How to Paint Door Trims

Door trim is the small wood lining that surrounds the door frame. Over time it can become worn, cracked and generally unattractive. Painting door trims is an easy project that can rejuvenate a deteriorating portion of the home. Only a few basic painting supplies are required to paint door trims.

Things You'll Need

• Drop cloth
• Painter's tape
• Putty knife
• Spackle
• Caulk
• Pigmented shellac
• Paintbrush
• Fine sandpaper
• Acrylic paint

Instructions

1. Place a drop cloth under the door trim to catch any falling debris. Apply painter's tape around all edges that will be painted. Tape should be on the floor around the door and up both sides of the trim on the wall.

2. Fill in any dents, cracks or holes using Spackle and caulk. Spackle should be applied liberally to damaged areas. Scrape away all excess with the putty knife. Caulk all cracks and remove excess similarly.

3. Apply pigmented shellac with a paintbrush to all areas that were caulked or spackled. Pigmented shellac can also be used on areas where paint has begun to thin. Allow to dry for five to 10 minutes.

4. Sand all surfaces that have been sealed by pigmented shellac with a fine-grade sandpaper between 220 and 240 grit. Begin applying acrylic paint to the door trims with the paintbrush.

5. Use light strokes to apply paint. Begin by painting at the top of the trim and slowly working down. If any drips or runs appear in the paint, brush over it quickly before it can begin to dry. Continue until the entire trim is coated in paint.

6. Allow the acrylic paint to dry for up to three hours before touching. Acrylic paint also requires 14 days to fully cure and harden. Avoid contact with the painted area until this time has passed.

Tips & Warnings

• When picking up the drop cloth, be sure to fold it inward to prevent any paint or debris from spilling onto the floor. A small step ladder can be used to set the paint on. Raising the level will reduce the distance that you have to bend down to apply more paint to the brush and is useful for individuals with back or joint aches.