Four Steps to Cutting In Trim Like a Pro

Whenever a painting job arises, there are several steps and factors to consider ranging from the space required to be painted to the color and the contractor to hire for the best possible service. However, when the painting job begins, most often than not, people pay attention to the walls as they take the center stage while ignoring some other basic and important parts of the home such as the trims.

The wall casts a shadow on all other structures in the home and is most often times the factor used in gauging a job well done. However, as much as the wall is the canvas upon which the quality of the paint job is displayed, the trim is the icing on the cake.

Moldings, baseboards, door frames, and window frames are all parts of the home which provide a unique counterpoint to the color set on the walls, whether as a homeowner or C.L. McDaid a Downingtown painting contractor you choose to do something simple or elaborate, it is important to pay attention to this area of the home.

Preparing your trim before painting is one aspect that should be paid attention to. Trim preparation is done to ensure that you have the best possible finish which makes your paint job all the way perfect.

When preparing your trim for painting, here are some of the needed supplies:

1. Angled paintbrush
2. Painter’s tape
3. Drop cloth
4. Spackle
5. Putty knife
6. Sandpaper
7. Cleaning supplies

Painting Trim

1. Prepare your trim

Trims may be one of the hardest working areas in the home especially in high traffic areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Door frames and baseboards can get dinged up due to regular and frequent use and as such, there is a need to properly prepare your trim before painting it.

While preparing your trim, it is recommended that you use wood filler to fill in any scratches or dents, and also employ the use of mild, soapy water to wash off any grime which might have been caused by handprints, or shoe mark scuffs printed on the baseboard. To remove baseboard cuffs, you might want to employ the use of a magic eraser. Full preparation of your trim may be done by using sandpaper to wipe down the surface then proceeding to thoroughly dust and vacuum the area.

2. Tape

When planning on painting your trims, it is advised that you protect the walls with a painter’s tape. You might, however, choose not to use the painter’s tape in the event you plan on painting the whole room. To keep the paint from getting on carpet and floors while painting the baseboards, it is recommended that you place a strip of 2-inch wide masking tape on the carpet or floor along the baseboard.

3. Paint

When painting your trim or baseboard, employ the use of a 2-inch wide angle brush. Angled paintbrushes are best suited for painting sharp edges and are also the right pick for painting into tight corners. Use a thin layer of paint for this job to avoid splattering the paint and also, it is advised that you should avoid overloading the brush. To prevent against lap marks, be sure to start every new stroke of the brush in the dry area and work your brush towards the wet area.

4. Remove the tape

Remove the painter’s tape before the trim paint dries off to avoid peeling off your new trim paint.