Common Paint for Interior Doors in a Hallway

Paint Finishes

• Paint types have different levels of shine or gloss, depending on the level of resins in the paint. This is true for both latex and oil or alkyd paints. The gloss levels generally correlate with the hardness or toughness of the finish, so that very shiny paints are hardest. Tougher finishes are often easiest to clean, a quality described in paint circles as being scrubbable. However, advances in latex paint formulation have led to some high-quality low-gloss paints -- even flat paints -- that are tough and scrubbable.

High-Gloss

• Shiny or high-gloss paints, whether oil-based or latex, are the toughest, standing up to hard knocks and resisting physical damage better than other paints. High-gloss paints are the best choice for any room where moisture and mildew are concerns. They are easy to clean without affecting the paint color or shine -- an important feature for hallway doors, which can get heavy use. Gloss paints also attract the eye. But their shiny reflective surface tends to shine a light on every dent, chip or other imperfection. For hallway doors with notable flaws, paint with less sheen may be a better choice.

Semi-Gloss

• Not as shiny or reflective as gloss, semi-gloss paints are still scrubbable, stain resistant and capable of enduring heavy use. They work well in almost any situation where high-gloss paints are also used, from kitchens and bathrooms to playrooms. Families with young children may want to use semi-gloss paint on as many surfaces as possible -- including hallway doors. For doors that have dents or other imperfections, semi-gloss paint will call less attention to them.

Eggshell or Satin

• Different paint manufacturers have different names for these low-sheen paints. Satin and low-sheen paints sometimes have slightly more sheen than eggshell. Whatever their labels, these paints absorb more light than they reflect, which greatly helps disguise imperfect surfaces. But because there is some sheen, they do add some light, warmth and color depth. Better still, they resist stains and are washable -- which makes them useful in bathrooms, children’s rooms and hallways. You can also use satin or eggshell paints on hallway doors.