How to Paint Trim With Carpet Installed
Painting trim is an inexpensive way to update a room with a fresh, clean look. During this process, excess paint can drip down the trim and onto the carpet. Paint is one of the most difficult spots to remove from carpet. You can avoid this problem from arising with proper preparation. The most common paint that is used on trim is white high gloss paint. Trims that are painted with darker colors tend to make rooms appear smaller than they actually are. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Painter's tape
- Putty knife
- Plastic/newspaper
- Paint
- Angled paintbrush
- Garbage bag
Instructions
-
-
1
Use painter's tape that is 2 inches in width. Place 1 inch along the base of your trim. Place the other half of the painter's tape on the carpet. You will have more control of the positioning by working is smaller sections.
-
2
Use a putty knife or your fingers to tuck the top half of the tape under the trim while leaving the bottom half on the carpet. Make sure there are no carpet fibers visible between the painter's tape and your trim. Apply painter's tape on the wall, along the upper portion of your trim, to avoid getting paint on your wall.
-
-
3
Lay plastic or newspaper over the carpet, overlapping the painter's tape on the carpet to protect the surface. Tape the plastic/newspaper to the painter's tape.
-
4
Apply paint with an angled brush. Do not overload the paintbrush. Use a lighter hand when painting the bottom portion of your trim since the carpet will cover this area.
-
5
Let the paint dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.
-
6
Remove the plastic/newspaper after the paint has dried. Have a garbage bag in the area and immediately discard the plastic/newspaper to avoid dripping paint. Avoid smearing the drops of paint that have fallen onto the painter's tape.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Thin cardboard that will fit underneath the trim, can be used as a substitute for the painter's tape.
Paper drywall tape can be used and is more economical than painter's tape.
Use paint in a well-ventilated area.
Read and follow all manufacturers' instructions.
