Wood trim does not have to be painted the same color as the surrounding material.
When painted a different color from the woodwork it surrounds, woodwork trim can be used to accent a room. Since the trim normally constitutes a small surface area, painting it needs to be done carefully to prevent the surrounding wood from being affected by the trim paint. If the paint is not applied evenly or if certain steps are not followed, the trim could assume a sloppy appearance. However, with proper preparation, your trim can be painted neatly and effectively.
Instructions
1. Mix five drops of dishwashing liquid with a gallon of water in a bucket.
2. Clean the trim by dipping a sponge into the soapy solution and running the damp sponge over the wood to remove scuffs, dirt and dust.
3. Dry the trim with a towel to prevent moisture from soaking into the wood.
4. Apply painter's caulk to any holes, dents or scrapes in the trim, completely filling them; wipe away any excess.
5. Sand the filled area with 220-grit sandpaper once the caulk dries to give the surface a smooth finish. This will help the paint bond with the wood.
6. Mark off the area around the trim that you do not wish to be painted with masking tape; lay down plastic sheeting under the area to be painted to prevent paint damage to the floor.
7. Use a 2-inch angled sash brush to apply primer to the trim in a sideways, smooth motion going in one direction. Use the edge of the brush to cover the edges of the trim with primer. You should only need one coat of primer; allow it to dry for at least one hour.
8. Rinse the brush thoroughly with clean water to remove the primer from the brush's bristles.
9. Use a paint stick to thoroughly stir the paint to ensure it is thick and well-mixed for best results.
10. Dip the paintbrush into the can of paint so that the top third of the bristles are covered.
11. Tap the brush against the edge of the can to knock any excess paint back into the can and then flip the paintbrush and do the same on the other side.
12. Press the edge of the brush gently against the widest part of the trim and slide the brush over the trim sideways in one long stroke.
13. Move the brush to a dry area of the trim and then use the same stroke to bring paint from the dry area to the edge of the area you just painted. This helps prevent overlap, which can create an uneven look to the painted area.
14. Slide the brush back over the trim in the opposite direction over the surface you just painted to set the paint into the trim.
15. Continue painting dry sections of the trim until the entire trim length is covered.
16. Use the edge of the brush to apply paint to the edge of the trim, moving slowly to prevent splatter.
17.Add a second coat on the trim as needed once the first coat is completely dry, which could take several hours. This will touch up the paint, add thickness and cover any dings or unevenness leftover from the first coat.
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