6 Tips on How to Paint Trim

6 Tips on How to Paint Trim

Wall trims are one of those things that you feel you don’t need until you have them. Then they completely transform your life; you can’t imagine living without them.

Are you looking for something to liven up our space? You might want something to add depth, class, or personality to that room.

Trim is an excellent choice because it is simple to install and paint. But you’ll need a lot of patience. Despite this, the pros outnumber the cons. So, decide on a paint color for your trims, and let’s get started.

6 Tips on How to Paint Trim01
Source: Adobe stock

Benefits of Trim in Your Space

What is trim anyway? Before we can get into the benefits, we must first understand what it means. It might be a vague concept for an amateur or DIYer, so we’ll go over it briefly.

Trim, as regards housing, is that extra touch of intricate design. It is a thin strip of material that encases doors and windows and lines the floors and ceiling.

You may have noticed them but have yet to consider them. They are also known as molding or crown molding, and while the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same.

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Source: Depositphotos

Trims are typically a different color than the room’s primary color, adding depth and definition. A different color trim can also be used to add that edge.

Furthermore, trim appeals to our senses when we enter a room and functions together with the doors and windows. Trim helps to finish seams, cover up openings, and keep water out of the house.

A well-sealed trim protects against moisture entering a space, eventually preventing mold. It is also an excellent way to conceal unfinished edges, particularly obvious ones. They provide a striking contrast to the space’s original appearance.

Types of Trim to Use

Before painting, we must determine the material used to make our trim. This will influence our preparatory actions. Certain trim surfaces vary in texture and condition, necessitating more or less paint, which eventually means spending more or less money.

Also, different trims serve different purposes, so knowing what to use the trim for will help you decide which type to install. It’s not difficult to select a trim design, but you should answer the question, “Does this suit my space?”

● Wall-Floor Baseboard Trim

A baseboard trim is used to conceal the gap between the wall and the floor. A gap appears between the floor and the wall, increasing with time. The baseboard trim conveniently conceals that gap. This type of trim is more functional than decorative.

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● Chair Rail Trim

Chair Rail Trim
Source: gettyimages

This is one of the more practical trim options. Have you ever wondered how to keep chairs and furniture from scratching your wall? The chair rail trim is what you need.

If the size and layout of your space is small or cramped, your furniture may be close to the walls and constantly scratch against them, leaving unsightly marks. Some situations may even result in holes in the walls.

Such trim juts forward and sits between the wall and the furniture. The materials used to make this trim are solid and will not be affected as much by the table or chair.

● Picture Frame Trim

Picture Frame Trim
Source: gettyimages

The picture frame trim is an artsy and relaxed choice. It is a ready-made frame for your photos, and most people arrange several of them on a single wall to make an interior decoration statement.

It comes in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to insert memories and paint in vibrant colors for your space. It is a decorative trim option for the more daring.

● Casing

They are an excellent intermediate material between the wall and the door or window and a decorative function. Some of them have a decorative effect because they have intricate floral or geometric patterns, which bring life to a space.

Casing trim is an excellent intermediate material between the wall and the door or window while performing a decorative role. We can see the decorative effect of some of them as they hold intricate floral or geometric patterns, thus bringing life to a space.

● Wood Rosette Trim

Wood Rosette Trim
Source: Dreamstime

As previously stated, each trim serves a distinct purpose, and rosette trim is primarily decorative. This trim, usually made of wood with a circular flower pattern in the center, adds a vintage, classical look to a room. It is installed at the top of shelves, windows, doors, and fireplaces.

● Architrave Trim

Architrave Trim

Architrave trim takes some gut and grit. Are you willing for your room’s trim to draw guests’ attention the moment they walk in? Then this is the trim for you.

The casing surrounding the openings and the rosette above differs from the casing above the doors and windows.

Architrave trim outperforms them by extending beyond the length of your door or window and, as icing on the trim cake, has a cap that stands out. You either despise or adore it.

What is Different Trim Made of?

Consider the material used to make your trim because it will be the foundation for your paint job. It will determine the amount of prep work done before painting the project.

If the trim is made of wood, it is likely porous and will absorb more paint. Trim, such as baseboard, is usually made of wood. Hemlock is one such commonly used wood.

Trim can also be made of medium-density fiberboard and polyurethane, which are more moisture-resistant than wood.

6 Tips on How to Paint Trim

Painting trim requires certain efforts on your part that help the job go more smoothly. Even as you go through the step-by-step process, you should pay close attention to these tips.

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Prepare before you paint

The prep work allows for a smooth finish and painting. Whether it’s a pre-installed trim or one you have to install yourself, the preparation will make all the difference in the long run.

The painting will be a breeze when you adequately scraped, sanded, and did other preliminary activities.

Research the best type and color for the ambiance of your space

This may not appear to be a trim painting tip, but believe us when we say it is. Knowing what ambience you want to create in your room will help you choose the color and embellishments.

Although the ultimate decision is yours, you can seek some professional advice. Choose the design and color of your trim with care. You don’t want to look back on it with regret years later.

Before buying paint, take accurate measurements.

Now, about paint measurement, you don’t have to be ignorant. Just remember to double the calculations for the appropriate amount of paint based on the double coating of paint you’ll apply.

Decide how much paint you’ll buy after measuring the length and multiplying it by the width of the trim. A gallon of high-quality trim paint covers between 375 and 425 square feet.

Primer for wood trims

Primer for wood trims

Primer is an undercoat that you apply to a surface before painting. It gives the material a smoother, more adhesive finish. Its effect is more noticeable in porous materials such as wood. Priming wood trims is a necessary step.

Paint your trim first!

This tip makes your work easier and smoother. Typically, you’ll use tape services when painting already installed trims, especially if your trim differs from your wall and ceiling.

After taping off and painting your trims directly on the wall, you might have smudges or runoff on the surrounding surfaces if your painting skills are not great. But, if you have the option, paint your trim before installing it to avoid such hazards.

Semi-gloss paint is your trim’s friend

Who doesn’t like shiny things? Glossy surfaces are no exception in this case. Semigloss paint’s goal isn’t just to make it shiny and highlight the intricate trims, though that’s a nice bonus.

Semi-gloss paint for trims is a must because it effectively repels moisture, preventing mold growth.

Essential Tools for Painting Trim

This is why you must not overlook the importance of purchasing the appropriate instrument for each step of the process. You don’t have to spend a fortune; the basics are just enough and will serve you well.

  1. Proper protection, such as rubber gloves and old clothes that you are willing to discard
  2. Old newspaper for the floors and surroundings
  3. Brushes: We recommend using 2 ½ inch angled brushes for sleeker lines and easier access to curves and details. Brushes for oil-based paint are also required.
  4. Painters tape: this allows for straight lines, especially between two colors of paint
  5. Primer
  6. The alcoholic solvent in the case of oil-based paint
  7. Putty knife and spackling
  8. Sanding sheets
  9. Damp sponge
  10. Gallons of paint
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A Step-by-Step Trim Painting Lesson

When it comes to hands-on activities, nothing beats a step-by-step guide. This section will teach you how to paint trim from start to finish. Take your time and follow closely.

Clean and Sand the Trim

You should consider this step when you’re dealing with old trim. Cleaning and sanding will not be necessary if the trim is new. Old trims, on the other hand, require cleaning. Keeping the trim clean prevents bubbles from forming.

Also, properly sanding your trim with sanding sheets improves the adhesion of your primer to the surface. After that, you must clean it again with a damp sponge.

Cover the Holes

This is where the spackling and putty knife comes in. You’ll want that smooth finish and the trim’s design to be free of holes caused by chipping or previous installation.

Consider Using Painter’s Tape

You use your painter’s tape at this point, especially if your trim has been pre-installed. It would be beneficial to line the tape along the areas that you do not want paint or primer to affect.

Use a Primer

Apply your primer after you’ve completed all of the previous steps. If you do everything correctly, the primer will have an excellent hold on the trim. Your primer is vital because a specific primer on wood or other materials will cause them to bleed.

Paint! Paint! Paint!

You must be patient and careful when handling this part to ensure neat work. You may place newspapers on the floor to avoid stains.

As previously stated, semi-gloss paint makes your trim stand out, so dip your angled brush in it and get to work. When you’re finished, give it a little time—not too much, so it’s not soaking wet—and then peel off the painter’s tape for a smooth finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mold Grow on the Trim?

Mold can grow on and behind your trim if constantly exposed to moisture. To avoid the effects of humidity, use glossy or oil-based paint.

Can I Remove the Trim Altogether?

If you’re remodeling your home, consider removing all the trim. If the trim has rotted or no longer appeals to you, you can remove it. You can either remove it to install another or leave that spot barefaced.

Should I Hire a Professional to Install My Wall Trims?

It isn’t difficult to install trim and can be done by even the most inexperienced person as long as they have time and patience. However, if you do not enjoy hands-on work, you can outsource it to a professional.

Final Words

Trim has become an important part of building and the appearance of a space. Not only is it a statement piece, but certain trim types also serve practical purposes in a room.

The decision to install and paint trim eventually leaves you with an exhilarating feeling when you’re done, and you step back to inspect it. It is especially so if you get the color and design right.

You probably won’t be able to stop talking about it for a while. To enjoy this feeling, follow the above-mentioned processes and use the right tools. These things will make your work easy and save time and resources if it doesn’t turn out well. Have a ‘trimtastic‘ makeover! Please leave your comments and inquiries in the comment section below.

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Blacksburgbelle

Hello, my name is April and I'm the creator of blacksburgbelle.com. I'm passionate about colors and painting, and my website is dedicated to exploring the world of paint and color.

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