Trim or Walls First? The Ultimate Painting Guide [Viral]

Achieving a professional-looking paint job often hinges on the order of operations, and Benjamin Moore (an industry leading supplier) offers a huge range of quality paints. The question of whether to paint trim or walls first is one of the most commonly debated topics among DIY enthusiasts and professional painters alike. Proper preparation (a key factor) is the difference between a great and terrible paint job. This guide (The Ultimate Painting Guide) helps readers avoid common mistakes. This article delves into the strategies of professional painters in Brooklyn, New York (a great place to find painting expertise) and explores the benefits of each approach, ensuring a flawless finish when you paint trim or walls first.

Image taken from the YouTube channel howtopaintinfo , from the video titled What should I Paint First Walls or Trim. Do I paint walls or trim first is a common question .

Paint Trim or Walls First? The Ultimate Painting Guide

The question of whether to "paint trim or walls first" is a common dilemma for both beginner and seasoned painters. There’s no single right answer, but understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each approach will help you achieve a professional-looking finish. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons, offering practical tips to help you decide which method works best for your project.

Why Does the Order Matter?

The order in which you paint trim and walls can impact the efficiency of your project and the final aesthetic. Consider these factors:

• Potential for Splatter: Painting can be messy. Painting the walls first may lead to drips and splatter on freshly painted trim, and vice versa.
• Taping Needs: The order determines when and how much taping is required to protect the freshly painted surface.
• Cut-in Accuracy: Achieving a clean line where the wall and trim meet requires careful cut-in work. The chosen order can influence how easy this process is.

Painting Trim First: The Pros & Cons

Painting the trim before the walls is a popular and often recommended approach.

Advantages of Painting Trim First:

• Easier Taping: It’s generally easier to tape onto a painted surface than off of one, especially when dealing with intricate trim profiles. You can run your tape directly onto the painted trim surface to create a clean line on the wall.
• Faster Brushwork on Trim: You can be less precise when painting the trim initially, focusing on thorough coverage without worrying about getting paint on the walls. Any drips or overlaps onto the wall are dealt with later.
• Efficient Workflow: Many painters find it more efficient to complete all the trim work (priming, painting multiple coats) before moving on to the walls.

Disadvantages of Painting Trim First:

• Wall Protection: You’ll need to carefully protect the trim after painting it to prevent wall paint from getting on it.
• Potential for Scratches: Moving ladders and equipment around the room while painting walls can scratch freshly painted trim, requiring touch-ups.

Painting Walls First: The Pros & Cons

While less common, painting the walls first can be advantageous in certain situations.

Advantages of Painting Walls First:

• Less Taping Overall: If you’re confident in your cut-in skills, you may only need to tape the trim after painting the walls, minimizing the total amount of taping required.
• Simplified Touch-Ups: Any imperfections in the wall paint can be easily addressed before the trim is painted, leading to a cleaner final product.
• Room Color Considerations: If you’re unsure about the wall color or plan to change it in the future, painting the trim last allows you to perfectly match it to the finalized wall color.

Disadvantages of Painting Walls First:

• More Difficult Taping: Taping off a freshly painted wall can be tricky, as the tape may pull off some of the paint if not applied and removed carefully. Use a low-tack painter’s tape designed for delicate surfaces.
• Precise Cut-In Required: You’ll need to be very careful when cutting in around the trim to avoid getting wall paint on it.

Choosing the Right Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simplified guide to help you decide:

1. Assess Your Skill Level: If you’re a beginner, painting trim first is often easier. If you have experience with precise cut-in work, painting walls first might be feasible.
2. Consider the Trim Complexity: Intricate trim profiles are generally easier to tape onto (paint trim first). Simple, flat trim may be suitable for either approach.
3. Evaluate the Wall Condition: If the walls require significant patching or priming, painting them first might be beneficial.
4. Think About Color Matching: If you’re unsure about the final wall color, paint trim last to ensure a perfect match.
5. Factor in Room Size and Obstacles: Smaller rooms with lots of obstacles (furniture, etc.) might be easier to paint trim first, as it allows you to focus on smaller, more manageable areas.

Essential Tools & Materials

Regardless of the approach you choose, having the right tools and materials is crucial for a successful painting project:

• High-Quality Paint: Choose paint specifically designed for trim or walls, depending on the application.
• Painter’s Tape: Invest in good-quality painter’s tape. Low-tack tape is recommended for taping over freshly painted surfaces.
• Paint Brushes: Use angled brushes for cutting in and applying paint to trim.
• Paint Rollers: Select the appropriate roller nap for your wall texture.
• Paint Trays & Liners: For easy paint application.
• Drop Cloths: Protect your floors and furniture.
• Putty Knife & Spackle: For patching imperfections.
• Sandpaper: For smoothing surfaces.
• Primer: To improve paint adhesion and coverage.
• Ladder or Step Stool: For reaching high areas.

Taping Techniques for a Professional Finish

Proper taping is essential for achieving crisp, clean lines.

• Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and smooth before applying tape.
• Tape Application: Press the tape firmly onto the surface to create a tight seal. Use a putty knife or taping tool to burnish the edges.
• Sealing the Tape: If possible, seal the edge of the tape with a thin layer of clear caulk or the base coat paint to prevent paint bleed.
• Tape Removal: Remove the tape slowly and carefully at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly wet. This helps prevent chipping or peeling.

Additional Tips for Success

• Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation while painting to avoid the buildup of fumes.
• Apply Thin Coats: Multiple thin coats of paint are better than one thick coat. This prevents drips and ensures even coverage.
• Let Paint Dry Completely: Allow the paint to dry completely between coats and before removing the tape.
• Clean Your Tools: Clean your brushes and rollers immediately after use to prolong their lifespan.

So, that’s the lowdown on whether to paint trim or walls first! Hopefully, this helps you tackle your next painting project with confidence. Happy painting!