Complete Guide to Painting Trim

Painting trim can dramatically enhance the overall look of a room, adding a crisp, clean, and finished appearance.  Whether you’re refreshing old trim or applying a new color, the right approach will ensure a professional result.  Here’s everything you need to know about painting trim:

 First, gather your materials.  You’ll need the following materials to paint the trim in your home.  (Or, simply hire the best painting company in your area as they’ll have all these supplies already on hand!)

• Primer
• Paint (satin or semi-gloss finish recommended)
• Painters tape
• Drop cloths
• Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
• Spackle (for filling holes) and Caulk (for gaps)
• Paintbrushes (angled brushes work best for trim)
• Putty knife
• Clean cloths
• Paint tray and liner

Preparation is key.  Prep for your trim painting project as follows:

1. Clean the Trim: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or grime from the trim.  For particularly dirty areas, use a mild detergent and water.
2. Sand the Surface: Lightly sand the trim with 120-grit sandpaper to remove any gloss from the existing paint.  This will help the new paint adhere better.
3. Fill Holes and Gaps: Use spackle to fill any nail holes or dents in the trim.  Once the spackle is dry, sand it smooth with 220-grit sandpaper.  For gaps between the trim and the wall, use caulk to create a seamless finish.  If sanding and spackling seem like messy jobs, they are; it’s often best to simply hire the best local painting contractor and trust the job to the pros!
4. Tape Off Areas: Use painter’s tape to protect the wall and floor adjacent to the trim.  Make sure the tape is pressed down firmly to prevent paint from seeping under it.
5. Prime the Trim: Apply a coat of primer to ensure better paint adhesion and to cover any imperfections. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to painting.

Then comes actually painting the trim in your home.  Follow these steps to paint trim like a pro:

1. Choose the Right Paint: Satin or semi-gloss finishes are ideal for trim because they are durable and easy to clean. Select a high-quality paint for the best results.
2. Cut In with Care: Use an angled brush to “cut in,” or paint the edges of the trim first. This technique ensures that the paint gets into all the nooks and crannies.  Tip: Professional painters are experts at this, so don’t hesitate to hire high quality painters to do the job.
3. Paint the Trim: After cutting in, paint the flat surfaces of the trim. Apply paint in long, smooth strokes to avoid brush marks.  If necessary, apply a second coat after the first one has dried.
4. Remove Tape Carefully: Once the paint is dry, remove the painter’s tape slowly to avoid peeling off any paint.
5. Tips for a Professional Finish: Work in sections, painting one length at a time to maintain a “wet edge” and prevent brush marks. Also invest in high quality paint brushes!  Finding the best professional painters in your area and trusting the job to them is also a good tip – they’ll have quality brushes on hand.

Painting trim makes a big difference in the appearance of a room.  With careful preparation and the right techniques, you can achieve a flawless finish that enhances the beauty of your space.  If it seems like a daunting task, just call on the best professional painting company in your area and trust the professionals to take care of everything.

There are many good professional painters in Northeast Florida, but The Painting Craftsmen is the best painting company Jacksonville FL homeowners have relied on for years.  Our customers throughout Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Atlantic Beach, Mandarin, and Riverside trust us to paint their homes – inside and out – and we’d love to paint yours as well!