The trim in your home is not only exposed to wear and tear but also grease and chemicals so a high-quality paint is needed so it will last and look great.
You don’t want to have to repaint your trim every few years so choosing the best paint for your trim is important.
What is the best paint for interior trim?
The best paint for interior trim is a water-based hybrid latex enamel paint. By hybrid, we mean a combination of binders such as acrylic/polyurethane or acrylic/alkyd etcetera.
These hybrid paints are very tough and durable, making them ideal for interior trim.
Water-based hybrid latex enamel paint is low odor, easy to clean up, and has a much shorter drying time than oil-based paint.
Trim and doors are often subjected to fingerprints, chemicals and other liquids, so a paint that is easy to wipe clean is important.
You’ll want to choose a paint that has a somewhat glossy finish. A glossy finish is easy to clean and will help to resist fingerprints and other marks.
Semi-gloss is the most popular choice for interior trim but it can also have a satin or higher gloss finish.
Top 3 Recommended products
These products are used by professionals and DIYers alike and are recommended for the best results:
Ultraplate Trim & Cabinet Enamel
One of the best paint for trim is Ultraplate Trim & Cabinet Enamel. It’s a paint used and recommended by professional contractors.
Ultraplate is a urethane-enhanced acrylic paint with outstanding leveling and adhesion. It provides a factory-like satin finish on trim, cabinets, doors, and windows and it dries fast.
It can be used on cabinets, shelving, trim, and furniture where a smooth, scrubbable, durable, and chip-resistant finish is needed.
Sherwin Williams Emerald
Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a water-based high-quality urethane-modified alkyd resin paint that can be used both for your interior and exterior.
It gives a smooth and luxurious finish to doors, windows and trim. It delivers a finish that withstands wear and tear and it’s perfect for surfaces that are cleaned frequently.
Sherwin Williams ProClassic
Another popular paint by pros is Sherwin Williams ProClassic. It’s a water-based acrylic-alkyd enamel and creates a tough and durable coating.
It has excellent flow and leveling characteristics and can be recoated after 4 hours.
What you’ll need for painting trim
- High-quality paint
- 2″-2.5″ High quality paintbrush
- 4″ foam roller cover or a shed-resistant synthetic roller cover with a 5/16″ nap
- Masking tape
- Caulking gun and caulk (if needed)
- Sandpaper (120-240 grit)
- Primer
The absolute minimum materials needed for painting trim are paint and a paintbrush. But for best results, you’ll also want to use a paint roller.
A paint roller will give you a smoother finish than a paintbrush and will save you time.
You’ll also need painter’s tape to protect surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on and masking paper if you decide to spray paint your trim.
How should you prepare the trim before painting?
Before painting your trim, it’s important to take the time to prepare the surface properly. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that the finished product has a professional appearance.
For best results, start by cleaning the surface with a detergent. This will remove any dirt or grease that could prevent the paint from adhering properly.
Then, mask off any areas that you don’t want paint on with painter’s tape and/or masking paper if needed.
Next, if the trim is untreated, varnished or painted with a glossy oil-based paint then it needs to be primed before you apply the top coat.
If the trim is painted with a water-based paint then it usually doesn’t need to be primed.
You can check if it’s a latex paint by using rubbing alcohol on a rag or cotton pad. If the paint comes off onto the pad then it’s latex and if not, then it’s oil-based.
Apply wood putty to any holes or cracks. Once the putty has dried, sand it down until it’s flush with the rest of the trim and spot prime the putty.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you’re ready to start painting. Sand the trim with fine-grit sandpaper (120-240) lightly between coats and remove the dust with either a dry paintbrush, vacuum cleaner or a microfiber cloth.
How to paint trim without brush marks
The best way to achieve a perfect finish is to spray paint your trim but that isn’t always possible or practical.
If you’re going to use a paintbrush then choose a 1,5″-2,5″ high-quality brush with synthetic bristles. These types of brushes are less likely to leave brush marks than natural bristle brushes.
Use a 4″ foam roller cover or a shed-resistant synthetic roller cover with a 5/16″ nap for your doors or other large surfaces. These will also help to minimize brush marks.
To prevent brush marks and get a nice finish, it’s important to use the right technique and the right amount of paint.
If you have too much paint it will leave drips and runs and if you don’t have enough paint then it will be difficult to get complete coverage and it will look patchy.
Load your brush with the appropriate amount of paint, then tap it on the side of the can to remove any excess.
Use long and light even strokes with your paintbrush to avoid leaving brush marks.
After painting, allow the trim to dry completely before applying a second coat. Lightly sand the surface (120-240 grit) between coats to ensure a smooth finish.
Is it better to paint baseboards and molding before or after installing them?
This is a matter of preference but most pros paint baseboards and molding before installing them.
Doing this allows you to avoid getting paint on the walls/floor and makes it easier to get a nice clean line where the trim meets the wall/floor.
I recommend priming and painting 1 coat with the top coat and then installing them.
Then apply wood putty to the nail holes, caulk any gaps, and paint the 2nd topcoat. Don’t forget to sand lightly with fine grit sandpaper between coats and when applying wood putty.
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Conclusion
Painting trim doesn’t have to be difficult. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to a professional-looking finish.
Just be sure to use high-quality paint and tools, take your time, and be patient between coats and you’ll be sure to get great results.