
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. ...
- Glossier paint highlights decorative touches in trim, such as angles, curves, and lines.
- While it's true that the glossier the paint, the less it is able to conceal imperfections in the painted surface, semi-gloss strikes a nice balance between the concealing benefits of flatter paints and the light-reflecting qualities of high-gloss paint.
What is the best paint for interior doors and trim?
Semigloss paint gives you a smoother surface than lower-sheen finishes and has a degree of shine, providing a visual contrast. “Semigloss finishes are usually easy to clean, so they’ll continue to look good for years,” says test engineer Rico de Paz, Consumer Reports’ resident paint pro.
What kind of paint to use on baseboards and trim?
MATERIALS FOR PAINTING BASEBOARDS
- Primer I recommend Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3. ...
- Abrasive Hand Pad instead of sandpaper Use this instead of sandpaper. ...
- Paint Benjamin Moore Semi-Gloss Natura in Simply White (what we use for all the trim in our house)
- Paint Brush– use a 3″ angled trim brush
- Paint Trim Guard I use Red Devil 18″ Dual Edge Painter’s Edge Guard- GAMECHANGER PEOPLE!
What is the best finish for trim paint?
Reasons Why Satin Finish Is Best For Exterior Trim
- Satin sheen protects trim
- A satin finish repels moisture
- Satin finish easy to touch-up
- Satin offers middle of the road finishes
- Very durable, hides minor trim imperfections
- Satin sheens are available across all paint brands
- Coverage much better on trim wood using satin finish
How to get a smooth paint finish on trim?
So, in a nutshell, my tips for getting an extra smooth finish on woodwork and trim are:
- Sand and prime your surface properly
- Use a quality paint recommended for interior trim
- Use a paint conditioner (Floetrol or Penetrol) to minimize brush strokes
- Use high-quality angled brushes and give the short-handle a try for better control

What is the best paint finish for trim?
Semi-gloss finishSemi-gloss finish: This is the best finish for your trims such as baseboards, mouldings and even cabinets and doors. It's also a good choice for highly trafficked area that gets lots of wear and tear such as a mudroom.
What type of paint should be used on trim and molding?
Semi-glossSemi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are best for trim and molding. Semi-gloss has a higher gloss level than a satin finish, but isn't as shiny as high-gloss.
What is the best paint for baseboards and trim?
In most cases, the best paint for baseboards is a water-based or Acrylic-Alkyd hybrid paint with a semi-gloss paint sheen is the best choice for painting baseboards and trim. Benjamin Moore Advanced is a popular choice; it can be purchased at one of their paint stores.
What kind of paint do you use on baseboards?
Best Paint to Use for Baseboards Oil-based (alkyd) paint tends to hold up well and requires only one coat, while water-based (latex) paint is less toxic and dries more quickly. For most DIYers, water-based is probably the better bet, as it'll be easier to clean up any errant paint.
Do you need special paint for trim?
Because trim serves a decorative purpose, the best paint for trim should accentuate the details, so satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high gloss are all suitable.
How do you paint trim without leaving brush marks?
Go with the grain. In any painting project, trim included, paint with the grain of your wood rather than across it. This ensures the smoothest finish. Cut in first, and then paint the middle.
Do you paint trim or walls 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.
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 is the most popular white for trim?
What is the best white paint for trim?No. 1 – Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.No. 2 – Benjamin Moore White Dove.No. 3 – Benjamin Moore Simply White.No. 4 – Sherwin-Williams Pure White.No. 5 – Benjamin Moore Decorator's White.No. 6 – Sherwin-Williams High Reflective White.
Do baseboards need two coats of paint?
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 Sherwin Williams paint is best for trim?
Oil / Alkyd– Good adhesion, excellent durability and stain resistance make Sherwin-Williams oil/alkyd-based paints excellent choices for trim in high-traffic rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
What's the easiest way to paint baseboards?
2:214:162 Ways to Paint Baseboards - Easy version first - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFill any holes are dense with wood filler. Once the filler dries sand. Again now it's time to paintMoreFill any holes are dense with wood filler. Once the filler dries sand. Again now it's time to paint over a drop cloth use a small roller to paint the baseboards. Let that paint dry.
Should baseboards be satin or semi-gloss?
Satin reflects light and because of that it will show imperfections like divots and patches more than flatter paints. Satin is my go-to sheen for bathroom walls, interior doors, trim, baseboards, and exterior walls. Semi-gloss paint is great for frequently cleaned areas and rooms that deal with excess moisture.
What kind of paint do you use for interior doors and trim?
SemiglossSemigloss is the best paint finish for interior doors and trim. The reason being, semi-gloss can take up quite an abuse and stand up to nicks and scrapes better than any other sheen, flat or eggshell finish. The large surfaces gather dust just like your furniture.
Should I use high gloss or semi-gloss trim?
Semi-gloss finish is more durable and easier to clean. The higher the gloss, the easier the cleanup of unwanted messes like fingerprints and smudges. Therefore, semi-gloss finish is actually better to use on trims that get a lot of use and therefore require frequent wipe-downs – for e.g. window trims.
What type of Sherwin-Williams paint is best for trim?
Oil / Alkyd– Good adhesion, excellent durability and stain resistance make Sherwin-Williams oil/alkyd-based paints excellent choices for trim in high-traffic rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
What paint should I use for trim?
Because trim serves a decorative purpose, the best paint for trim should accentuate the details, so satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high gloss are all suitable. Semi-gloss, however, is the industry standard for trim, as it offers the best balance of looks and practicality; it’s smoother and more reflective than satin yet masks imperfections more ...
Why is trim paint not sold in sheens?
There’s a reason why trim paints generally aren’t sold in sheens lower than satin: Flat and matte finishes are not only coarser, and thus more difficult to wipe clean, their low reflective properties make them unable to highlight the ornate details in trim. Because trim serves a decorative purpose, ...
How much does oil based paint cost?
Oil-based paint ($20 to $50 per gallon) has a thicker consistency and longer drying time (as compared with water-based latex or acrylic paint) to ensure that it will fill small scratches, divots, or other minor imperfections in the trim work ( view example on Amazon ).
Can you paint trim and doors?
A: Paint labeled specifically for use on trim and doors is certainly one suitable option to refresh baseboards, moldings, soffits, and fascia (such as the front of the roof line). Trim paints are formulated with key properties that help them hold up and stand out on those areas, but you can also choose ordinary paint with similar strengths ...
Can oil based paint yellow?
Note that there’s a wide spectrum of whites available, from warm creams to cooler off-white to stark alabaster. Just keep in that mind that oil-based paint can yellow with exposure to sunlight and heat; so, if your trim is located near or facing a window, in a room that doesn’t receive much ventilation, or outdoors, look for an oil-based paint that offers some resistance to yellowing (e.g., Manor Hall Interior Alkyd ).
Is alkyd paint more resistant to moisture?
Alkyd or natural oil binders also makes these paints naturally more resistant to moisture and everyday wear-and-tear than water-based products—an asset when trim is located in a water-prone or high-traffic area (e.g., baseboards in a bathroom or hallway). RELATED: Solved!
What Type of Paint Do You Use on Trim?
When it comes to painting Trim, you need the type of paint that will offer a bit of sheen, and is easy to wipe clean. In that regard, a semi-gloss paint will do the trick. It is easy to clean, and it still adds some sheen to your trim. And if you want a fast drying paint, then you can read our fast drying paint reviews.
What is the best paint for trim?
Among the best paints for trim are BEHR Premium Plus Ultra, Benjamin Moore Regal Select, and Valspar Signature trim paints.
What paint should I use on fiberboard?
After the primer dries, apply a semi-gloss paint such as latex, enamel, or acrylic paint on the fiberboard, just as you would other wooden surfaces. The paint color you choose for your trim should complete the wall paint, for a classy finish.
How long does it take for fiberboard trim to dry before painting?
You need to prime a fiberboard trim before you can paint it, because it is porous. That means applying a primer coat, and giving it up to 24 hours to dry. The primer will get absorbed into the miniature holes, and seal them.
How long does it take for paint to cure on PVC trim?
Darker paints may absorb heat energy and start peeling or cracking. You need to give the paint on PVC trim up to 30 days to cure, in order for all moisture to escape through the paint’s surface.
How to smooth out a painted baseboard?
Apply several coats of paint and dilute the paint by five to ten percent more per coat. In this way, you can increasingly smooth the covering and work out any profiles more free. And when you paint trim and baseboards, use an airless sprayer, to get a smooth finish.
What is the third factor influencing paint and the result?
The third factor influencing the paint and the result is finger and skin grease, which you apply during assembly or cleaning. In order to reduce this type of dirt, you should handle the strips with appropriate care. Moreover, fabric or plastic gloves are helpful.
What type of paint is best for trim?
Many painters choose oil-based paints for their durability. Oil-based paints last for a long time, which can be great for trim projects. These paints also come in vivid colors sure to make for a striking interior.
What paint brand is best for doors?
For a solid brand, you might go with Benjamin Moore Advance. This high-quality paint offers a long-lasting finish for doors or trim.
What are the problems with painting trim?
One of the biggest issues with painting trim is brush marks. If you don't use the right technique or equipment, you might wind up with brush marks in your final trim.
How long does latex paint last?
Latex paints hold their color for years. They are also easy to clean with water, so a great option for busy rooms!
How long does it take for primer to dry?
If you decide to use a primer, you must let the primer dry fully before you add a coat of paint. This drying process generally takes about 24 hours.
What to do after applying wood putty?
After applying wood putty, make sure to sand the surface so it is ready for painting. You should also clean and dust your trim thoroughly . If you're working on a raw wood surface, you should also consider using a primer.
Why repaint a lounge?
If you're repainting your lounge, you might consider this technique to give the room a larger feel. This method also gives your interior space a cohesive look.
