How to Paint Trim

Painting trim work for a lot of people is a difficult task. However, just follow these few steps to help make it easier.

The materials and tools you will need are:

• An old paint brush or other cleaning item to remove any dust and debris from the trim
• Something to scrape any excess paint or paint chips from the trim...a five way or a small putty knife are the best
• Caulk, a wet rag, and a caulk gun...make certain the caulk is the kind which can be painted over
• Painter's tape
• Primer if the trim has never been painted before
• A drop cloth or other protective covering to put your paint on
• Paint brush use the size that you prefer and is easiest for you to use; if you have not done a lot of trim work a smaller brush may be best
• Paint

The next step is the preparation work. This includes:

• Make sure to clean the trim thoroughly so there is no dust or other dirt on it, make certain to let it dry thoroughly if you must use a wet rag and cleaner before doing anything else
• Scrape off any excess paint and paint chips making sure the trim is smooth
• Caulk any cracks or openings that may be in the trim making sure to wipe away any excess caulk with a wet rag or your finger
• Place painter's tape above (on the wall) and below (on the floor) the trim to be painted...if you desire you can also use the drop cloth or other protective covering, such as cardboard or newspaper, instead of tape on the floor; if you use newspaper make sure you put it down fairly thick
• Always make absolutely certain that the caulk is dry before beginning the painting

Then you are ready to begin the painting process which includes:

• Begin with a primer if you are working with raw wood that has never been painted before
• It may be necessary to put two coats of primer on raw wood; simply look at it after the first coat has dried
• Begin by painting the outers edges of the trim and then do the face work; make sure you do not put too much paint on your brush when you are painting the edges of the trim so as not to get paint on the walls or floor (this is why you really need to tape around the trim if you have not done a lot of painting)
• Let the first coat dry thoroughly and apply a second coat (if you are using the same color one coat may work, but it will last longer if you put on two coats)

The last thing to do is to step back and make sure there is nothing you have missed. Look it over thoroughly after the second coat of paint has dried since this is when you can really see anything missed.

Source:

Having a husband who has professionally painted for 35 years