You might have finished painting your door and have leftovers. Your next question could be, Can I use door paint on wall? You could also want your walls to be the same color as your door but want to avoid making extra purchases. Whatever the case, you are in the right place for all the answers you seek. 

There are different types of paint for doors and walls, but you can use door paint on walls and vice versa. However, you must be sure you want the glossy nature of door paint on your walls too. Door paints come in different sheen ranges, from satin to gloss. 

Finding out that you can use door paint for your walls is quite a surprise. Of course, they are made from different materials. Doors are often wood or metal, while walls are constructed from concrete. Have no fear. This article will explain why you can use the same paint and answer whether you can use door paint on walls. 

Can I Use Door Paint On Walls

There are different types of paint. Some are highly glossy and can quickly shed any dirt they accumulate when you wash or clean them. But other paint types are coarse and retain dirt even after cleaning. 

You can use door paint on the walls. However, you must ensure your door paint is adaptable or suitable for door use. High gloss paints are better for doors due to their handling quality. High-gloss colors do not retain dirt. You can easily wash or wipe dirt off the door. 

However, walls with a less glossy sheen are better to prevent reflections of light around the room. Using door paint on walls comes with some factors you should consider. Here are some things you should consider before using your door paint on walls:

• Finish 

Door paint is usually a high-gloss or semi-gloss finish, which may not be suitable for a wall. It could make the wall look too shiny or reflect too much light, which would be distracting and overwhelming. 

Ask yourself if this gloss and light reflection are what you want or need on your door. There is no dire effect to using door paint on walls, but it might affect the overall aesthetics of the house or room. 

• Color 

Door paint may lack the same color range as wall paint. This short-range could limit your options if you are trying to match a specific color or create a particular aesthetic. This case does not apply when you have leftovers from painting the door. 

Ask yourself if you prefer both doors and walls to be the same color. You can buy another color of the same paint type to maintain the same texture. The room you are painting will be your safe space, so ensure you get something you will be comfortable with. 

• Durability 

Door paint is designed to withstand wear and tear from frequent use, such as opening and closing a door. It may not be necessary to use such durable paint on walls, which are not subject to the same kind of wear and tear.

The durability of door paints might become a problem if you use them on your walls. It may be difficult to remove the paint when you want to repaint them with another color. However, there is the option of painting over the existing paint. But they might not be the same shade of color. 

If you decide to use door paint on walls, test it out in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the finish and color. Applying a primer before painting is also a good idea to help the paint adhere properly.

Is It Safe To Use Door Paint On Interior Walls

It is not entirely safe to use door paint on interior walls, and we do not recommend it. Although there might be no immediate adverse effect on you or the wall, there might be long-term effects. It is best to stick to the right paint for interior walls. 

Although it is technically possible to use door paint on interior walls, there may be better choices for several reasons. These reasons include the following:

• Door paint is typically formulated to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, which means it may contain more potent chemicals that can be harmful if used in enclosed spaces such as indoor walls.
• Door paint may have a different finish or sheen than wall paint, which could create an uneven appearance on your walls. Door paint is often designed to have a glossier finish, which can make imperfections in your walls more noticeable.
• Door paint may need more availability in the same range of colors as wall paint, limiting your options for customization.

It is generally not recommended to use door paint on interior walls. It’s best to choose a color formulated explicitly for walls and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application and safety.

Can Exterior Door Paint Be Used On Interior Walls

You can use exterior door paint on interior walls, but we do not recommend it. Exterior paint formulations are harsh and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as;

• UV radiation
• Rain 
• dust and other environmental factors 

Interior walls do not face this sort of environmental barrage. Hence, it is made from less volatile organic materials or compounds. It is not healthy to inhale the fumes from exterior wall paint. 

Using exterior door paint on interior walls can result in a finish that is too hard and inflexible for interior applications. This hardness can lead to cracking or peeling over time. 

Exterior paints may contain higher volatile organic compound (VOC) levels than interior paints. These compounds can cause poor indoor air quality and harm your health.

It is best to use interior paint for interior walls, as they are specifically designed for the unique needs of indoor environments. Interior paint has lower VOC levels and provides a more flexible finish that can withstand normal wear and tear.

What Are The Differences Between Door Paint And Wall Paint

Door paint and wall paint are different. They are very minimal but essential details that separate them from one another. When choosing the right paint for your project, these differences are crucial. The differences between door paint and wall paint include the following:

• Durability

Unlike walls, doors are high-traffic areas prone to scratches, scuffs, and other types of wear and tear. Therefore, door paint is designed to be more durable and damage-resistant than wall paint. 

Door paints are typically more resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading. They can withstand repeated cleanings and exposure to moisture. While wall paints also have high resistance to environmental factors, the level of resistance depends on the type of wall paint. 

• Sheen

Door paint is usually glossier than wall paint, which gives it a shiny, reflective finish. Its glossiness helps to highlight the details of a door, such as the grain of the wood or the contours of the paneling. 

On the other hand, wall paint is available in a variety of sheens, from flat to high gloss, depending on the desired look and level of durability. It does not come in only glossy types, like door paint. 

• Application

Door paint is thicker and denser than wall paint. The thickness allows it to be applied more quickly and evenly to vertical surfaces. It also dries more slowly than wall paint, which gives you more time to work with it and avoid drips and sags.

• Color

Door paint comes in a lesser color variety than wall paint. Door paints often come in darker shades and colors. But you can get almost any color and shade of wall paint. The wide variety of colors for a wall is so you can match your decor and personal style. 

Door paints exist in darker shades due to their constant sensitivity to touch and dirt. The darker shades will quickly hide the dirt and imperfections on the door until you wash it. You have the choice to choose which suits you best. 

These differences go ahead and answer your initial question, which is, Can I use door paint on walls? You can use door paint on walls if you have no other options. But they are two different paints serving different purposes. It is best to use the right paint for the proper effect. 

Conclusion 

What is worth doing is worth doing well. Following this adage, it is best to use door paint for doors and wall paint for walls. Although their use is interchangeable, we do not recommend it. It’s essential to choose the right type of paint for your project based on the surface you’re painting, like if you want to paint door hinges.

Consider the level of durability and finish you need and your personal preferences. You can consult a professional or paint supplier for the best type of paint for your project. Can I use door paint for walls? You now have your answer.