Do You Paint the Walls or Trim First? Expert Tips for Success

Tackling a painting project, especially as a DIY enthusiast, can feel daunting and hiring a professional painting service can be very expensive. Luckily, going the DIY route is incredibly rewarding. One question I always get from friends is, “do you paint the walls or trim first?” The order you choose can significantly impact the process and help you avoid common issues like lap marks.

When it comes to interior painting, choosing whether to paint walls or trim first is a common debate, even among seasoned pros. Some, like Chip Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, tackle the wall first, then the trim. Others swear by doing trim first for crisp edges and easier taping. I’ve done it both ways, and honestly, both approaches have pros and cons.

By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have the knowledge to choose the best approach for your next paint project. So, let’s jump into the world of interior paint.

Why You Might Choose to Paint Trim First

Most professional painters often opt to paint the trim first, and there are good reasons why.

Cleaner Lines and Easier Taping

Ever tried to neatly tape off a freshly painted wall? Not only is it tricky, but you also risk peeling off bits of the new paint with the tape. That’s why many pros tackle the trim first. They point out that it’s simpler to tape off dry trim than a freshly painted wall, making taping faster and cleaner. It also leads to less chance of paint peeling when removing painter's tape, which is something we all want.

Plus, with dry trim, there’s less risk of smearing paint while applying tape for the next step: painting the walls. Taping off dry trim just seems to make for a smoother experience. Your patience will be rewarded with beautifully defined edges.

Focus on Detail Without Worries

Consider the differences between painting trim and walls. Trim, with its intricate details, requires careful brushwork and a steady hand. By painting the trim first, you can fully concentrate on those finer details without stressing about accidental spills onto the walls. Getting cleaner lines between the trim and walls becomes easier.

Plus, trim usually has a glossier finish than walls. A little splatter of glossier paint onto the wall will show through once the wall paint dries, creating an unwanted, uneven finish. So, tackle the trim first, get those sharp lines, and worry less about unintended speckles on the walls.

Easy Touch-ups on the Trim

Let’s face it, no matter how carefully you paint, sometimes a few tiny dots of wall color land on the freshly painted trim. But here’s the beauty of painting the trim first: it’s much easier to touch up trim with its smooth surface. Wait for everything to dry fully and grab a small brush to do quick, almost invisible touch-ups.

The Case for Painting Walls First

But before committing to painting the trim first, consider the other side of this classic painting debate. Do you crave that instant gratification of seeing your chosen color up on those walls? If speed and a visual payoff are important, painting walls first has its merits.

Quick Visual Impact and Efficiency

Let’s be honest, there’s something super exciting about watching a room transform as the new wall color goes up. It’s instant gratification. Plus, the walls take up most of the visual space in a room. If seeing that color change motivates you, why not start there?

This method might give you the extra energy boost to power through the entire paint project. Plus, when you focus on the larger surface of the walls first, you can often finish that stage faster, especially with rollers. Just be mindful of lap marks—those visible streaks that appear when paint dries unevenly—by maintaining a wet edge as you go. And remember, if you change your mind about a wall color, chances are you’ll change the trim too.

Sharing the Workload

Got friends or family lending a hand with your painting adventure? Painting the walls is often a more collaborative effort. Using rollers to coat those large areas means everyone can participate, even if they don’t have a steady hand for the fine detail work of trim.

Make it a paint party, crank up the music, and power through the bulk of the painting together. You can always leave the intricate, detailed work on the trim for yourself later when you might want to concentrate on that quiet, focused stage. Just remember, no matter which order you choose, a freshly painted room is something to be proud of.

Special Cases: High Gloss Trim and Textured Walls

There are a few situations where painting the walls first is a good move. Imagine you’re going for a super high gloss on your trim. A speck of high-gloss trim paint on the matte walls is more noticeable than a bit of flat wall paint on the glossier trim. In these cases, doing the walls first makes touch-ups less critical.

This logic also applies to textured walls. Getting that nice clean line when painting textured walls can be hard. However, painting them first makes any minor errors less noticeable once the trim is done.

Helpful Tips for Flawless Painting

Whether you’re team trim-first or walls-first, here are a few expert tips to make your painting experience go smoothly, leading to professional-looking results:

Clean Surfaces Thoroughly: Before you even think about opening that paint can, clean the trim and walls. Dust, dirt, and grime will prevent the paint from bonding properly, leading to a patchy, uneven finish. Use a good quality cleaner and a microfiber cloth or sponge, and don’t skip this crucial prep step.
Caulk for Perfection: Small gaps and cracks between the trim and the wall are totally normal. Before painting either surface, take the time to fill these gaps with a paintable caulk. Caulk creates a smooth, professional-looking finish and helps to seal those edges to prevent moisture damage and those annoying air gaps. Once dry, give the caulk a light sanding for an even surface and a smooth finish.
Tape Like a Pro: Whether it’s blue painter’s tape or the fancier frog tape, ensure your tape adheres well and is applied in straight lines. This is key for achieving crisp lines. If you choose to tape first, really press down that tape to create a solid seal against paint bleed. But remember, if you are applying tape to a newly painted wall, use a low adhesion tape and wait until the wall paint is bone-dry, at least a day. If you are still feeling uncertain, consider a painting forum for more painting tips.
Use the Right Tools for Touch-Ups: For small touch-ups along the trim or wall, The Paint Syringe is a game-changer. It allows you to easily load paint without lifting or spilling cans, making those last-minute corrections hassle-free. Whether it’s covering a stray mark or evening out a small patch, The Paint Syringe helps you apply just the amount you need—no mess, no stress.
High-Quality Brushes Matter: This is especially true when dealing with trim and its delicate details. Opt for a high-quality angled sash brush, which provides better control and smoother results. It will help you get that precise edge along the trim lines and create beautiful results.
Consider a Painting Edger: If freehanding with a brush isn’t your thing, paint edgers can help achieve a clean line between the walls and trim. There are a couple of common types: a smear-on edger, which is great for textured surfaces, or a roll-on edger, which might feel more familiar. Whatever you pick, remember that practicing with your chosen edger before the actual paint goes up can make all the difference.

Conclusion

So, do you paint the walls or trim first? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and both approaches have pros and cons. By understanding the advantages of each method and applying good painting tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make the best choice for your project and skill level. Whether you prefer a steady hand on the trim first or a visually rewarding color burst on the walls first, know that there is no ‘right’ answer.

Both ways can work if done with care and good prep work. In the end, the best method is the one that fits your style and preferences best. Ultimately, a DIY painting project is about creating a space you love and getting the satisfaction of a job well done.

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