
Painting over existing interior trim gloss paint is a great way to update the look of your home. It is a quick and easy way to make any room stand out by highlighting the space's architecture and accentuating the wall colour. While it is a tough question to answer, many brands make excellent trim paint. However, before you start painting, there are a few preparatory steps you must take. This is because a new coat of paint will not adhere to the high-gloss finish unless you prepare it thoroughly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting surface | Dust off walls and ceiling around the trim to ensure painter's tape adheres well. |
| Painter's tape | Apply painter's tape to walls and ceilings surrounding the trim, being careful not to stick the tape to the trim itself. |
| Primer | Apply primer to trim, covering any bare wood and spackled areas, then allow primer to dry for 24 hours. |
| Paint | Use short, horizontal brush strokes. Smooth over the series of short brush strokes with one long brush stroke. |
| Paint type | Waterborne alkyd paint, oil-based paint, or latex paint. |
| Paint tools | High-quality nylon/polyester brushes, roller tray, angled brush. |
| Surface preparation | Sand the surface and then use a damp sponge to wipe away any dust. |
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Sand the trim
Sanding is an important step in preparing interior trim for new paint. It helps to remove the glossiness from the trim and ensures good adhesion for the new paint. Before you begin sanding, it is crucial to ensure that all surfaces have been painted with lead-free paint. Lead-based paints are highly toxic and can pollute your home if sanded. If you are unsure about the lead content in the existing paint, it is advisable to consult a painting professional for guidance.
When sanding the trim, you can use sandpaper or a liquid de-glosser. Sandpaper comes in various grit sizes, and the appropriate grit will depend on the condition of your trim. If the trim is new or already smooth, use 120-grit sandpaper to remove the shine. For older trim with more imperfections, you may need to start with a lower grit to smooth out the surface and then progress to a finer grit for a smoother finish. A liquid de-glosser can be a quicker alternative to sandpaper, effectively removing the gloss without the need for manual sanding.
After sanding, it is essential to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust or grime. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe down the trim, ensuring that all dust is removed. You can also use a vacuum cleaner and follow up with a mop to ensure a clean, dust-free environment before applying paint. This step is crucial, as any remaining dust can mar your new paint job.
If there are any holes, dents, or cracks in the trim, they should be filled with a lightweight spackling compound. Once the compound is completely dry, lightly sand the repaired areas using 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface and create a uniform finish. After sanding, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust from the trim, ensuring a clean surface for the next steps.
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Clean the trim
Painting over interior trim gloss paint can be a tricky task. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, with a specific focus on cleaning the trim:
- Start by dusting off the walls and ceiling around the trim to ensure any paint or residue is removed. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the trim, ensuring you get rid of any dirt, dust, and grime. If needed, use the rough side of the sponge to scrub away stubborn dirt and ensure a clean, smooth surface.
- Once the trim is clean, you can begin the process of sanding. Sanding will remove the glossiness from the trim and create a rough surface for the new paint to adhere to. Use sandpaper or a liquid de-glosser to sand down the trim, and then use a damp cloth to wipe away any dust or residue left behind.
- If your trim has holes, dents, or cracks, now is the time to fill them. Use a lightweight spackling compound to fill in any imperfections. Let the spackle dry completely, and then lightly sand the filled areas using fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface.
- After sanding, use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris from the trim. This step is crucial, as any residual dust can affect the smoothness of your final paint job.
- If your trim is new or already smooth, you can lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to create a key for the paint to adhere to. Continue sanding until all shine is removed from the trim.
- Finally, ensure you clean the area around the trim. Cover the floor and nearby objects with sheets or rags to protect them from paint splatters. Keep the area well-ventilated and ensure you have plenty of space to work.
Remember, proper cleaning and preparation of the trim are essential steps to ensure your new paint job adheres well and looks smooth and professional. Take your time with this process, as it will pay off in the final result.
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Apply primer
Painting over gloss paint requires some preparation to ensure the new paint adheres to the surface. Before applying primer, it is important to clean the surface and remove any dirt, dust, or grease. This can be done using a mild detergent and water mixture, or a commercial pre-paint cleaner. Once the surface is clean and dry, sanding is required to remove the glossiness and create a rough surface for the primer to adhere to. If the existing paint contains lead, it is important to consult a professional before sanding as lead dust and chips are highly toxic. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp rag to remove any dust or grime.
When applying primer, use a paint roller or brush, and ensure that all bare wood and spackled areas are covered. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours. If any bare spots are visible after the primer has dried, apply another coat of primer. It is important to use a primer that is suitable for glossy surfaces and your choice of paint. For example, if using latex paint, choose a primer that is compatible with latex. If you are painting over a dark colour, you may need additional coats of primer to achieve a smooth finish.
Some primers recommended for use over gloss paint include the Multi-Purpose Interior/Exterior Latex Primer/Sealer from Sherwin-Williams and the Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer from Benjamin Moore. These primers are designed to provide maximum coverage and a uniform finish. After applying the primer, you may need to lightly sand the surface again with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth finish before applying paint.
It is important to note that if you are painting over high-gloss oil-based paint, you should not apply latex paint directly on top as it will not adhere properly and may peel away. In this case, it is recommended to either use oil-based paint or properly prepare the surface by sanding and using a primer designed for glossy surfaces.
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Choose paint type
Choosing the right paint type is crucial for achieving a smooth and glossy finish on your interior trim. Here are some factors to consider and options to choose from:
Oil-Based Paint vs. Latex Paint
The traditional choice for achieving a smooth, glossy finish on interior trim is oil-based paint. It is known for its durability and ability to self-level as it dries, resulting in a finish free of brush marks. However, oil-based paint has some drawbacks, including strong fumes, challenging clean-up, and slow drying times.
On the other hand, latex paint, also known as water-based paint or acrylic paint, has gained popularity in recent years due to its improved performance and ease of use. Latex paint is less smelly, easier to clean up, and dries faster than oil-based paint. However, applying latex paint over oil-based paint, or vice versa, can be tricky and may require special preparation to ensure proper adhesion.
Waterborne Alkyd Paint
A modern alternative that combines the benefits of both oil and latex paints is waterborne alkyd paint. It goes on smoothly, cures to a hard and durable furniture-quality finish, and is available in a wide range of colours. Benjamin Moore's Advance® Interior paint is an example of a waterborne alkyd paint suitable for interior trim.
Satin Finish Paint
If you prefer a more contemporary look, satin finish paint is a good option for interior trim. It offers a slightly more matte appearance than semi-gloss paint while still providing durability and wipeability.
Semi-Gloss and High-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss and high-gloss paint finishes are commonly used for interior trim as they provide a shiny and sleek appearance. They are also practical choices for high-traffic areas as they are easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear. However, when repainting over existing semi-gloss or high-gloss paint, proper surface preparation, such as sanding and priming, is essential to ensure good adhesion for the new coat of paint.
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Paint the trim
Painting trim is a great way to update the look of your home or highlight your space's architecture. It can be a difficult task, but with the right tools and preparation, you can achieve a flawless finish.
Before you begin painting, it is important to prepare the area. Cover the floor and nearby objects with sheets or rags to protect them from paint. Keep the area around the trim free of obstructions so you have plenty of space to work. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the walls and trim, removing any dirt, dust, or grease. If there is existing paint on the trim, use sandpaper or a liquid de-glosser to remove the glossiness and ensure good adhesion for the new paint. If you are concerned about lead paint, contact a professional for advice.
Once the trim is clean and dry, you can apply a primer. A primer will give the new coat of paint something to stick to and help you achieve a uniform finish. Choose a primer that is specially formulated for glossy surfaces and suitable for your chosen type of paint (latex or oil-based). Apply the primer with a paint roller or brush, covering any bare wood or spackled areas. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours, and then inspect for any areas that may need an additional coat.
When the primer is dry, you are ready to start painting. Choose a waterborne alkyd paint for the best results, as it will go on smoothly and cure to a hard, furniture-quality finish. You can also use an acrylic latex paint or an oil-based paint, but be aware that oil-based paint can be smelly and hard to clean up. Apply the paint to the trim using short, horizontal brush strokes, and smooth over with one long brush stroke. Do not add more paint to the brush, and repeat the motion until a few feet of trim are covered. Before the paint dries, carefully remove the tape from the walls.
With the proper preparation and technique, you can transform the look of your interior trim and give it a smooth and glossy finish.
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Frequently asked questions
A waterborne alkyd paint like Advance® Interior is a good option as it dries to a hard, furniture-quality finish and is available in various colours. You can also use satin finish paint for a more contemporary and slightly matte look.
You will need high-quality nylon/polyester brushes such as 1½- and 2½-inch angle sash brushes, painter's tape, primer, and paint. You can also use a damp sponge, sandpaper, and a tack cloth to prepare the trim before painting.
First, dust off the walls and ceiling, then apply painter's tape to the walls and ceilings surrounding the trim. Next, apply primer to the trim and let it dry for 24 hours. Finally, apply paint to the trim using short, horizontal brush strokes, smoothing over with one long brush stroke.











































