Painting Trim
Painting trim is one of the many ways you can liven up interiors or exteriors. Use an accent color that complements the main colors of your wall and ceiling surfaces, or paint your trim white to embolden and emphasize the other colors. Typically, working with trim requires a brush and is slower going than painting large surfaces such as walls. Take your time – it's worth the patience.
Steps
Step One
Clean woodwork with a TSP solution
Use a plastic scrub pad to remove residue from the trim. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and rinse several times. Remove blistered or chipped paint with a paint scraper, trying not to gouge the wood. Sand with 80-grit then 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a lint-free cloth.
Step Two
Fill gaps and cracks with paintable caulk or glazing compound
Remove the excess and smooth the joint with your finger. Fill holes and gouges with lightweight spackling compound. Remove the excess material with the edge of a putty knife and let it dry.
Step Three
Spot prime any knots or resin pockets with white-pigmented shellac primer
Let the primer dry, and then begin masking all adjacent surfaces with blue painter's masking tape. Be sure to seal the edges firmly. Wipe down the surface with denatured alcohol or a paint deglosser then prime the entire surface with a stain-blocking primer.
Step Four
Apply the finish coat
After 24 hours, sand with 220-grit sandpaper and wipe the sanded surface with a damp sponge or rag. Apply the finish coat of paint with a 2-inch trim brush. Remove the masking tape while the paint is still wet.
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