You can paint trim in minutes by painting it before it is installed, but that’s not always an option. Painting the interior trim in your home may be discouraging if you don’t know how to get it done quickly.
You may save time without affecting presentation quality by finding the correct tools and mastering a few professional methods.
Tools We recommend
- Glove application tape applicator
- Masking tape
- Two-inch angled paintbrush (a natural bristle brush may reduce visible paint lines)
- One-inch brush with a tilted and stiff handle (for narrowest spaces)
- Artistic expression (typically semi-gloss or satin finish)
- Wet cloth or sponge
- Bucket of water and cleaning solution that does not produce suds
- Fine-grit sandpaper, 120- to 180-grit
- Putty spreader
- Caulk/spackle
- A large canvas or drop cloth
Make an Informed Paint Choice
A first-rate approach to determining the quantity and hue of paint required is to take inventory. If you’re after a certain appearance, you might go with trim that matches your wall color, or you might choose to use a strong hue to highlight your window or door. Our blog has a guide on how much paint to buy. If you’re painting a room with 350 square feet, you’ll need approximately one gallon of paint. You may find the square footage of your trim by multiplying the length by the width, then dividing by 12.
An additional point to bear in mind: What style of trim do you use? While wood is typically used for trim, other materials, such as medium-density fiberboard, vinyl, and metal, are also options. Because of its durability, wood is typically used for exterior trim.
Pick a paint that suits the surface. Interior wood and fiberboard trim can be given a semi-gloss or satin finish. You will need to use paints specially developed to hold up in a range of weather conditions if you choose to install either metal or vinyl trim on the outside of your house.
Getting the Surface Ready
Although it may be tempting to jump in and start painting right away, planning is critical for achieving the finest results in the end.
If the trim has paint that is peeling away, scrape it away with a putty knife. Discard any hardened caulking and reapply it. Spackles should be used to fill up any holes or gaps, and they should be allowed to dry completely. Smooth the surface by hand sanding it. Allow the surface to dry after wiping it clean with a water-detergent mixture.
If the trim is unpainted, discolored, or severely patched, prime it with the proper primer before painting it with the final color. Allow time for drying. Lightly sand the surface, wipe it down with a damp towel, and allow it to dry.
Preparing the Work Environment
Applying painter’s tape along the edge of the trim on the walls using a hand masker before proceeding is recommended, especially if the trim will be painted a darker color than the surrounding walls. The use of painter’s tape on the walls is unnecessary if you are painting the walls and trim in a lighter or matching color, and the trim will be a lighter or matching color. Trim should be painted first, followed by the surrounding walls.) Remove any carpeting or plastic sheeting that is beneath the window or door.
Quickly Paint Trim
- Now paint! How? Paint the top first, then the sides, window ledges, and narrow trim:
- Dip your brush almost entirely into the paint. To swiftly apply more paint, “full load” the brush.
- Instead of wiping the rim of the can, lightly smack the brush within the can to reduce leakage.
- Paint surfaces with long, steady strokes.
- Painting a vertical framework should be done fast.
- Paint narrow strips of trim perpendicular to the window glass with a 1-inch trim brush.
- If using numerous coats, let them dry completely before lightly sanding and re-applying.
- Removing tape before the paint dries Begin in one corner and work your way out.
- Keep open a vertically opening window sash until the paint is entirely dry.
Likewise, … Hire a professional painter.
While following these steps might help you accomplish your task, painting trim can be difficult, stressful, and unpleasant. To save time and money, seek out an expert to paint your trim. Apex Painting Group delivers remarkable results in a timely manner! Call 239-878 3710 or visit our website to book a free estimate.