How to Paint Trim
Learn how to give your accent trim a new look with paint.
Nothing adds new life to a room like a fresh coat of paint. Choosing a new color scheme can give your room a totally different look. Knowing how to paint trim properly is an important part of the painting process.
Your choice of color is only one decision you must make about your new paint. The type of paint you use for your trim is also very important. Different sheens of paint are available. Every color of paint can be purchased in sheens from flat to gloss.
A good rule to remember when choosing the level of sheen for your paint is that in general the higher the gloss or the shinier the finish, the easier it will be to clean and maintain. The only negative is that the glossier finish, the more imperfections it will show. Flat paint sheens don't clean well. Most people experienced in how to paint trim, choose a glossy or satin finish for their trim.
How to Paint Trim
The choice of applicators for your new trim paint is the next important decision. A 2 ½" trim brush usually works well. If you're using latex paint, make sure to buy a synthetic (polyester or nylon) brush. A natural fiber brush will absorb water in the latex paint and make the brush heavy and bushy, causing more potential brush and streak marks.
Some like paint pads for painting trim. You can find these in many different shapes and sizes. Some are designed especially for corners and certain types of trim. They aren't as pliable as a brush but can still give a good finish.
If you're learning how to paint trim so you can re-paint older trim, you"ll want to lightly sand the trim to be painted. This will remove any gloss and slight imperfections, to help give your new paint better adhesion. If the old paint seems to be leaving ridges or not yielding a smooth surface, you may want to completely strip the trim down to the raw wood before you paint.
Make sure the trim is clean and dust free before you begin to paint. You may want to tape areas immediately adjoining the trim to prevent overlapping or getting paint where you don't want it. Once that's done, you're ready to apply the paint in smooth strokes.
Two coats may be necessary to get the coverage and look you want. Make sure to let the first coat dry thoroughly before beginning the second coat.
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