December 30, 2008

Glossy Black Doors

You know when you have a project buzzing around in your head it can drive you crazy? Well I have been salivating over painted interior doors and it's about time I did something about it. I think it would be a great update to my home. My doors are nothing great the 7 foot builder special like this one.

Now here are my inspiration photos for my project from the always adorable Nate Berkus. I'm thinking glossy black.

[images via Desire to Inspire]

This is a project that I know I will taking on myself and I'm not much of a painter so do you think this is one best left to the pros? I don't have white or creamy walls do you think it will be too much? Now let's talk paint what are your favorite brands.

Please, please advise.

13 comments:

Elena said...

I always hear that Benjamin Moore is the best, although quite pricey. Also, I'm not sure if you wouldn't be better off spraying the doors with paint (like with one of those paint gun thingies), as opposed to brushing it on. Since doors have so many crevices, you may end up with a gloppy/drippy end result, whereas a spray treatment would go on evenly and allow the underlying woodgrain texture to show through. Hope that helped!!! :)

Courtney said...

Do it! I took the plunge and never regretted it (although I, too, was fearful it would be a disaster).

I did 2 of the doors while my painter finished them for me. But I would think painting them is the way to go -- high gloss oil based paint. I don't mind the brush strokes though -- and it may make your doors seem older. I also don't have as many crevices as you...my doors are only 2 paneled. But I know they will look great in the end!

Haven and Home said...

Hey! I just came across your blog and I think we long lost friends! I too love Nate and I just did a post on "The City" last night. What did you think?

Okay paint- I usually do at least some of the doors in homes I work on a different color, I used to do a lot of chocolate, but now I am on a gray kick. I use Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. I definitely think you could do it by yourself! Good luck and I can't wait to see the finished pics...

amber {daisy chain} said...

I think this a great DIY project that you can totally take on yourself. All my paint comes from Home Depot (Behr?) and it works just fine, we are constantly changing colors in our dining room and this paint goes on smooth. Ask the guys at the paint place for a good brush that doesn't streak, and go for gloss! Please post when you're finished!

Sarah's Fab Day said...

Ok so I know this may sound stupid but do I take the doors off of the hinges or paint them hanging?

girllovesclothes said...

oh, no need to take the door off first. that would require toooo much work.

Kim - The TomKat Studio said...

I think this is a great idea! I love that second photo from Nate. If you are doing the whole house, you might want to consider taking them off, and painting them in the garage (especially with the kids around). Will you do the matching closet paneled doors as well? Let me know if you decide to hire someone, I have a good, inexpensive painter. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

simply seleta said...

This is a trick I've done for many clients over the last couple of years (when I was still working in Atlanta). The results are fun! I chose a deep charcoal but black might be fun.

What a fun project!

SGM said...

Do it! I'd hire someone to spray it--that's what we did with our front door (which is glossy black and we get sooooo many compliments).
How exciting--do post results.

Holly said...

i liked ralph lauren paint when i used it, but i was going for a really flat finish. not that they don't have high gloss.

and i la-la-love this idea! i so wish i weren't a renter. i would totally do it. gorge.

nelya said...

A friend of mine has just done this very project on her interior doors. Hers are now a dark, chalky gray and look amazing. She did two coats and left the doors on the hinges. I've been totally inspired. I have those images of Nate Berkus' apartment saved as well, swoon! Check out this link for some Benjamin Moore black paint recommendations:

http://design-crisis.com/?p=175

No.35style said...

I LOVE the black door idea and even did a blog post about it if you want to check it out. I want to do this too, but I have so many doors it is going to take so long. I may only do one hallway door. I recently saw a black door in person and they must have used a satin finish. I really think it would have looked better to have done it in a high gloss. Go for it!

Kathysue said...

I just found your blog and I am putting you on my fav list.Absolutely go for the black doors.I would take them off the hinges and paint in the garage.I am a messy painter and there is no way black paint is coming into my house.I normally don't like high gloss but when using black on doors I always recommend high gloss.A good primer will make a big difference. you can't go wrong with Benjamin Moore paint or Pratt and Lambert.Make sure you get a good hard finish enamel.Good Luck.I can't wait to see how they turn out.Kathysue