One common debate is whether to trim or paint the wall. This is an important question because how you go through the painting process can greatly affect the results of your project. At My Wall Works, we knew that knowing the painting order would help ensure a clean, professional-seeming finish that would save you time and effort in the long run.
In this article, we will first discuss the logic behind painting walls or trim, with step-by-step instructions that will give you the confidence to tackle your painting project. Whether you’re a DIYer looking to do it yourself or getting ready to hire someone, this article should give you a good overview of what you need to be aware of when deciding how to get the job done.
A Common Debate: Walls Or Trim First?
In a standard room, you are painting, that means the walls and the trim. The trim includes baseboards, window trim, door frames, and molding, whereas the walls comprise the bulk of the room. Generally speaking, the recipe is to paint trim first and then paint walls. However, there are several reasons why you may want to change the order in which you paint, and not every painter approaches this the same way.
Why Paint Trim First?
Cleaner Lines: The first reason to paint the trim first is that it gives you a cleaner, sharper line. If you paint the trim first, you can cleanly tape off the trim when you paint the walls. Painter’s tape applied at the edges of the trim to ensure a clean edge down the trim and wall paint.
Protecting The Trim
If you paint the walls first and then the trim, the trim will likely be splattered or stained with wall paint. Painting the trim first allows you to deal with any potential splatters or drips before you paint the walls, ultimately saving you time.
Precision With Edging
Painting the trim first gives you more leeway around the edges of the trim, allowing for more precise cutting in. By hand rolling on their trim paint, you can edge the color onto the trim without fear of wall paint marrying the trim. Once the trim is dry, you can roll or brush the walls without fear of overlapping.
Low Risk Of Smearing Or Streaking
Trim typically requires several coats of paint to create an even, smooth finish. Painting the trim first allows you to work without smearing your wall paint. This is especially crucial when using a high-gloss or semi-gloss trim paint, which can show visible streaks.
Why Some People Paint Walls First
Some painters paint the trim first, but there are some good reasons why that might not be the best method and why painting walls before trim may be the right choice.
Less Taping Needed
If you’re good at cutting in, painting first can allow you to skip major taping. You can carefully cut along the trim edges with the right tools (like an angled brush or a paint edger). This can be a time-saver, especially when painting a room with many trim details.
Fewer Touch-Ups
If you paint the walls first, it might be easier to fix spots on the trim where the paint has unintentionally smudged or dripped. After the paint dries, you can return and clean up the trim edges with a tiny brush. That way, you can focus on the trim when it’s time to finish the job.
No Chance of Wall Paint Getting on Trim
If you paint your walls first, you reduce the chances of accidentally getting paint on trim. This is critical, particularly if you use a true color scheme with many contrasts, such as dark-colored trim with light walls in your home, where a paint stain on the wall that needs cleaning is easily visible.
Speed
Certain painters like to paint the walls first, which speeds up the process. If you paint the trim after the walls, you can speed up your pace by rolling out the walls and then moving on. Trimming requires detail and precision, and leaving it to the end might feel like the “final touch,” which might be satisfying for some.
Factors To Consider When Deciding the Order
Although it might seem like personal preference, painting walls or trim first has a few key factors that could determine the right answer for your project.
Paint Type
Because different paint finishes react to each other differently, the order matters. However, if you’re using glossy trim paint (like semi-gloss or high-gloss), painting the trim first gives you the cleanest look. Glossy paints are more likely to call attention to flaws, so you must ensure the trim is done first and you’ll have time to correct any mistakes before applying paint on the walls.”
If you paint your walls matte or flat, you might have more room for a slapdash approach. Because flat paints resist streaking, painting the walls first might be a wiser choice if you want to worry less about precision.
Trim Complexity
The complexity of your trim may also affect the painting order. If your trim is fancy molding, crown molding, or other things with a lot of detail, it is generally more efficient to paint it first. The finer and more prominent the detail, the more pertinent it is to keep wall paint off the trim, as this would create a messy and unrefined mold.
For less complex trim, such as plain baseboards or flat window frames, it can work to paint the walls first and cut in the trim afterward, especially if you are willing to do a little extra touch-up work.
Room Size
This is especially true in larger rooms where you can ensure you finish painting the trim first, so you don’t risk getting wall paint splatters. However, painting the walls first and using a steady hand to cut around the trim may be simpler in smaller rooms. When you’re working in a tight space, sometimes it makes it more difficult to make a large roller or brush go around trim, and by painting the walls first saves you from having to try and not get paint on the trim when rolling large sections of the wall.
Your Skill Level
If you’ve been doing this for eons, cutting in straight lines and applying trim paint, you may prefer to paint the trim first. If you’re less experienced at painting or unsure about your abilities, you might want to tackle painting the walls first. With the right technique and tools (think painter’s tape and an angled brush), it can be easier to paint the walls first and then turn your focus to the trim with precision.
Step-by-Step Guide for Painting Walls and Trim
When painting rooms, homeowners often wonder whether to paint walls or trim first. However, it is essential to decide which one to do first, as it will greatly affect the final status of your project. Although both methods have advantages, knowing the most effective way to go about it guarantees a cleaner, more professional-looking result and helps save time.
Step 1: Prepare the Room
- Remove furniture from the room and cover the floors with drop cloths.
- Take down any fixtures, outlet covers and switch plates.
- If you plan to paint the trim first, apply painter’s tape to areas you don’t want to paint (such as baseboards, molding, windows).
- If painting the walls first, mask the trim.
Step 2: Paint The Trim (If You Are Following This Order)
- With a high-quality angled brush, carefully cut around the edges of the trim, which, for us , are baseboards, windows, and door frames,
- Let the trim paint cure completely before continuing.
- Step 3: Paint the Walls
- Use primer if needed, especially if you’re going from a dark color on your walls to a lighter one.
- Use a roller to paint the majority of the walls in small areas.
- Cut along the edges with a brush, and be careful not to paint the trim accidentally.
Step 4: Touch Up
- After the wall paint dries, carefully peel off any painter’s tape.
- A small brush can be used to tidy up areas where wall paint has left tracks on your trim (or vice versa).
Step 5: Clean Up
- Cleaning your brushes and rollers right after you paint.
- Carefully pull off any remaining tape without damaging the paint.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for whether to paint the trim or the walls first. The selection is made at the whim of your painting method, materials, and personal taste. We recommend painting the trim first for cleaner lines and to protect it from My Wall Works splatters. But if you feel secure in your skills or are working with simple trim, painting the walls first may work just as well.
The most significant thing is to do it at your own pace, and great tools to create a stunning and durable ending touch to your space. But if you require professional help or advice about your upcoming painting task, you can contact My Wall Works. With our skilled team, you can transform your home into a work of art with eye-catching paint jobs guaranteed to endure for years. Happy painting!
