Nine Steps to Perfect Trim Painting

by Dave Donovan

The color you choose to paint a room can make an immediate impact on how you feel each time you enter the space. But, after you become accustomed to the new look, you will begin to notice the little things that have a habit of driving you crazy, like the trim. Whereas the wall color is extremely important to the look of the room, it’s nothing without the trim. Properly painted trim can add an increased dimension to the room that you never thought was possible. But, poorly painted trim can make the room feel dirty, unattractive and messy, despite the fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Here are nine steps you can take before you paint to maximize the look of your trim so your room will look as good as it possibly can.

• Clean the trim as thorough as possible. Vacuum away the spider webs and accumulated dirt and debris. Then, wipe everything down with a soapy rag followed by a clean, wet rag. Allow it to fully dry for two to four hours before continuing.
• Use a de-glossing medium or liquid sander to remove any glossy finishes on the trim or any grease that has built up. This will help the new paint to adhere better and reduce future peeling.
• Repair any nicks or holes that have shown up on the trim over the years. Finishing paint can make these dents and imperfections stand out like a sore thumb. Smooth them out as good as possible for the best finish.
• Look at the existing finish on the trim. Make sure you choose a paint that can effectively cover what is already on there.
• If the trim is newly installed or raw (never been treated), be sure to prime it before applying the paint. This is especially important when combining sections of painted and unpainted trim.
• Protect the areas around where you will be painting to prevent them from being accidentally splattered with dripped paint.
• Choose the best finishing brush you can afford.
• Choose the best quality finishing paint you can afford.
• Apply painter’s tape to the walls, floors and window or door jambs so you can paint with confidence and have the straight lines that will make your paint job “pop.”

As you can see, these nine steps take very little time and effort; but, by performing them before you paint, you will be amazed by the results. You may even find that you will be able to finish the job in less time and with fewer headaches.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.