How to Paint Wall-to-Ceiling Trim
Painting the trim in your home is an easy and inexpensive way to bring some new life into its rooms. You can choose a color that will offset the walls, accent the existing colors, or use the trim color as a border between colors. The process of applying paint to the trim is very simple and can be done by the homeowner. Color choices are unlimited and can be mixed by any good paint store for your needs. If you are not sure what type of paint to use, visit your local paint store or a home center and the associates there can help you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drop cloths
- Painters tape
- 220 grit sand paper
- Tack cloth
- Trim paint
- Sash brushes in multiple sizes
- Stepladder (optional)
Instructions
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1
Lay out drop cloths around the room to protect the floor coverings from paint drips. If you have furnishings that are against the walls, move them to the center of the room so you are not trying to work around them.
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2
Mask off the areas around the trim with 2-inch painters tape to keep the trim paint off the walls, ceiling or floor. Make sure the tape is placed against the trim tightly but does not cover any of the trim you are painting.
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3
Sand the trim work with 220 grit sand paper to remove any loose paint and to knock down any shine from the old paint. This will help the new paint adhere better and give you a nicer finish.
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4
Wipe down the trim and walls around it with a tack cloth. Removing any dust that remains from the painting process will help you keep contaminants out of the finished paint.
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5
Apply your first coat of trim paint to the trim work using a sash brush or small paint brush. The sash brush will give you a little more control over where the paint is applied.
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6
Allow your paint to dry for 2 to 3 hours and then apply a second coat of paint to the trim. Continue adding coats until you have achieved the desired coverage and color you want.
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7
Allow the paint to cure for 24 hours after the final coat of paint has been applied, then remove the painters tape and replace furnishings in the room.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint dry times may vary by brand and type used. Check the directions or ask the associates at your paint center about the specific times for the paint you are working with.
Be sure to ventilate the room you are working in. If you are not able to open windows, a respirator may be used to keep from breathing the fumes from the paint.
