How to Paint Floor Trim

Floor trim is subject to duress.

While some homeowners prefer to enhance the natural beauty of trim by finishing it with stain and varnish, others prefer to add color by coating it with paint. Before you slap a coat of paint onto your floor trim, consider the following: Because floor trim is subject to duress, it requires a durable paint formulated for easy cleaning and strong durability. Choose the right paint, or expect stains and chipping. Employ the proper preparation strategy based on the composition of the trim, or your new finish will eventually flake and shed.

Things You'll Need

• 180-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloths
• Professional painter's tape
• Drop cloths
• Latex primer
• Wooden stir stick
• 1-gallon painter's pot
• 2- to 3-inch polyester paintbrush
• Gloss latex paint
• Oil-based primer
• 2- to 3-inch natural-bristled paintbrush

Instructions

1. Sand varnished floor trim with 180-grit sandpaper. Sand along with the wood grain until the existing finish appears dull. Wipe sawdust from the trim using tack cloths. Skip this step if the trim is unvarnished.

2. Abrade vinyl and plastic floor trim to promote adhesion. Scour the trim with sandpaper until it feels slightly rough.

3. Protect the portions of the wall and flooring immediately above and below the trim by covering them with painter's tape. Cover the floor with drop cloths.

4. Open the can of latex primer and stir it for two minutes. Pour 1/2-gallon of primer into a plastic 1-gallon painter's pot.

5. Coat the floor trim with primer using a 2- to 3-inch polyester paintbrush. Brush in long, vertical strokes, watching closely for runs and smoothing them as they become apparent. Wait two hours for the primer to dry.

6. Wash the brush with water.

7. Paint the trim just as you primed it. Use a durable gloss latex paint. Wait two hours for the trim to dry. Add another coat if you have poor coverage.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an oil-based primer on stained floor trim. Apply the primer using a natural-bristled paintbrush.

• Do not paint unprimed floors, or the paint will peel.

• Do not use an ordinary flat or satin latex paint on floors, as it will not remain durable.

• Choose an oil-based primer specifically engineered for use with water-based topcoats.