Is Painting Doors and Trim Different Colors a Good Idea?

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By Cynthia Anaya

Updated: Apr 24, 2024

8 min read

Painting Doors and Trim Different Colors
Photo: Bunnings

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    Interior decoration involves multiple elements for a strong visual impression on the visitor and one such element is door color. When somebody enters the house, the first thing visible to them is the entrance door of your house. A unique door design and door color transform the indoor space into a focal point with minimal hassle and investment.

    When it comes to selecting the color for the door and trim, you might get confused about whether to paint both with the same color or different. For some of you, painting doors and trim with the same color may have a bold impact, and for others, it may not. Let's have a look at different aspects of painting doors and trim with the same or different colors.

    Is Painting the Door and Trim With the Same Color a Good Idea?

    There’s no rule regarding the door and trim color. It depends on your preference, the size of the entrance, the design of the door, the color of the siding, the color of other items at the entryway, and a few other things. If the entrance or room size is small, opting for the same color for the door and trim will make the area look spacious. It will also help you achieve a more cohesive and clean look.

    If the area at the entrance and room is large and you aim for a more thoughtful and visually appealing impact, consider painting the door and trim with different colors. The siding color also affects the decision regarding the door and trim colors. With neutral siding colors such as beige or gray, opt for contrast colors for the door and trim to add curb appeal, whereas with bold siding colors, painting doors and trim with the same color will add a more balanced look.

    The design style also matters as much as other factors. If you want a conventional look, paint the door and trim with the same color for a classic look. If you like a modern look, opt for contrasting trim colors to add depth to the home’s exterior and interior.

    The color of the front door affects the flow of energy and overall well-being of your home. The principle of feng shui matters. If you believe in feng shui, select the color accordingly.

    Steps Involved in the Preparation of Painting the Door and Trim

    Proper preparation before painting the door and trim is essential for a smooth finish. Let’s have a look at the steps.

    • Clean the surface using a pressure washer or using a scrub with soapy water to remove dust, dirt and grime to ensure paint sticks properly to doors and trim.
    •  Check the door and trim for any rough spots. If you see any rough area, sand it using sandpaper or an electric sander.
    • See if there’s any hole in the door or trim. If you see any hole, fill it using wood filler for a smooth surface. Allow the filling to settle down before you move to the next step.
    • Tape the areas where you don’t want any stain such as windows or any hardware.

    Select the Perfect Paint Color

    To select the best paint for the door and trim, ensure the color blends well with the existing color palette. Either use different shades of the same color for a monochromatic look or complementary shade for perfect contrast.

    Select the Perfect Paint Color for Door
    Photo: @upcycledandco

    The material of the door and trim also play an essential role in deciding the color. For example, the impact of color on wood is different than on metal or vinyl.

    No matter what the trending color or design prevails, all that matters is your personal choice and taste because you are the one you see the interior day in and day out rather than others.

    Application of Paint

    Select the high quality brush or a roller meant for painting doors. For latex-based paint, use a brush with synthetic bristle, and for oil-based paint, use a brush with natural bristle.

    Start painting the door from the top, moving downward in even strokes to prevent dripping on the freshly painted areas below.

    To avoid lap marks, overlap each stroke onto previously painted areas before they completely dry. Check the instructions of the manufacturer to confirm if a second coat is required or not. If you have to paint another coat, let the first coat dry completely and then paint the second brush.

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