How to Paint Trim White

Trim Preparation

• 1

  Wash the trim with soapy water and a cleaning cloth. Dry the trim, and examine the trim for cracks or holes to be filled.

• 2

  Fill nail holes or cracks with wood putty. Spread enough putty to fill and cover the blemish. Smear the putty on with your finger. Allow the putty to dry, and sand with 120-grit sandpaper to blend with the surface of the trim.

• 3

  Sand painted wood with 120-grit sandpaper to remove previous glossy-paint finishes. Paint adheres better to a flat finish.

• 4

  Remove small hardware pieces such as window latches with a screwdriver. Place the hardware and screws in a plastic bag, and label the bag for replacement later. Cover hardware that can't be removed with painters tape.

• 5

  Cover adjoining walls and window glass with painters tape as close to the trim as possible. Press the edge of tape against the trim, and secure firmly by running your finger along the edge to make a seal.

Paint

• 6

  Paint the trim with primer paint. When painting white over a darker color, primer helps to cover the darker paint. The primer provides a good base coat, and there is a greater likelihood that only one coat of white paint will be needed to cover the trim.

• 7

  Select a water-based paint for easy cleanup. Acrylic paint cleans up with water, is quick drying and is nearly odorless.

• 8

  Stir the paint and pour 3 cups into a 1-qt. container. Use a smaller container if larger containers are awkward or too heavy.

• 9

  Dip the angled brush into the paint to cover a third of the bristles. Gently drag the brush against the inside rim of the paint container to remove excess paint from the brush.

• 10

  Begin painting the trim at the highest points of the room. Start by painting ceiling trim, windows and doors, and paint baseboards last.

• 11

  Begin painting 4 inches from a corner and brush the paint in the direction of the corner, then brush back toward the starting point. Start the second brush of paint 4 inches beyond the first application, and brush toward the wet paint and then back toward the second starting point. Continue to use this method, refilling the brush and painting until the trim is finished.

• 12

  Examine the dried paint for areas that need additional paint and apply more paint as needed. Wash the paintbrush as soon as all painting is complete.

• 13

  Carefully remove the painters tape by pulling away from the fresh paint.