Using Trim Paint on Windows, Doors, and Baseboards

Painting trim such as baseboards, window frames, and door casings can really freshen up the look of a room. The right trim paint can transform dull, faded trim into something crisp and clean. When prepping and painting trim, there are some key steps to follow in order to get beautiful, long-lasting results.

Benefits of Painting Trim

Painting trim offers many advantages:

Revitalizes the look – A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into tired, dated trimwork. It provides an instant facial that makes the entire room look more modern.
Protects the trim – Paint forms a protective barrier that shields delicate trim pieces from nicks, scratches, and moisture damage. This preservation helps trim last longer.
Allows color coordination – Painting trim allows you to color-coordinate it with the walls, ceiling, and interior decor. Complementary or contrasting colors can be used to good effect.
Easier than replacing – A paint job is often much easier and more affordable than removing and replacing old trim. It’s a fast way to update the look without major renovations.
DIY friendly – Painting trim is an easy DIY project for novice painters. With some basic guidance and preparation, even beginners can paint trim successfully.
Increases home value – Freshly painted trim can increase a home’s value by improving its curb appeal and modernizing its style. Home buyers often favor updated finishes.

Now that the benefits are clear, let’s look at how to approach the painting process.

Choosing the Right Trim Paint

When selecting a paint for trim, consider products made specifically for trim and woodwork. These paints differ from wall paints in formula and finish. Some top options include:

Alkyd/oil-based paint – Known for adhesion and durability, alkyd paints are ideal for trim. The long-lasting finish resists nicks, scuffs, and stains. They offer excellent coverage.
Acrylic latex trim paint – These water-based paints flow on easily and are fast-drying. They resist fading and have low-odor formulas. Many contain silicone for smoothness.
Enamel paint – Extremely hard and glossy, enamel paints provide a smooth glass-like finish that magnifies trim details beautifully. They resist moisture, scratches, and dirt.
Urethane paint – Offering industrial-level strength, urethane paints provide the most durable trim paint finish. They resist almost any abuse and have a brilliant sheen.

When selecting a sheen, opt for satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss. These offer more luster and depth than flat finishes. Satin is often ideal for striking a balance of shine without being too bold.

Prep Work – Cleaning and Sanding the Trim

Proper prep work ensures the painted finish adheres well and looks its best. When prepping trim:

Wipe away any dust, cobwebs, or grime with a microfiber cloth. For grease spots, use a degreasing cleaner.
Lightly sand trim with 150-220 grit sandpaper. This roughens the surface for better adhesion.
Sand away any loose paint flakes or blistered areas to reach the solid intact layer below.
Spot-fill any holes or cracks with spackle or wood filler, let dry completely, then sand smooth.
Carefully caulk gaps or joints with a paintable latex caulk. Tool into a smooth bead, let cure fully.
Remove all sanding dust with a dry cloth. Tack cloth the surface to pick up final dust specks.

Pro tip: Use a vacuum attachment with brush nozzle when sanding to capture most of the dust. This minimizes cleanup.

Primer – Laying the Foundation for Top Coat

Primer is recommended prior to painting trim. Quality primer:

Seals porous new wood, providing a unified painting surface.
Binds well to glossy paints or finishes. Glossy areas must be dulled for paint to grip.
Blocks stains, preventing them from bleeding through paint. Some prime heavy tannins in wood.
Allows for superior topcoat adhesion and a smoother finish.

For best results, select an oil or shellac-based primer for trim:

Oil-based – Sands easily and blocks stains. Ideal for new or bare wood. Has a strong odor.
Shellac-based – Seals in the toughest stains like markers, grease, and tannins. also has strong fumes.

Spot prime patched areas after filling and sanding. Then apply 1-2 coats of primer to the full trim surface area. Allow proper dry time between coats. Lightly sand again before painting.

Painting Techniques

Use high-quality trim brushes for the best results. These have thick, stiff bristles able to hold more paint and press firmly against edges. Load the brush moderately and paint in controlled, even strokes. Avoid over-brushing.

Cutting in – Use angled brush strokes to cut in tight along edges where rollers can’t reach. Work slowly and carefully.

Rolling – Use a short nap roller sleeve to quickly cover larger trim areas. Roll lightly to avoid bubbles.

Back-brushing – Finish sections rolled by going over them with light brushstrokes to smooth out texture.

Detail work – Use small trim brushes for detail areas like window muntins. Use a steady hand and thin coats.

Maintain a wet edge when painting by brushing into previously painted areas before drying. Work in manageable sections. Follow drying times between coats.

Applying Trim Paint

When applying trim paint, follow these tips:

Work methodically from top to bottom. Paint upper wall trim first, then lower trim pieces like baseboards.
On window trim, paint sides first, then work across the header and sill. Be very careful of drips.
Use painter’s tape for clean lines if painting adjacent surfaces different colors. Remove before paint fully dries.
Apply in thin, even coats without over-brushing. Thin layers look best. Two coats are recommended for full coverage and durability.
Inspect for drips or sags as you paint. Use a small artists brush to smooth out defects immediately.
Give ample drying time between coats based on paint specifications. Cool humid conditions may require longer dry times.
Inspect from multiple angles in raking light once fully dry. Touch up any thin spots or misses for a flawless finish.

With careful prep and application methods, it’s possible for even novice DIYers to get professional painted results on trimwork. Take things slowly and focus on doing it right. The time investment will pay off in a beautiful, lasting finish.

Painting Window Trim

Windows often have an abundance of trim pieces that require painting. This includes:

Window sashes (the movable sections holding the glass panes).
Muntins (the dividers between individual window panes).
Stool (the horizontal bottom piece).
Apron (the paneling below the stool).
Casings (the border trim around windows).

When painting window trim:

Remove hardware – Take off any curtain rods, blinds, handles, sash locks, or other hardware. Fill the screw holes with wood filler. Once dry, sand flush.
Improve access – Where possible, remove heavy drapes or window treatments. This allows for easier painting access.
Scrape off peeling paint – Use a paint scraper to remove any loose, cracking paint down to the solid layer below. Feather edges smooth.
Caulk gaps – Use a clear or paintable caulk to seal any cracks or open joints. This prevents drips through gaps.
Use thin coats – Multiple thin coats show window details better than thick paint. Thick coats tend to obscure carved moldings.
Detail paint – Use small trim brushes to carefully paint details like muntins. Steady your hand on a fixed surface while painting if needed.
Check hinge function – Make sure windows open and close smoothly once paint is dry. Sand or scrape paint from hinges/rollers if sticky.

Pro tips:

Cover nearby floors or furniture from drips. Use plastic and drop cloths.
Tape lower edges of upper window sashes to prevent sticking shut.
Paint with windows slightly open to access sash edges. Close between coats.

With some finesse and patience, the trim on windows can look fresh and new again after some TLC and paint.

Painting Door Trim and Moldings

Entry doors and interior doors often have ornate trim like:

Door casings (exterior trim bordering the frame).
Door jambs (interior side pieces).
Brick molding or sill trim underneath.
Pediments or crowns on top.
Applied moldings like rosettes at corners or crossettes on sides.

Follow these tips when painting door trim:

Remove door hardware – Take off knobs, handles, hinges, and knockers to fully access the door. Fill hardware holes.
Scrape off loose paint – Use a paint scraper to remove cracking or peeling paint. Feather rough edges.
Sand trim smooth – Lightly sand trim and moldings to dull glossy areas and roughen surfaces.
Caulk gaps – Use painter’s caulk to fill any cracks or separations for a seamless painted finish.
Tape off hinges – Cover hinges with painter’s tape to prevent sticking when the paint dries.
Cut in carefully – Use angled trim brushes to cut in the recessed areas around moldings.
Maintain wet edge – Brush back into newly painted areas to prevent lap marks as you go.
Roll larger areas – Use a short nap roller for quick coverage on flat casing surfaces. Back brush after rolling.
Clear doorways – Give painted doors ample drying time before closing them. Check for tackiness first.

Pro tip: Use an artist’s brush dampened with water or mineral spirits to gently soften or guide any drips as they occur. This prevents runs.

Painting Baseboards and Base Shoe Molding

Baseboards take a beating and often need freshening up. When painting them:

Clean thoroughly – Vacuum and wipe down baseboards before painting to remove dust and dirt.
Caulk gaps – Use painter’s caulk to fill any cracks or joints between baseboard pieces.
Tape off floors – Cover hardwood or tile flooring with tape or rosin paper to protect from drips.
Cut in carefully – Use a trim brush to cut in along the top edges where the baseboard meets the wall.
Roll larger areas – Use a small foam roller to quickly cover the main flat middle portion of boards.
Define edges – Use the brush to redefine the lower edge where it meets the floor. Crisp edges look best.
Paint shoe molding – For the thin shoe molding strip where baseboards meet floors, carefully brush paint it.

Pro tips:

Lightly sand high-gloss baseboard finishes before painting for better adhesion.
Paint base shoe molding to match either your baseboard or floor color.
Caulk the seam where shoe molding meets the floor for a seamless painted look.

With some careful prep and brushwork, you can give your baseboards and shoe molding a dimensional, professional-quality painted finish.

Common Questions

What kind of paint should I use on interior trim and moldings?

Quality oil or acrylic-based paints formulated specifically for trim and woodwork are recommended. These provide good flow and leveling along with the adhesion and durability needed for high-traffic trim areas. Choose satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss sheens for hardiness and rich color.

Do you need to prime before painting over trim?

Primer is highly recommended before painting trim. It provides superior adhesion for the topcoats and helps paint last longer without peeling. Primer also blocks stains from bleeding through paint. Use oil-based primers for the best results on wooden trim.

Should trim be caulked before or after painting?

For the best-looking finish, caulk gaps or cracks in trim before painting. This fills in voids and creates a smooth unified surface for paint to adhere to. If needed, small touch up areas can be caulked after painting, but it’s best done beforehand.

How do you cut in trim without getting paint on the wall?

Use painter’s tape to mask off where trim meets walls for the cleanest cut lines. Position tape just above the trim, aligned with its top edge. This exposes the trim cut line for painting yet catches any stray wall drips. Remove the tape promptly once trim paint is applied before it fully dries.

What kind of paint brush is best for trim and woodwork?

Quality nylon or polyester bristle brushes made specifically for trim offer the best results. Their stiff angled-cut bristles hold paint well and can press into corners. Avoid foam brushes – these don’t smooth out brush strokes as nicely. Purdy and Wooster make excellent trim brushes.

Conclusion

Painting trim may seem daunting, but with the right prep work and painting techniques, even amateur DIYers can get professional-looking results. The key steps include proper cleaning, sanding, caulking, priming, and using high-quality trim paints and brushes. Work slowly and carefully when cutting in edges. Allow adequate drying time between coats. Following these guidelines will result in long-lasting, beautiful paint finishes on window, door, and baseboard trim. With a modest investment of time and materials, it’s possible to give any room a noticeable facelift with a fresh coat of paint on the trim.