How to Color the Trimming on Walls

Preparing Trim

• 1

  Set nail heads 1/8 inch below the trim surface with a hammer and nail set.

• 2

  Fill in nail heads, nicks and depressions with wood filler. Let the filler dry for two to three hours, and sand smooth and level with 220-grit sandpaper.

• 3

  Sand the entire wood trim surface with 320-grit sandpaper to remove planer marks or mill marks. Sand the surface parallel to the wood grain. Going against the wood grain causes small wood fibers to stand up and give the trim a rough appearance. Wipe the trim surface with a tack cloth to remove the wood dust.

• 4

  Fill in spaces and gaps between the wall and trim with paintable acrylic latex caulk.

• 5

  Attach painter's tape to the wall on each side of the trim to protect them from paint or stain. Lay plastic or newspaper on the floor directly below the trim to catch splatters and spills.

Painting

• 6

  Dip a paintbrush into paint primer and coat the surface of the trim. Begin at the top of the trim and work your way down. Let the paint primer dry for three to four hours. Paint with a paintbrush slightly narrower than the width of the trim. Apply another coat of paint primer if the first coat looks transparent or streaky. Let the second coat dry for three to four hours.

• 7

  Sand the paint primer with 400-grit sandpaper lightly to remove paint drips and spots. Wipe the primed surface with a tack cloth.

• 8

  Stir the trim paint with a paint stirring stick.

• 9

  Apply two to three coats of paint over the primed surface. Let each paint coat dry for two to three hours after each coating.

Staining

• 10

  Dip a lint-free rag into wood stain.

• 11

  Rub the stain onto the wood, going in only one direction. Begin at an end and drag the rag over the wood. Dip the rag in the stain and begin where you left off. Use care not to overlap stain since this causes areas to appear darker. Let the stain dry for five to six hours.

• 12

  Apply the next coat of stain over the entire trim surface with a lint-free rag. Let the stain dry for five to six hours. If you desire a darker stain color, apply a third coat.

• 13

  Apply a coat of polyurethane with a foam brush over the stain to seal and protect the wood.