How to Paint Trim
- Tape the edges of the wall where it meets the trim. Use blue painter’s tape to tape the edges of the wall where they meet the edges of the trim. ...
- Dip a 2-inch angled sash brush into the paint can. ...
- Position the paint guard at the side of the trim. ...
- Apply the paint to the edges of the trim. ...
When painting, do you paint the walls first or trim?
Put simply, if you’re expecting things to get messy, you should paint the walls first so that the paint splatter doesn’t ruin your careful trim work. If you paint the trim first and then do a messy wall job, you’ll end up havinga lot to touch up. The preference among professional painters tends to be to paint the trim first.
What do you paint first walls or trim?
Summary of Paint Trim or Walls First:
- Paint the trim first—no need for tape
- Painter’s trick: we use a roller (the same 9-inch medium nap) and roll the paint onto walls to be painted and tip it smooth with a good brush
- Let dry, roll walls very close to trim and let that dry. This is a good time to caulk.
- Cut walls.
- We list all the painting tools you could need.
Do I paint exterior trim or walls first?
Painting the trim first is the most commonly used method among professional painters. You can enjoy these benefits when you paint the trim first: It’s faster and easier to tape off trim than it is to tape off walls. It’s more efficient to cut in the wall color along the fine lines once the trim is complete.
Do you paint trim the same color as the walls?
Yes! Painting walls and trim in the same color is a popular trend. Whether you choose a light neutral color or a dark jewel tone, it is more than okay to paint your walls, baseboards, window and door trim, doors, crown moulding, and even your ceilings all the same color.
How do you trim walls when painting?
Cut in Quickly With a Steady Hand Use a tapered paintbrush. The angled bristles uniformly unload the paint as you cut in. Dip the brush into the paint, then tap (don't wipe) each side against your container to knock off the excess. Brush the paint on the wall, about 1/2 in.
Is it better to brush or roll paint on trim?
If you're looking for a quick and easy application process, you can opt to use a roller to get the job done. However, if you want to achieve a high-quality final product, you'll want to use a brush instead. It will take more time to finish, but you'll be able to guarantee complete and smooth coverage of your trim.
What does it mean to trim paint?
Trim paint is most often semi-gloss, meaning it has some shine, but not the intense shine of a gloss or high-gloss. There are a few reasons for using a glossy paint on trim, rather than eggshell or matte: The glossier the finish, the easier it is to wipe clean.
How do you smooth trim paint?
Once your first coat of paint is dry, lightly sand with 320 or 360 grit sandpaper. Most people skip the sanding step between coats, but this will give you the smoothest finish. Next, repeat the same process with your finish coat of paint. Most trim only requires two coats of paint.
How do you not leave brush marks when painting?
Know the correct painting techniquesPaint in shorter strokes for the best coverage.Don't press too hard on the brush. ... Wet your brush with water before painting. ... Going back over semi dry paint is never a good idea. ... Always paint in one direction.
Can I use a small roller to paint trim?
Despite some confusion, paint rollers are perfectly suitable for trim applications. For baseboards, a smooth to medium, 3'' roller is suitable. Paint retail centers carry these in store. Before using the roller, take painters tape then apply and remove any lint (nap) from the roller.
Is trim paint different than wall paint?
Trim paint is typically a lot thicker, so it makes it easier to stick to the trim, preventing it from sagging as it dries. These paints are also non-yellowing, which is very important because there is trim that is always exposed to sunlight.
What finish should wall paint be?
Flat, eggshell and satin paint are best for interior walls, whereas semi-gloss and gloss paint are best for trim and woodwork.
Do you paint the wall or the trim first?
Paint the Trim First, Then the Ceilings and Walls Pro painting tips will usually tell you to follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls.
What is the easiest way to paint trim?
Trim Painting TipsCareful sanding is the key to a perfect job. Sand all moldings. ... Fill holes and dents. Fill all holes. ... Caulk for a seamless look. Caulk all cracks. ... Spot-prime to avoid blotches. ... Add an extender to latex paint. ... Slap, don't wipe. ... Cut in edges before you fill the center. ... Lay on, lay off.More items...•
Can I paint trim without sanding?
You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple (not-so-secret) method. Through the years, I have received the questions “can wood be painted without sanding”, “can cabinets be painted without sanding”, and “can trim be painted without sanding”? The answer is absolutely.
What is the best brush to use for painting trim?
Chisel Trim Brush - slanted bristles produce a good, straight line for trimming in corners and edges. Square Trim Brush - the ends of the bristles are cut square and used primarily for applying paint over flat areas. Angled Brush - bristles are cut to make it easier to apply paint to window trim.
Should I roll or spray baseboards?
There is less time needed to set up, the window frames, baseboards and other trim can be sprayed without concern for paint landing on the walls or floors adjacent the trim, and the only thing that needs to be protected are the windows themselves.
How many coats paint trim?
You'll only need one coat of primer, but plan on applying two (possibly three) coats of paint when painting baseboards and trim, and be sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before moving onto the next.
What paint brush do I use for trim?
Chisel Trim Brush - slanted bristles produce a good, straight line for trimming in corners and edges. Square Trim Brush - the ends of the bristles are cut square and used primarily for applying paint over flat areas. Angled Brush - bristles are cut to make it easier to apply paint to window trim.
What is the best brush for painting trim?
When painting trim or baseboards, the paintbrush you use can vary based on the size of your baseboards and the type of paint you're using. Typically, a 2 or 2.5-inch angled brush works just fine. Particularly when using latex paint, it's best to paint your baseboards with a nylon or poly-nylon brush.
How do you paint trim neatly?
Here are our top tips to get a crisp finish when painting moldings, without a brushstroke or drip in sight:
How to avoid uneven marks in paint?
Never overlap: Avoid uneven marks by not working in the paint too much and by not starting to paint, over an already painted area. Brush off the surface: With each stroke, start in an unpainted area but work in towards painted sections, ensuring you brush off with each stroke to lay off the paint neatly.
What is gloss paint?
Gloss paint: As the name suggest this is a high gloss paint for a shiny finish. It has fallen out of favor recently, with many preferring matt finishes as gloss can highlight brushstrokes and imperfections. It wipes down well making it practical for kitchens or bathrooms, but can take a long time to dry when you paint.
How to smooth moldings again?
To smooth the surface again, give moldings a light once over again with 120-grit sandpaper.
How to stop sap from leaking out of wood molding?
Begin by applying a knotting solution to softwood moldings. This prevents sap from leaking out and into your paint finish.
Should I paint trim before or after walls?
Some recommend painting molding before the walls as it's easier to tape and protect than the wall however, this could actually be more hassle (and mess) than it's worth and we'd recommend painting trim after your walls and ceiling are painted. Kaitlin Madden, Global Editor-in-Chief of Real Homes and savvy DIYer always paints baseboards and other room trim last. 'I always do them after because I feel like it's easier not to get trim paint on walls than it is not to get wall paint on trim, since the wall paint can drip down on the trim.'
Can you paint trim and molding?
While painting trim and molding in your home might not have as dramatic an effect as painting walls, it is amazing how a fresh coat of paint on interior woodwork like baseboards and architrave will smarten up your interiors. How you approach the job of painting moldings around your ceiling, walls, windows and doors will very much depend on whether ...
Preparing Walls for Painting
The first step to painting success is proper preparation. Check out these steps and some helpful tips in our Prep for Paint article.
Buying Paint
One gallon of paint will cover about 400 square feet of wall or ceiling. Multiply the length by the height of each wall to get its square footage and total these numbers. For the trim, multiply the length (in feet) by 0.5 for the width.
Planning
Painting an entire room might take a couple of days to complete, making it a great project for a long weekend. To make sure your work pays off, learn about properly preparing walls for painting. Gather all the supplies before you begin and ensure that you have plenty of ventilation while working.
Rolling on Ceiling or Walls
Follow these steps to learn how to paint walls with a roller like a pro.
Wall Painting Cleanup
When you're finished painting, follow these steps to clean up and then your room will be ready to enjoy!
Preparation
Before you break open a can of paint, take time to prepare everything. This will make the process of painting the trim much smoother. We recommend designating one room to start with and sticking to it before moving onto another area in the house.
Safety Considerations
If your trim was last painted before 1978, there's a good chance the paint that was used contains lead. Even if the trim has been painted since, if the home was constructed before 1978, there could be layers of lead paint beneath the surface.
Instructions
Whether you're painting the trim around windows or door casings, baseboards, crown molding, or any other trim in your home, the key to a professional finish and seamless process is proper preparation. Follow along with these steps and modify them for your specific trim.
Choosing Your Paint
Many sources have different opinions on which type of paint is best for trim. At one point, only enamel paint was good enough and durable enough to be used on trim, but most painters have stopped using it. These days, the two most popular options are oil-based and latex paint.
When to Call a Professional
In general, there's no need to call a professional when painting your trim. Most DIY enthusiasts are fully capable of getting the job done with great results.
How to get paint off baseboard?
If you have an accidental drip or get paint on the trim or baseboard, wrap a damp cloth around a spackling knife or the long edge of a 5-in-1 painter’s tool, then run it along your paint line to remove any excess. Cutting in does take practice, but taking the time to cut in neatly will make a huge difference in the appearance ...
How to cut paint faster?
Use a high-quality brush. It’s well worth investing in a high-quality cutting in paintbrush. The better the brush, the less taping you’ll need to do, making the job go more quickly and with less frustration.
Why does paint drip out of my brush?
Applying too much pressure on your strokes will cause the paint to ooze out of your brush and drip. Don’t load the brush with too much paint. This will result in drips and heavy lines on the walls, and you’ll risk getting the bristles of your brush caked with dried, crusty paint. Use a high-quality brush.
How to paint with a pencil grip?
Pour about 2 inches of paint into the bucket. Hold your brush with a pencil grip, with the longer side of the brush bristles in line with your pointer finger. Dip the brush into the paint, but be careful not to load more than 2/3 the length of the bristles with paint.
How to prevent paint from dripping?
So, begin by prepping the room, making sure that floors and other surfaces are protected. Always use a drop cloth, and move it as you work through the room. Use painter’s tape to mask only those awkward or tough-to-reach spots ...
Can you use painter's tape on paint?
Use painter’s tape to mask only those awkward or tough-to-reach spots where you know you won’t be able to guarantee clean results without taping. Otherwise, avoid taping—it takes extra time, and unless the tape is properly applied, paint can seep underneath it or dry on top of it, creating a real mess upon removal.
Is it good to cut in trim before rolling paint?
Any professional painter knows that a successful paint job is only as good as the preparation that comes before it. That’s why it’s so important to cut in around trim, ceilings, and baseboards before you start rolling paint on the walls. Lucky for us, even the average DIYer can do this well with the right equipment, a little instruction, and some careful application of paint.
What happens if you paint trim first?
If you paint the trim first, you run the risk of the wall color splattering and having to touch it up again. On the other hand, if you paint the wall first, then the trim paint could bleed over and force you to go back and fix the wall color. The hotly debated issue doesn’t seem to have a definitive answer….
How to protect paint from second paint color?
Whichever surface you paint first, you’ll want to protect it from the second paint color you go to use by covering it with the gentle tape. Make sure that the tape’s edges are flat against the wall so paint can’t seep beneath it.
Is it hard to paint clean lines?
As mentioned above, painting isn’t hard, but it is time-consuming.
Is it possible to be halfway done painting a room?
You may be only halfway done, but the room already feels brighter or more cozy. It’s all to do with the size of your canvas; newly painted trim might be noticeable, but it won’t have quite the same impact as a coat of wall paint.
Is it better to paint the wall first or second?
Painting the wall first is easier and efficient, especially for inexperienced painters. This particular order allows do-it-yourselfers to be slightly sloppier when painting the walls without the job itself looking sloppy.
Can you cut in over flat walls?
Some also find it easier to cut in over the flat, wide walls than having to cut in on the more narrow (and often curved and creased) trim. If you have a steady hand and the time to dedicate to slowly painting the edges and corners, this might be the method for you.
How to smooth out rough trim?
If the trim is rough and worn, start by sanding with coarse, 80-grit sandpaper. Then, move to less-coarse sandpaper such as 100- or 120-grit to smooth the surface. Step 3: Fill in holes, dents and cracks with a lightweight spackling compound. (Follow directions on the spackling container for best results.)
How to tape a wall with painter's tape?
Taping Tip: Select 3-to-4 inches of painter's tape and firmly press it to the wall. While holding this "starting spot” in place, pull out 6 inches of tape, then firmly secure it to the wall. Repeat until the tape is secured for the length of the trim.
How to get rid of drips on paint?
Dip an angled brush into the paint, covering no more than ½ inch to 1 inch of the brush. Use the side of the tray to wipe excess paint off the brush, helping to avoid drips while painting. Step 4: Smooth over the series of short brush strokes with one long brush stroke.
How long does it take for primer to dry on wood trim?
Step 1: Apply primer to trim, covering any bare wood and spackled areas. Allow primer to dry for 24 hours. After the drying period, if bare wood or spackle is showing, apply another coat of primer to the trim.
How to prevent paint from bleeding through paint?
To prevent paint from bleeding through the tape, try to use one long piece of tape instead of multiple shorter pieces. Taping Tip: Select 3-to-4 inches of painter's tape and firmly press it to the wall.
How many strokes for a wide trim?
Repeat if necessary, depending on the width of the trim, to create the appearance of long, smooth strokes. Technique Tip: Wider trim may require three or four long, parallel brush strokes. Thinner trim may only require one or two long, parallel strokes.
How to get a tint on a wall?
Get a sample quantity of paint, brush two coats on a slab of foam core (its white surface acts like primer) at least three feet square, then put it up against the wall. You'll get a much better sense of how your tint plays off your furniture and flooring. Eyeball the color at various times of the day and move it around the room to see how it looks in different light conditions.
How many inches of sash brush for trim?
You'll want at least one 21/4-inch angled sash brush for cutting in trim, and one 3-inch brush for cutting in walls and ceilings.
What does "wet edges" mean in painting?
Pros always work with "wet edges." Meaning they roll walls before the areas where they've cut in—or painted with a brush along the wall's perimeter edges—have dried.
Why do you need to go for cheap paint?
Go for the good stuff. Why? Because cheap paint covers very well when it's wet— the first, and in many cases last, time many people scrutinize their work—but not so well once it's dry.
How much does a gallon of paint cover?
Double your numbers if you're doing two coats. Or follow these steps to calculate how much you need; as a rule of thumb, one gallon covers about 400 square feet. 3. Invest in Premium Paint.
What is painting prep?
Painting prep usually involves scraping, sanding—and dust-making. "You might be shocked at how far dust travels, and what small areas it can get into," says Rich O'Neil, owner of Masterwork Painting, in Bedford, Massachusetts.
Can you notice difference in paint job after tape and tarps are put away?
We've assembled a couple dozen of them on the following pages, gleaned from decades' worth of accumulated wisdom from pros working from Seattle to Boston. Put their pointers to work, and you'll notice a difference in your paint job years after the tape and tarps are put away.
