Elena Rossi
Painting trim can be a tedious task, and it is often unclear whether one should repaint or simply touch it up. While some advocate for painting the trim first and then cutting and rolling the walls, others suggest the opposite approach, painting the walls first and then the trim. The decision depends on the specific job requirements and time constraints. To achieve a smooth finish, painters can use oil-based paint, which dries slower, or add a latex paint conditioner to water-based paint for similar results. Additionally, taping off the trim or walls can help create straight lines, but it is not necessary if one is confident in their free-handing skills. Ultimately, the choice between repainting and touching up trim depends on the condition of the trim, the desired finish, and personal preference.
Should Painter Repaint Trim or Just Touch it Up?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to repaint trim | When the trim is in rough shape or has large dents or gouges |
| When to touch up trim | When the trim only has small imperfections or uneven areas |
| Painting technique | Use a 2-inch angled brush to apply paint in a single stroke in one direction |
| Type of paint | Oil-based paint is preferred by pros for a smoother surface, but water-based paint is more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up |
| Order of painting | Some painters recommend painting the trim first, while others suggest painting the walls first to avoid cutting in the trim |
| Use of tape | Painter's tape can be used to protect the walls from dripping paint, but it is not necessary if you are free handing |
| Drying time | Allow paint to dry for at least 24 hours before removing tape or painting walls |
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What You'll Learn
Painting trim first is more efficient
Painting the trim first is more efficient for several reasons. Firstly, it eliminates the tedious and time-consuming task of cutting in the trim around freshly painted walls. By painting the trim first, you can simply roll the walls after the trim is complete, without having to worry about cutting in carefully around the edges. This approach can save a significant amount of time and effort, especially when dealing with large interior repaint projects involving multiple rooms or an entire house.
Another advantage of painting the trim first is that it allows for easier touch-ups and corrections. If any spots are missed or require additional paint, it is much simpler to go back and touch up the trim after the walls have been painted. This helps to ensure a consistent and uniform finish across the entire surface. Additionally, if you are using tape to protect the walls from paint drips, painting the trim first can result in straighter and cleaner lines. Any minor mistakes or paint bleeds can be easily corrected by touching up the trim after removing the tape.
Furthermore, painting the trim first provides a smoother overall finish. By focusing on achieving a smooth finish on the trim, you can be less concerned about being neat and can avoid the hassle of cutting in precisely. Once the trim is complete, you can then move on to painting the walls, ensuring full coverage without worrying about getting paint on the trim. This approach results in a more seamless and professional-looking finish.
Additionally, painting the trim first can be advantageous in terms of paint coverage and consistency. By completing the trim first, you can ensure that the paint is applied evenly and thoroughly to all the desired areas. This helps to avoid missing any spots or edges that may be more challenging to reach after the walls are painted. A consistent paint application on the trim creates a more uniform and polished appearance in the finished product.
Overall, painting the trim first can enhance efficiency, simplify touch-ups, improve paint lines, achieve smoother finishes, and ensure better paint coverage. These benefits contribute to a more streamlined painting process and a higher-quality outcome. While there may be variations in techniques and preferences, considering these advantages can help guide painters toward a more effective approach for their projects.
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Use oil-based paint for the best finish
When it comes to trim, most pros prefer to use oil-based paint for a few reasons. Firstly, oil-based paint dries slowly, giving you more time to brush and achieve a smooth finish. Secondly, oil-based paint levels out better than water-based paint, resulting in a smoother surface with fewer visible brush marks.
Oil-based paints are widely used for high-traffic areas in a home, such as hallways and children's playrooms. The glossy finish makes surfaces stain-resistant and easy to wipe down. These paints are also versatile, suitable for most materials, and durable, making them ideal for surfaces that need to withstand frequent use, such as cabinetry, bookcases, doors, and window trim.
Oil-based paint is also a good choice if you want the finish to last for a long time and don't plan on changing the colour frequently. The resin in oil-based paint creates a hard coating that resists stains and rust over time.
However, there are some drawbacks to using oil-based paint. It has a stronger odour than water-based paint due to the high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and requires proper ventilation during application. It also takes longer to dry and is more difficult to clean up, requiring harsh solvents like turpentine or paint thinners. Additionally, oil-based paints tend to yellow over time, which can be noticeable, especially on light-coloured surfaces.
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Sanding and priming the trim
When preparing to paint your trim, it is important to sand and prime the surface to ensure a smooth and flawless finish. Here is a step-by-step guide to sanding and priming your trim:
Sanding the Trim:
- Inspect the Trim: Use a handheld light bulb to shine across the wood surface. This will help you identify any loose paint, rough edges, or blemishes that need to be addressed. Circle these spots with a pencil to keep track of the areas that require sanding and filling.
- Choose the Right Sanding Tool: You can use a fine-grit sanding sponge, a rubber sanding block, or sandpaper. Sanding sponges are ideal for getting into crevices and curves, while a rubber sanding block provides even pressure and is comfortable to grip. If using sandpaper, opt for ""no-load" sandpaper, which is less likely to clog and is suitable for sanding painted surfaces.
- Start Sanding: Begin with a coarse grit, such as 80-grit sandpaper, if your trim has significant imperfections or needs heavy sanding. Then, switch to a medium grit, such as 100-grit, for smoothing and blending areas with layered paint. Finally, finish with a fine grit, such as 120-grit or 220-grit, for a smooth surface.
- Sanding Technique: Apply even pressure when sanding, and pay extra attention to stubborn areas like windowsills. Use a folded sheet and finger pressure for most areas, and follow the direction of the wood grain for the best results.
Priming the Trim:
- Prepare the Surface: After sanding, use a vacuum to remove any dust and debris from the trim. Then, wipe down the trim with a clean, slightly damp rag to ensure the surface is clean and ready for priming.
- Choose the Right Primer: Select a stain-sealing primer, such as a shellac-based primer, to brush over the areas you've patched, filled, or sanded down to bare wood. If there are many patches and bare spots, consider priming the entire surface for a more uniform finish.
- Apply the Primer: Follow the instructions on your chosen primer for the correct application technique and the number of coats required. Typically, one to two coats of primer are applied, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next.
By properly sanding and priming your trim, you will create a smooth base for your paint, ensuring a professional and long-lasting finish.
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Taping the trim
Selecting the Right Tape
Choose a high-quality painter's tape designed for multi-surfaces with low-stick adhesive properties. The tape should be available in widths ranging from 1 to 2 inches to accommodate different surface needs. If you are dealing with delicate or heavily textured surfaces, opt for specialised variations of painter's tape. For taping corners, consider using pre-cut L-shaped or triangle-shaped masking tape to easily fit into 90-degree junctions.
Surface Preparation
Before applying the tape, ensure that the surfaces are clean, especially the top edges of baseboards, window trim, and door trim. Use a clean, light-coloured cloth to wipe down the areas and remove any dust or dirt. Painter's tape may not adhere properly to dusty or dirty surfaces, leading to paint seepage.
Taping Technique
When taping the trim, start by taping all the flat surfaces adjacent to the trim, such as walls and ceilings, leaving the trim exposed for painting. For baseboards, tape the wall just above the baseboards, keeping the tape flush with the top edge. If you're painting crown moulding, tape the wall below and the ceiling adjacent to the moulding. Overlap the trim and the floor, and use a sharp utility knife to cut the seam between the trim and the adjoining surface. This will help create a crisp edge.
Using Tape as "Insurance"
While taping, it's important to remember that the tape is "insurance" rather than a crutch. Take your time and use a steady hand. Cut in the trim as if there were no tape, and don't worry if you go over the "line" slightly. The tape will protect your trim from any mistakes or oversights.
Preventing Paint Bleeding
To prevent paint from bleeding under the tape, use a properly loaded brush or roller. Apply light strokes near the tape edge, and remember that the weight of the roller should provide all the necessary pressure. You can also use a 4-inch mini roller designed for painting corners, gently rolling over the tape to create a clean edge.
Removing the Tape
After painting, it's essential to wait for the paint to dry completely before removing the tape. Allow at least 24 hours for the paint to dry, then use a sharp utility knife to slice through the film formed by the paint between the wall and the tape. Start in an inconspicuous area to ensure the paint is ready to be cut cleanly. Pull up the tape at a 45-degree angle to avoid tearing pieces of dried paint from the wall.
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Painting technique
Before painting, dust off the walls and ceiling around the trim to ensure the painter's tape adheres well. Apply painter's tape to the walls and ceilings surrounding the trim, ensuring the tape does not stick to the trim itself. To prevent paint from bleeding through the tape, use one long piece of tape instead of multiple shorter pieces. After applying the tape, press the tape's edges with a clean spackling or putty knife to ensure adhesion, as this helps prevent the paint from bleeding through the edges.
Use a 2-inch angled brush to apply the paint. Load the top one-third of the bristles with paint directly from the can to avoid overloading the brush and making it harder to control when applying. Tap both sides of the brush against the paint can and then wipe the bristles along the sides of the can to remove any excess paint. Press lightly with your angled brush and apply the paint in a single stroke, in one direction, on the widest part of the trims.
When painting the trim, you don't have to be neat. Concentrate on getting a smooth finish on the wood. Don't worry if the paint gets slopped onto the walls as you will cover it later when painting the walls. Once the trim is completely painted and dry (at least 24 hours), tape it off, then paint the ceiling, and continue on to wall painting.
After the first coat of paint has dried, look for areas that look uneven or need more paint and touch them up accordingly. Once the final coat is done, remove the tape and let the trim dry thoroughly for 24 hours before painting your walls.
Most professionals prefer to use oil-based paint on trim for two reasons. Firstly, oil-based paint doesn't dry as fast as water-based paint, leaving more time to brush. Secondly, oil-based paint levels out better than most water-based paints, leaving a smoother surface with fewer visible brush marks. However, water-based paint is more environmentally friendly, less stinky, and easier to clean up, so it may be a better choice for DIYers. You can make water-based paint perform more like oil paint by adding a latex paint conditioner.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few different ways to approach painting trim. One is to cut and paint the walls first and then cut in the trim. Another approach is to paint the trim first and then cut and roll the walls. It is recommended to use painter's tape to protect the walls from dripping paint and to use a 2-inch angled brush to apply the paint to the trim.
Most professionals prefer to use oil-based paint for trim as it doesn't dry as fast as water-based paint, leaving more time to brush. Oil-based paint also levels out better than water-based paint, resulting in a smoother finish with fewer visible brush marks. However, water-based paint is more environmentally friendly, less odorous, and easier to clean up, so it may be a better choice for DIYers.
Using painter's tape can help you achieve straight lines when painting trim. Apply the tape to the walls and ceilings surrounding the trim, being careful not to stick it to the trim itself. Use one long piece of tape instead of multiple shorter pieces to prevent paint from bleeding through. Smooth out any bubbles or creases in the tape with a putty knife.
Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours before removing the tape. To remove the tape without damaging the paint, use a sharp utility knife or box cutter to slice through the film of paint that has formed between the wall and the tape. Then, slowly peel the tape back at a 45-degree angle.
