What sheen do I use when painting an old door?

Connie Windes
by Connie Windes

I have a really old and in need of work front door that I am going to paint red. The question I have is do I paint it high gloss red, semi-gloss red or a satin or a flat red. Someone told me once never to pain anything high gloss if the item has a lot of flaws and this door does.

  11 answers
  • Gk Gk on Sep 03, 2018

    I am not a fan of high gloss paint so I would choose semi gloss or satin. Make sure you get an exterior paint. It will last longer. You should sand and clean the door well and then prime first. You are painting your door red so I would get the primer tinted to match your paint. Your door will look so pretty in red! Here's an article to help you out: https://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/great-tips-for-painting-doors/view-all/

  • Carol Jackson Carol Jackson on Sep 03, 2018

    Check out your paint department for exterior paint finishes. Also anything exposed to outside conditions should have some type of sealer final coating to keep it looking good. What are the flaws and how bad are they? Can they be sanded out. Sometimes imperfections can add character. I'm thinking any thing but flat. (my opinion only) Suggestions are nice but you should pick what you like. Just sayin'.

  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Sep 03, 2018

    Hi Connie. My front door is red and semigloss. But a few pointers, first, fix as many flaws as possible. Secondly, sand door to smooth and prime it with a great primer in black! Yep, BLACK. I promise this works the best to help the red be red and not pink!

    Lastly, gloss or no gloss. If you choose flat, I recommend a clear coat. But for cleaning purposes, I do recommend using a matte or semi on it. (Get a true front door paint they are UV protected paints. They also come in quarts!)

  • Vicki Vicki on Sep 03, 2018

    Great , I will remember all that you said,,, Thank You Hope.

  • Mia Lugar Mia Lugar on Sep 03, 2018

    I would use semi-gloss outdoor paint. Be sure it is clean and sanded lightly first.

  • Baxter Baxter on Sep 03, 2018

    The recomended finish for an exterior front door and trim is semigloss. Semigloss paint gives a smoother surface than lower-sheen finishes (like flat or satin) and will cover more flaws than lesser sheens. Semigloss also has an agreeable degree of shine, providing a visual contrast against the exterior siding, brick, etc of your house. First repair the door by filling in the gouges and damaged areas at base & joints with wood putty, then sand well (scraping and sanding all the old chipped paint away) until it's all smooth. Wipe the door clean, real clean. Then prime the door with a tinted primer. Apply 2 coats of a good quality exterior semi-gloss paint. It takes several days for paint to "cure" so take care with the door while the paint cures to a hard finish. Good luck!

  • Jan Marie Jan Marie on Sep 25, 2018

    I used semi gloss on my front door on my 1926 home. If possible take the door off the hinges and lay flat on saw horses indoors or in a shady spot outdoors. This really helps to keep any drips at bay and helps for the paint to self float out any brush marks. Good luck and take your time. Your front door is what greets your guests and everyone wants to make a good first impression.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Sep 26, 2018

    Semi gloss

  • Em Em on Sep 26, 2018

    semi or satin. Gloss would be frightening.

  • Vicki Vicki on Sep 26, 2018

    Is the picture above, of the door you are using, Could you put a couple of bits of horizontal moulding on the below blank space on the door.

    A hint to try a Shinny Brass or Black or shinny Chrome door knocker, handles & house number on the door to distract from the flaws on the door.