How to Paint Trim Like an Expert Painter for a Polished Finish

• 2-inch angled paintbrush: Perfect for even, precise strokes along trim edges.

• Putty knife: Fills nail holes and small cracks with wood filler.

• Caulking gun: Seals gaps between trim and walls for smooth edges.

• Careful taping around trim saves time and produces crisp, clean lines.

• Sanding sponge (100-150 grit): Smooths imperfections and preps trim for paint.

• Microfiber cloths: Removes dust and debris for proper paint adhesion.

• Drop cloths: Protects floors and furniture from spills.

• Acrylic-latex interior paint: Dries quickly, cleans easily, and works beautifully on trim.

• Acrylic-latex caulk: Fills small gaps for seamless edges between trim and walls.

• Painter’s tape: Masks off edges to create clean, sharp lines.

• Wood filler: Repairs dents, nail holes, and cracks in trim.

• 12-inch masking paper: Covers floors or baseboards from paint splashes.

• Trisodium phosphate (TSP): Cleans dusty or greasy surfaces for better paint adhesion.

Prepare Your Area

Protect floors and furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. One Costa Mesa client mentioned how surprised they were that their living room stayed completely clean during the project. Proper preparation prevents paint spills and saves time on cleanup.

Fill Nail Holes and Cracks

Trim often has small imperfections. We used wood filler and a putty knife to smooth out cracks and nail holes in a Newport Beach home. The client loved how smooth the trim looked before even applying the paint, which made the final coat flawless.

Sand the Trim

Lightly sanding all trim surfaces removes gloss and rough spots. Our clients often notice a big difference in finish quality after we sand old trim, and they appreciate how it helps the trim paint adhere better and look even.

Clean the Trim

Dust and grease prevent paint from sticking. Cleaning with microfiber cloths and TSP ensures a pristine surface. One client said they were amazed at how clean the trim felt before painting—it made the room feel brighter immediately.

Apply Caulk

Caulking small gaps between trim and walls gives sharp edges. We often hear from clients how this small detail makes the room look professionally finished. Smooth caulking makes the trim edges appear seamless and perfectly lined.

Tape the Trim

Painter’s tape is applied carefully along both sides of the trim. Clients frequently comment on how crisp their lines look after we remove the tape, noting that it would have been hard to achieve this level of precision on their own.

Prime the Trim

Primer helps trim paint stick and prevents color bleed-through. Many clients mention that using a primer ensures the final color is vibrant and consistent across all surfaces, giving the trim a clean, even look.

Paint the Trim (2 coats)

Using a 2-inch angled brush, we apply thin, even strokes. One client in Laguna Beach shared how the first coat alone already improved the overall look of their room, and they were excited to see the finished result after the second coat.

A second coat ensures full coverage and a polished finish. Many clients say that this step transforms the trim from “good” to “wow,” providing a sleek, professional appearance that highlights the room’s architecture.

Remove Painter’s Tape

After the paint dries to the touch, tape is removed at a 90-degree angle. Clients are often impressed by the clean lines and how simple it looks when done by a professional house painter.

Tips for Flawless Trim Painting

• Use an angled brush for precision along edges.

• Avoid overloading the brush to prevent drips.

• Allow time between coats for proper drying.

• Smooth caulk along edges for clean finishes.

• Patience guarantees a streak-free, polished look.