulated for indoor use to counter their high VOC content.

Rust-Oleum Protective Enamel Paint Stop Rusts is an excellent option as it’s an oil-based, semi-gloss paint formulated for indoor and outdoor use. The color delivers a solid finish that withstands abrasion, fading, and chipping, making it an ideal choice for interior doors.

Also, make sure to paint your doors when the temperature is ideal, so it dries quickly.

How to select a paint color for your doors

Now that we have discussed paint finishes let’s look at how to pick the right color for your interior doors.

You first need to decide how much attention you want to draw to the doors. Do you want them to stand out against the walls? Or do you want them to blend right in?

Painting your doors white against white walls creates the illusion of open space. It brings light into the room and makes it appear brighter. On the other hand, if you paint your doors a statement color such as aqua blue, grey, etc., they stand out because of the high contrast.

Therefore, the color you choose for your doors ultimately depends on the theme you have going in your home and your personal preference.

Can you paint your door and frame a different color?

Yes, you can color the door and its frame a different color. For example, if the walls are blue but you want the doors to be white, it is up to you to paint the frame either blue or white.

If you pick blue for the frame, it will blend seamlessly with the wall around it and make the door color pop. Similarly, painting the frame white will make it appear cohesive with the door.

Remember to maintain some kind of balance with the colors. If you paint the doors, walls, trims, and frames all a different hue, the result might look haphazard and all over the place.

It’s better to paint the door frames and trims the same shade, so there is a uniform flow of color around the room.

Helpful tips for selecting door color

1. If you prefer a classic look, paint the door, trims, and walls the same color.
2. Whether you have light or dark walls, neutral-colored doors go well with both hues. You can color your doors beige, white, black, taupe, tan, or grey.
3. If your door has architectural details that you want to highlight, paint it two shades darker or lighter than the walls.
4. For wallpapered rooms, you can pick a deeper color from the design for the door and the lightest color for the trims. 

Some people prefer a wood finish over other paints. You can check Giani Wood Look Paint Kit For Front & Interior Doors if you have a similar preference. It delivers a faux wood finish and is available in Black/ Walnut, English Oak, Honey Oak, Red Oak, and Royal Mahogany.

If you plan to renovate your doors, don’t forget to spray paint your trims and breathe new life into your home.

Traditionally, doors are painted the same color as the surrounding walls, but now homeowners opt for stunning accent colors to add some personality to the room. Statement colors work best for doors that have unique molding and paneling. So, if you want to spruce up a dull room, paint your door a bright hue for a pop of color.

FAQs

Is it better to paint a door standing up or laying down?

The best way to paint a door is by laying it down, as it ensures that there are no drips or runs. While painting the door standing up sounds convenient, it will not always give the smoothest finish.

Do doors need two coats of paint?

If you want to achieve good paint coverage, you will need at least two coats of paint on the door. When buying paint, measure the door’s surface and keep two layers in mind.

Should I paint the door frame the same color as the door?

It depends on your preference. If you want the door frame to look prominent, choose a color that is darker than the walls and different from the door.

What is the most popular color for interior doors?

You will find white interior doors in 99% of homes. This is because white creates the illusion of open space and lets the furnishing and décor in the room take center stage.

Conclusion

Selecting the right finish for your doors is easy if you know what you’re looking for. Just remember that doors are constantly handled by people living in your home, which is why you need a durable and wipeable finish. High-gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes are all washable, so the final decision is up to you! Make a wise decision today and enjoy a lasting finish for years to come.