Lena Rivera
Painting your trim can be a great way to add a hint of colour, shine, or finish to your home. Trim paint is a category of interior paint that is formulated specifically for use on trim. It is usually either oil-based or latex-enamel paint for high-impact trim surfaces. Satin, semi-gloss, gloss, and high gloss are all suitable finishes for trim paint. Satin is a good option if you want to avoid a high sheen, whereas semi-gloss strikes a nice balance between the concealing benefits of flatter paints and the light-reflecting qualities of high-gloss paint. If you're looking for a super-hard finish, Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a good option, although it is expensive. Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel, or HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams Cabinet and Furniture paint are also good options for trim and doors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint type | Satin, semi-gloss, gloss, high gloss, oil-based, latex-enamel, acrylic-latex |
| Sheen | Satin, semi-gloss, gloss, high gloss |
| Cost | $20-$93 per gallon |
| Ease of application | Smooth finish, long drying time, fills small scratches |
| Durability | Resistant to wear and tear, moisture, and UV rays |
| Aesthetics | Accentuates details, adds shine and colour |
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What You'll Learn
Satin, semi-gloss, gloss, or high-gloss sheen
Painting your trim can add a hint of colour, shine, or finish to your home. Trim is usually decorative and stands out from the wall, so it's important to choose the right paint. Trim paint is a category of interior paint formulated specifically for use on trim. It usually comes pre-tinted in bright white or base colours that can be custom-tinted.
Satin
Satin paint is a popular choice for trim. It has a sheen that reflects an average amount of light and is shinier than pearl, eggshell, and matte, yet flatter than semi-gloss and high gloss. It is the glossiest sheen that should be used on walls. While satin is more durable and easier to clean than eggshell or matte, it shows all imperfections when used on walls.
Semi-gloss
Semi-gloss paint is the most common finish for trim. It has a high sheen that reflects a lot of light, making it ideal for highlighting millwork details. It is shinier than eggshell, satin, and pearl, yet flatter than high gloss. It is more durable than satin paint and is great for trim that sees a lot of wear and frequent scrubbing, such as baseboards. However, semi-gloss paint costs slightly more than satin.
Gloss and High-gloss
Gloss and high-gloss paints are less commonly used for trim but can create a striking finish. They have a very shiny appearance and are easy to wipe clean. However, they are less able to conceal imperfections in the painted surface.
When choosing between satin, semi-gloss, gloss, or high-gloss sheen, consider the level of shine, durability, and ease of cleaning required for your trim.
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Oil-based or latex-enamel paint
When it comes to painting trim, the paint you choose plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome. Trim paint is usually either oil-based or latex-enamel paint, specifically formulated for high-impact trim surfaces such as baseboards and windowsills.
Oil-based paints, also known as enamel paints, are ideal for trim due to their high durability. They dry slowly to form a hard, glass-like finish that is easy to clean and resistant to stains. This makes them perfect for hard surfaces like trim, cabinets, and other high-impact areas. The longer drying time of oil-based paints helps to level out brush strokes, resulting in a smooth, flawless finish. However, they tend to fade and yellow over time, especially when exposed to sunlight. Oil-based paints are cleaned and thinned with petroleum-based chemicals, which can be harsh and odorous.
On the other hand, latex paints are water-based and offer a more modern and sophisticated look. They are known for their ease of use, as they can be thinned and cleaned with water. Latex paints are flexible yet durable, making them suitable for most interior projects. They are also water-resistant, but their flexibility persists even when fully dry, making them less ideal for exterior use. Latex paints are available in a range of finishes, including satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss, allowing for design versatility.
While both types of paint have their advantages, the choice between oil-based and latex-enamel paint depends on the specific project requirements and personal preferences. For trim, oil-based paints are traditionally favoured for their durability and smooth finish, but latex paints can also be used, especially if a faster drying time and easier application are desired.
It is worth noting that a newer type of paint, Urethane Trim Enamel (UTE), combines the benefits of both oil-based and latex paints. UTE offers the hardness and durability of solvent-based paints, along with the ease of application and clean-up associated with water-based paints. It is a popular choice for doors, windows, and trim due to its luxurious finish, excellent washability, and resistance to yellowing.
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Primer and paint combinations
When it comes to painting trim, the type of paint and primer you use will depend on the surface you're working with and the finish you want to achieve. Here are some primer and paint combinations to consider:
Oil-Based Paint and Primer
Oil-based paint is commonly used for trim as it helps to level out brush strokes due to its longer drying time. This type of paint is well-suited for trim surfaces such as baseboards and windowsills. If you're working with unpainted wood trim, it's recommended to use an oil-based primer to ensure proper adhesion. For stained or problematic surfaces, a high-powered stain-blocking shellac primer can be used before applying an oil-based paint.
Latex Enamel Paint and Water-Based Primer
Latex enamel paint is another popular option for trim as it provides a smooth and perfect finish. This type of paint is often used for high-impact trim surfaces. If you're using latex enamel paint, a water-based medium-power primer is a good choice, especially when transitioning from dark to light colours.
Satin Paint and Primer
Satin paint is favoured by some for trim due to its subtle shine and versatility. It can be used in various rooms, including bedrooms, family rooms, dining rooms, offices, and hallways. When using satin paint, a quality primer, such as Benjamin Moore's Fresh Start, is recommended to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
Semi-Gloss Paint and Primer
Semi-gloss paint is commonly used for trim as it offers a nice balance between the concealing benefits of flatter paints and the light-reflecting qualities of high-gloss paint. This type of paint is often used for doors and trim that requires durability and stain resistance. A water-based alkyd primer, such as Advance by Ben Moore, can be used in combination with semi-gloss paint to achieve a smooth finish.
Paint and Primer in One
In some cases, you may opt for a paint and primer in one product, which eliminates the need for separate priming. This option is particularly useful for interior surfaces that don't experience the same environmental stressors as exterior surfaces. However, for surfaces with paint problems like peeling, flaking, or bubbling, a conventional primer is recommended.
Remember, when painting trim, it's important to prepare the surface properly. Sanding and cleaning the trim before applying primer and paint will help ensure a smooth and professional finish.
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Paint thickness and drying time
The thickness of the paint and the drying time are crucial factors in achieving a successful paint job. Trim paint is generally thicker than regular wall paint to prevent sagging and ensure a smooth finish. The thicker consistency helps to level out brush strokes, resulting in a more even and professional-looking outcome.
Drying time for paint depends on several factors, including the type of paint, sheen, thickness of application, and application method. Oil-based paints typically require longer drying times, ranging from 6 to 8 hours to become dry to the touch and about 24 hours before recoating. On the other hand, water-based or latex paints are known for their quick drying times, usually drying to the touch within an hour and ready for recoating in about 4 hours.
The sheen or gloss level of the paint also affects drying time. Matte or flat paints with lower gloss sheens tend to dry faster, while higher gloss paints require longer drying times. This is because paints with higher gloss levels have more binders, which hold the paint pigments together, resulting in extended curing processes.
Additionally, the thickness of the paint coat plays a significant role in drying time. Thicker coats of paint will take longer to dry than thinner coats. Applying two thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat is recommended for a smoother finish and faster drying. Spray painting, for instance, allows for thinner coats and, consequently, shorter drying times.
The environment in which the painting is done also influences drying time. Temperature, humidity, and airflow are key factors. Painting in a warm room with low humidity and adequate airflow will expedite the drying process. Conversely, high humidity can prolong drying times and lead to uneven surfaces. Ideally, interior painting should be done when the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with 60 to 70 degrees being the optimal range.
When painting trim, it is recommended to allow at least 12 hours between coats to ensure the paint has adequately soaked into the wood and hardened. Following the manufacturer's instructions on the paint can is crucial, as they provide specific drying and recoating times tailored to the paint's unique formulation.
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Paint colour and lighting
Painting your trim can be a great way to add a hint of colour, shine, or finish to your home. Trim paint is usually oil-based or latex-enamel paint, with a satin, semi-gloss, gloss, or high-gloss sheen. While you can use regular wall paint, paint specifically formulated for trim will give better results and stand up to wear and tear.
When choosing a colour for your trim, there are no rules. However, certain colours will work better with your walls, depending on the look you want to achieve. If you want to make a smaller space feel larger, painting the walls and trim different shades of the same colour can help. This monochromatic approach blurs the edges of the room and tricks the eye.
If you want to add a bold, high-contrast look to your space, you can paint your trim a darker colour than your walls. This will focus attention on the window and door frames and can be a great way to inject fresh colour into a room. However, it can be harder to pull off without a designer's eye.
Lighting plays a major role in how paint colours appear. When selecting a white paint for your trim, consider the undertone of your wall paint colour. If your wall colour is warmer, with undertones of red, yellow, or orange, choose a white trim colour with a similar undertone. If your walls are a cooler colour, stick with a crisp white hue.
Glossier paints are more durable and play up light and shadows. If your walls are coloured, white trim will set them off well, lightening and brightening the room. White trim can also make the colour look cleaner and clearer. However, if you want to showcase your walls and add a finishing touch, you can paint the trim a similar colour to the walls. This can be a beautiful way to highlight the room's architecture and add dimension, especially if you use a different sheen.
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Frequently asked questions
Trim paint is usually either oil-based or latex-enamel paint. Satin, semi-gloss, gloss, or high gloss sheen are the most common types of paint finishes for trim.
Satin is the best finish for trim. However, semi-gloss is the industry standard for trim as it offers the best balance of looks and practicality.
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel paint is a good option for trim projects. Benjamin Moore 'Ben' semi-gloss or satin is another good option.
Microfiber brush rollers are best for rolling. If you prefer a long-handled paintbrush, opt for a long-handled paintbrush.
