How to Paint Trim Like a Pro for a Smooth, Drip-Free Appearance.

Project Overview

  • Working Time: 2 – 3 hours
  • Total Time: 1 – 2 days
  • Yield: Paint trim in one room
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $60.00 to $135.00

Painting trim can enhance the look of your interiors by adding crisp lines and defining different colors in a room. Learning to paint trim like a pro is simple with the right techniques. By thoroughly cleaning, carefully taping, and choosing the right tools, you can achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish.

Brush and Paint Recommendations

  • Brush: Use a 2-inch angled sash brush with natural fibers for the best results.
  • Paint: Opt for water-based acrylic-latex interior paint. It dries quickly, has minimal odor, and can be cleaned with water.
  • Gloss: Semi-gloss or satin finishes are durable and easy to maintain. Avoid flat or matte paints for trim.

What You’ll Need

Equipment/Tools:

  • 2-inch angled paint brush
  • 2-inch putty knife
  • Caulking gun
  • Sanding sponge (100- to 150-grit)
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Drop cloth

Materials:

Learn how to: Sanding Popcorn Ceilings | How Often to Paint Interior Walls

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Area
    • Cover the floor with a drop cloth. For baseboards, tape masking paper along the bottom edge or shoe molding.
  2. Fill Holes in the Trim
    • Apply wood filler to nail holes and small cracks using a putty knife. Allow it to dry, then sand smooth.
  3. Sand the Trim
    • Lightly sand the trim with a foam sanding sponge to de-gloss it. New trim usually doesn’t need sanding, but wood filler should be smooth.
  4. Clean the Trim
    • Wipe down the trim with a damp microfiber cloth. For dusty or greasy areas, use a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and warm water. Clean adjoining walls as well to help the tape adhere.
  5. Caulk the Trim
    • Cut the caulk tube tip at a 45-degree angle and run a thin bead of caulk along all edges where the trim meets walls or ceilings.
  6. Tape the Trim
    • Apply painter’s tape on each side of the trim, ensuring it’s close to the edge without touching the trim.
  7. Prime the Trim
    • Apply primer to new wood trim, stained trim, or trim being changed to a lighter color.
  8. Brush on the Paint
    • Dip the end of the brush bristles in paint rather than loading the entire brush. Paint the trim in long, smooth strokes.
  9. Apply a Second Coat
    • Allow the first coat to dry for at least four hours before applying a second coat.
  10. Remove the Painter’s Tape
    • After the second coat dries for about four hours, carefully remove the painter’s tape by pulling it back at a 90-degree angle.

Tips for a Perfect Finish

  • Shape the caulk tube tip to match 90-degree junctions by swiping it between two boards set at right angles.
  • Mark the top of the caulk tube with an indelible marker to keep track of the tip’s orientation.
  • Use a dripless caulking gun to prevent unwanted ooze.
  • Cut painter’s tape using the edge of a putty knife.
  • Avoid overloading the brush to prevent drips, and use a slightly drier brush near tape edges.

FAQ

Is it better to brush or roll paint on trim?

Brushing is preferable for trim as an angle brush can reach into corners and conform to uneven surfaces better than rollers.

Do you have to sand trim before painting?Sanding is typically recommended to help the paint adhere better, especially if the trim is glossy. New trim or trim in good condition may not need sanding.

What is the general rule for painting trim work?Always paint the trim first, applying two coats and allowing it to fully dry before painting the walls. Use a different color for trim than the walls, and maintain a consistent color for all trim.

DAECO PAINTING COMPANY
4301 Clayton ST Denver, CO. 80216
303-999-8864
www.daecopainting.biz