Painting Guide

How to Paint Trim

Painting trim is often the final step of an interior painting project, but it can make one of the biggest visual differences. Freshly painted baseboards, door frames, window trim, and moulding can make a room look cleaner, sharper, and more finished.

Whether you are refreshing worn trim or using trim colour to highlight your home’s architecture, this guide covers the basics of preparation, priming, brush choice, and smooth application.

The Best Way to Paint Trim

The best results come from good preparation and patient brushwork. Take your time, read the product labels, follow all instructions, and let each coat dry properly before moving to the next step.

For most projects, paint the walls first and save the trim for last. Use painter’s tape to protect freshly painted wall areas beside the trim.

Recommended Trim Painting Supplies

  • Caulk for filling small gaps between trim and wall surfaces.
  • Sanding block for dulling glossy surfaces and smoothing repaired areas.
  • Painter’s tape to protect adjacent walls and surfaces.
  • Sponge or damp cloth for cleaning dust and residue.
  • High-quality nylon/polyester angle sash brushes.
  • Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer for repairs or heavily repaired trim.
  • Advance® Interior Paint for a smooth, durable, furniture-quality finish.

Fresh Start® Primer

Helps create a uniform surface, improves hide, and is especially useful over repairs or heavily patched trim.

Advance® Interior Paint

A waterborne alkyd finish that levels smoothly and cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish for trim, doors, and cabinetry.

1

Gather Your Trim Painting Supplies

Start with the right supplies before opening the paint. Trim work requires control, so brush quality matters.

  • Use high-quality nylon/polyester brushes for water-based trim paints.
  • Choose a 3.8 cm or 6.4 cm angle sash brush for better control.
  • Avoid cheap brushes that can leave brush marks or lose bristles in the finish.
  • Have caulk, sanding block, painter’s tape, primer, paint, and a sponge ready before you begin.
2

Inspect and Repair the Trim

Look over your baseboards, door frames, window trim, and moulding before painting.

  • Fill small gaps between the wall and trim with caulk.
  • Repair dents, nail holes, cracks, or damaged areas.
  • Allow caulk and repair materials to cure fully before sanding or painting.
  • Prime repaired areas before applying the finish coat.
3

Prepare the Trim for Paint

Preparation helps the new primer or paint bond properly and helps reduce visible imperfections.

  • Sand high-gloss trim before painting so the new coating can grip the surface.
  • Smooth repaired areas with a sanding block.
  • Clean the trim with a damp sponge to remove sanding dust and residue.
  • Let the trim dry thoroughly before priming or painting.
  • Tape off the wall area beside the trim to help protect finished surfaces.

Tip: If the trim has had several repairs, apply a full coat of primer before painting for a more uniform finish.

4

Paint the Trim

Work from the top down: crown moulding first, then window frames, door frames, and baseboards last.

  • Dip the brush about one-third of the way into the paint.
  • Tap the brush on the side of the can or container to remove excess paint.
  • Apply paint with smooth, even strokes.
  • Use light pressure so the paint releases evenly and levels properly.
  • Let the first coat dry completely before applying a second coat.
  • Let the paint dry thoroughly before removing painter’s tape.

Quick Trim Painting Checklist

  • Paint walls first, then paint trim last.
  • Repair gaps, nail holes, and damaged trim before painting.
  • Sand glossy trim so primer or paint can bond properly.
  • Clean dust and residue before painting.
  • Prime repaired or heavily repaired trim.
  • Use a high-quality angle sash brush.
  • Apply paint with light pressure and smooth strokes.
  • Allow proper dry time before recoating or removing tape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you paint the walls or trim first?

Paint the walls first and paint the trim as the final step. Use painter’s tape to protect the freshly painted wall beside the trim.

How many coats of paint does trim need?

It depends on the condition of the trim. Repaired or heavily patched trim should usually be primed first. After that, one or two finish coats may be needed depending on the colour, sheen, and coverage.

Should I use painter’s tape when painting trim?

Yes. Since trim is often painted last, painter’s tape helps protect finished wall surfaces. Remove the tape only after the trim paint has dried thoroughly.

Is it better to paint trim with a brush or roller?

For most trim, use a high-quality brush. A 3.8 cm or 6.4 cm angle sash brush gives better control on baseboards, casing, doors, and moulding.

What is the best paint to use for trim?

For many trim projects, a primer like Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer followed by Advance® Interior Paint is a strong choice for a smooth, hard, durable finish.

Need Help Choosing Trim Paint?

Visit Colour Land and we can help you choose the right Benjamin Moore trim paint, primer, brush, tape, and prep products for your project.