Veneer, laminate or painted finish — which lasts longest on an interior door?

Factory-applied paint (lacquer/PU) gives the most uniform colour and is easiest to touch up, but shows scratches. Wood veneer offers real grain and can be refinished, though it needs UV-stable topcoat in sunny rooms. High-pressure laminate and PET are the most scratch- and moisture-resistant for rentals, hotels and high-traffic family homes. Match the finish to traffic, not just to the sample board.