Unsightly Trim: How to Paint it White
If you have ever purchased an old home, you may have been stuck with unsightly trim and baseboards. Trim can be banged up, scratched or a different color from room to room. This can really decrease the value of your home; it seems like such a small detail but can make a huge difference! Try to unify all of the trim in your home by applying a fresh coat of white paint. Painting your trim white will help spice up your wall colors by providing a clean, sharp contrast.
However, it is important to know that there is a proper way to paint your trim to get professional results. There is also a “shortcut” way that you can use but you may not get the same professional look.
So first, the proper way:
Tools you may need:
Wonder bar
Paint stripper
Paint stripper wash
Paint scraper
Paint brushes, pans or small rollers
Sandpaper
Putty
Wire cutters
Nail gun
Trim nails
White primer
White paint
1. Start by removing the trim with the wonder bar. This may be a bit difficult if you have old trim, as it may crack or be very stubborn in coming off. If this is the case, you should skip this section and read about the shortcut method.
2. Once you remove the trim, you’ll need to label the back of it somehow so you can remember where you got it from. Trim is cut specifically for different corners; it’ll be easier to put it right back where you got it from.
3. Now comes the difficult part. You’ll need to set up a workstation and apply your paint stripper. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for this. Some paint strippers can sit on the wood for only 30 minutes while other can stay on the wood for up to 24 hours. I prefer using the gel strippers, as they are very easy to apply and can stay on longer. Then you’ll need to use the paint scraper to remove whatever stain or paint is currently on the trim. You should get as much off as possible with the scraper, then use a fine piece of steel wool to remove any paint from cracks. Next, use the paint stripper wash to remove any residue. You should always do this in a well ventilated area and wear gloves
4. Now that you have removed the old paint or stain, prep the wood if it is dinged up or cracked. Using wood putty, fill in any holes or cracks. Sand it down when it dries so that it is smooth with the rest of the surface. You should be sure to use paint able wood putty. Next you should use your wire clippers to remove any nails that are coming out of the back of the trim. You will be using new nails to put the trim back up.
5. Next you should prime the trim. You should definitely use a primer so that you can be sure that the paint will bond nicely to the trim. Primers will also cover up any stains or strange spots on the trim. Be sure to use a primer that is compatible with the paint you have bought. Some primers are oil based and cannot be used with water based/latex paints. Once your primer is dry you should go ahead and start painting the trim! Use a brush for this, as a roller will leave spongy looking marks. Paint in one direction if you can. You will most likely need to do several coats to achieve a high quality look.
6. Now that your trim is all painted, you just need to put the trim back up. Again, try to match up the pieces where they belong, and nail them up using a nail gun. You can also do this by hand but it is incredibly tedious. Be sure that the nail goes just below the surface of the wood so that you can putty the holes and do one quick swipe of paint to cover them. You also will want to putty any cracks where the trim joins and paint over that to create a finished look.
That is the proper, most time consuming way to paint your trim.
Now here is the “shortcut”:
You’ll need the following supplies:
TSP or similar cleaner
Paint brushes, pans or small rollers
Sandpaper (a low grit paint remover type)
Putty
White primer
White paint
Painters tape
1. Start by washing your trim with a cleaner like TSP. TSP is a great cleaner because it removes dust, grease and other dirt and grime that tends to collect on trim.
2. Get out your sandpaper and sand over ALL of the trim. You are doing this because you will want the primer to stick to the trim, and you are also trying to get rid of any unsightly scratches. You should not attempt to sand away all of the finish that is currently there but should at least get a smooth surface. Go ahead and putty any holes or cracks with paint able putty to avoid a rough looking finish. Sand that down to get a smooth surface as well.
3. Next, vacuum up any residue that you have created from sanding. This is important as you do not want all that dust in your paint job.
4. Now you should use painter’s tape to cover any floor edges or any wall edges. This can be time consuming as well, but you’ll need to do this carefully so you do not drip paint onto the floor or walls. This will be the key is making this look professional. If you have carpeting, do your best to slip the tape underneath the trim so that it doesn’t seep into the carpet fibers.
5. Now it’s time to prime and paint! Do the first coat of primer as indicated above, making sure to let it dry fully before applying any paint. Then, you will likely need to add several coats of paint to your trim. Use a paint brush to get a smooth finish and paint in one direction.
6. Shortly after you have painted the last coat, carefully remove your painters tape. Be sure that if there is wet paint on the tape that you keep it away from floors and walls to avoid smudges.
And voila! You are finished.
While the shortcut is a bit easier than the first method, both are somewhat time consuming. You should plan a large amount of time to tackle this project. Painting your trim white will most definitely spruce up your home and give it a fresh, clean look. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make!
