HOW TO PAINT TRIM MOLDING

Paint Trim Molding The Cleanest and Smoothest Way

Painting trim molding can completely update a space. It’s often a part of a room that can get overlooked or left out when painting a space. When creating a completely designed space having your molding painted is essential. Today we are going to walk you through our process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. We are always here to help!

What you need

2.5 inch Purdy Paint Brush

Green Frog Tape

Drydex hole filler

White Lightning Caulk

Caulk Gun

Fine Sanding Sponge

Proclassic Trim Paint

Step by Step Tutorial On How To Paint Trim Molding

Step 1  

The first thing you will need to do is make sure your trim is clean and free of any dust or debris.

Step 2

You will want to use your frog tape along the top of your base molding on the wall surface or along the wall surface to the edge of your door and window trim.

Step 3

You will then use your drydex to fill any nail holes that were made during the installation process. This material will go on pink in color and dry white when completely dry. Be sure when applying this you completely fill all nail holes leaving the drydex slightly higher than the trim surface to ensure a smooth finish once sanded. Also use this material to fill any miters that are slightly open to ensure a smooth finish once painted.

Step 4

While waiting for your drydex to completely dry you will use the white lighting caulk along all wall surfaces where your trim meets the wall to seal all cracks. 

Step 5

Once your drydex is dry you can use your fine sanding sponge to sand down all of the applied drydex. Be sure you do not leave any raised on the trim surface.

Step 6

You will then need to clean up any dust from sanding before moving on to painting to ensure you don’t paint any dust into your trim. This will show!

Step 7

You are now ready to begin painting. Using your 2.5 inch brush you will apply the paint being sure to use even horizontal brush strokes on any horizontal trim and using vertical brush strokes on any vertical trim. The key to a good smooth finish is to make sure you continue your brush strokes from a wet edge. Do not allow the paint to tack up because it will cause a tacky unwanted finish. As you work your way along be sure to go back and check for any drips touching those up as needed.

Pro tip:

Use satin finish on any older trim, this will be best for hiding unwanted flaws. Semi gloss and high gloss is best used on newer installed trim if your desired finish is to have shiny trim. You do not want to use anything below satin because you want your trim to be washable. Learn more about paint finishes here!