How to Prepare Door Trim for Painting

Protect areas that you do not want to paint with masking tape. Apply masking tape strips to the wall and align the edges with the trim. Place strips along all sides where trim and wall meet, carefully aligning the tape and pressing down firmly in place.

Cover the floor area beneath the door and trim using plastic drop cloth, tape and/or newspapers to protect from drips or spills. Cover any fixtures or door surfaces that are nearby or that intersect with the trim.

Pour your paint into a container that you can hold easily in one hand. Use a narrow brush and dip it into the paint. Using long strokes, paint the top trim, covering as smoothly as possible, to coat the entire length of trim.

Paint the side panels of trim using long strokes and work from top to bottom, until the panel is finished. Repeat on the other side. Let the paint dry completely.

Apply a second coat, if needed, and let dry. Carefully remove all tape from around the edges of the trim. Clean your paintbrushes as recommended by the manufacturer.