When it comes to choosing interior doors for a home, one of the main decisions homeowners face is whether to choose matte or glossy finishes. Each option offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, so understanding these differences can help determine which finish will work best for your needs.
Matte doors
Matte-finished doors offer a more subtle look while still creating an inviting environment. Their matte finish creates a subdued, yet sophisticated appearance, which can be ideal for larger spaces that need to look and feel more inviting. Matte doors are also often more durable than glossy finishes, as they are less likely to chip or scratch over time.
Matte finishes
These types of finishes offer the perfect balance between function and beauty. Door frames are usually painted in a semi-gloss or satin finish. This type of paint will provide a smooth look to the door frame that is both attractive and durable. It also protects the door frame from dirt and wears.
Additionally, some manufacturers offer special finishes such as an antiqued patina on wood doors. Specialty finishes can add a unique touch to any space. If desired, homeowners can even have their doors custom-painted with a unique design or color scheme.
Source: ITALdoors
The most common matte finishes
- Matte Lacquer Finish: This finish offers a classic look on wood or metal doors and provides excellent protection from wear and tear. It’s also available in a wide variety of colors.
- Eggshell Finish: This finish offers a soft, velvety texture that can add warmth to any door. It’s also great for hiding imperfections in the wood or metal surface.
- Flat Paint: If you’re looking for a matte finish with no sheen at all, flat paint is the way to go. It gives a classic, timeless look to any door and is easy to touch up if needed.
- Textured Finish: For an extra unique look, textured doors are a great way to add visual interest without making them too glossy or shiny. They also hide minor imperfections on the surface of the door.
- Faux Finish: This type of finish is perfect for giving a door an aged, antique look. It’s also great for hiding minor flaws in the material and can be touched up easily if needed.
- Stained Wood Finish: If you want to bring out the natural beauty of wood, a stained wood finish is a way to go. It can add warmth and character to any room and still maintain a matte look.
- Chalk Paint: This finish is perfect for those who want a matte look that can be easily touched up without the need for sanding or priming. It’s also great for disguising imperfections on the surface of the door.
- Matte Satin Finish: A satin finish is a great way to add subtle, elegant shine to any door without making it look too glossy. It won’t show fingerprints as easily as other finishes do and are easy to clean as well.
- Matte Polyurethane Finish: A polyurethane finish is ideal for those who want to protect their door from wear and tear, as it offers a barrier against moisture and dirt. It also adheres well to wood or metal surfaces and comes in a variety of matte finishes.
Glossy doors
Glossy finished doors provide a sleek, modern appearance that is perfect for a contemporary or minimalist design. They are also quite easy to wipe clean, making them an ideal option for busy households. However, glossy doors can be too reflective in some environments, and dust and fingerprints may appear more pronounced on the glossy surface.
Glossy finishes
Gloss finishes are the shiniest options available and can make any room look more vibrant. Semi-gloss finishes offer a combination of both shine and durability; they’re popularly used on kitchen and bathroom doors.
For an even shinier finish, try a lacquer or enamel finish. These finishes are incredibly durable and won’t lose their shine over time, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for something that will last. No matter which finish you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that the higher the gloss level, the more maintenance is required to keep them clean and shining.
Source: ITALdoors
The most common gloss finishes
- Gloss Polyurethane finish: A versatile and hard-wearing type of glossy finish, polyurethane provides an even, durable coating over a wide range of surfaces. It is resistant to scratches and scuffs, making it perfect for high-traffic areas such as front doors.
- Acrylic finish: An acrylic finish is a lightweight and low-odor alternative to polyurethane. It offers good durability but requires more frequent maintenance than other glossy finishes.
- Gloss Lacquer finish: A popular choice for interior doors, lacquer produces a glossy finish that resists fading and yellowing over time. However, it is not as durable as other finishes and can be damaged by scratches and abrasions.
- Enamel finish: An enamel finish provides a glossy, durable coating that resists scratching or flaking. It also has excellent protection against water, making it ideal for exterior doors exposed to the elements.
- Oil-based varnish finish: An oil-based varnish provides a glossy finish that is highly resistant to scratches and abrasions. It also offers good protection against water, making it suitable for exterior doors.
- Water-based varnish finish: A water-based varnish produces a glossy finish that is easy to apply and remove. It also offers good protection against water and is more eco-friendly than oil-based varnishes.
- Shellac finish: A shellac finish provides a glossy, durable coating that resists fading and yellowing over time. It also has excellent resistance to water and abrasion, making it perfect for exterior doors exposed to the elements.
- High-gloss finish: A high-gloss finish produces the brightest, shiniest surface possible and is resistant to scratches and scuffs. It is usually applied as a topcoat over other glossy finishes.
Conclusion
Matte doors may be preferable for larger homes that need to convey a more inviting and subtle look, while glossy doors are better suited for minimalist settings that require easy cleaning.
Understanding the pros and cons of matte and glossy finishes will help make choosing interior doors easier and ensure that homeowners select the best option for their needs.
If you have time, take a look at this great selection of modern Italian doors.
