Painting the interior of a home can be both challenging and exciting. One of the biggest dilemmas when tackling this project is deciding whether to paint the walls or trim first. While it may seem like an easy decision, several factors should be taken into consideration before making your choice. This article will discuss various approaches to painting walls or trim first, as well as provide tips for getting the best results when interior house painting. It will also discuss how to choose colors and finishes that work together and offer advice on using tools and techniques for even coverage.
When it comes to painting the interior of a home, one of the biggest questions is whether to paint the walls or trim first. The answer depends on several factors and there are a few different approaches that can be taken.
For interior painting, it's recommended to start with the trim paint, then move on to the ceilings, and finally paint the walls. Taping off trim is easier and faster than taping off walls. This method eliminates the need to worry about painting trim neatly, as any paint that gets on the ceiling or walls can be painted over. However, ensure that the trim has a smooth finish and allow it to dry for 24 hours before painting the ceiling.
Trim First
Paint the Trim and Baseboards
We suggest painting the trim before the walls in most situations. After the paint dries, apply tape to the trim and begin painting the walls. Choose a high-quality semi-gloss paint to provide protection to the wood and give a nice shine to the baseboards and trim.
Paint The Ceilings Second
To avoid paint splatters on your walls, it's better to paint the ceiling before the walls. Begin by using a 2 ½ in. angled brush to "cut in" the edge of the ceiling surrounding the room. Then, use a ⅜" nap roller to paint the rest of the ceiling, rolling in a single direction. Try to minimize lap marks by using a high-quality roller cover for your paint job. Don't overload your roller with too much paint. If a second coat is necessary, apply it by rolling in the opposite direction of the first coat. Wait until your ceiling is completely dry before masking it with painter's tape.
Painting The Walls
A good interior painting technique is to paint one room section at a time. After cutting in, immediately roll out the wall while the paint is still wet to avoid visible brush lines. Also, paint around the edges of the trim, baseboards, and the ceiling perimeter.
Make sure to stir your paint well using a stir stick before starting to paint. Fill your roller tray halfway with paint and then load your roller. Begin painting away from the baseboards towards the ceiling in a straight line. Roll straight back down to ensure full wall coverage, and make sure to overlap each stroke at the edge to avoid creating lap marks.
Avoid wasting paint and time washing your brushes, you can place your roller or brush in a ziplock bag and seal it if you need to take a break but haven't finished your painting. This prevents the paint from drying out, so you can take a break without worrying about cleaning up. When you're ready to resume painting, simply remove the brushes from the bag, and they'll be ready to use again.
Painting Tips
To achieve a more polished look when painting walls, it's helpful to follow some tips. When using a brush to paint edges and corners adjacent to the trim, the texture will appear different from the areas painted with a roller. For optimal results, paint with a brush and then quickly follow up with a roller before the paint dries.
To avoid lap marks when painting your walls, try maintaining a wet edge. This means rolling your roller to the floor and making sure to overlap with the previous section, rather than using a typical "W" pattern. Lap marks occur when painting over partially dry sections. When painting larger areas like ceilings, where maintaining a wet edge is difficult, feather out the paint to minimize lap marks. These techniques will prevent the need for multiple coats of paint to achieve a uniform appearance.
Remove Tape and Clean Up
To achieve a neat finish, remove the painter's tape from the trim and baseboards when the paint is almost dry. Score the tape's edge where it meets the wall using a flexible putty knife. Remember to wash your paintbrushes with soap and water immediately after use to avoid difficulties in removing dried paint. Once the paint is completely dry, replace the switch covers and outlets.
Choosing Colors
When choosing colors, there are a few things that should be kept in mind. If the walls and trim are both painted in a light color, it may be best to choose a slightly different shade or hue for the trim to create contrast. For darker colors, using wall paint that is a complementary shade on the trim can help bring out the richness of both colors. When picking finishes, matte works well if there is much activity in the room as it is easier to clean, while high-gloss finishes look best in formal areas. Remember to keep a wet edge
When painting, there are a few tips that can help achieve good coverage and even results. For starters, use painter’s tape or painter’s caulk around the edges of the trim for sharper lines and to prevent any drips from getting onto the walls. Use high-quality brushes and rollers, as well as a primer when needed, to ensure even coverage. Finally, make sure to take breaks while painting and let the paint dry completely between coats for the best results.
No matter which approach you take when painting the walls or trim first, keeping these tips in mind will help you get the best possible outcome. With a little bit of prep work and the right colors, finishes, tools, and techniques, you can paint your walls or trim with confidence and create the perfect look for your home.
Conclusion
Painting the walls and trim of your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With some proper preparation, choosing the right colors and finishes, and following tips like painting from trim to wall or ceiling first you can achieve an even coverage that looks great. Whether you are tackling this project yourself or hiring someone else to do it for you, these house painting tips will help ensure that your interior comes out looking beautiful! Good luck with all your future home improvement projects!
Tools and Equipment
What tools will I need to paint the interior of a room?
We suggest that you have the following items for your interior painting project.
- Rubber Gloves - We recommend that you wear rubber gloves when you paint walls.
- Paint Bucket
- Tack Cloth for removing dust after you lightly sand
- Painters Tape
- Masking Paper
- Drop Clothes
- Red Rosen Paper
- Roller / Roller Frames
- Paint Bucket Grids
- Stir Sticks
- High Quality Latex Paint
FAQs
Do you paint walls or trim first? From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls. And you definitely don't want the hassle of taping them both.
Is it better to paint trim or walls first? ›
There's no clear cut answer and it mostly comes up to personal preference, though, in most cases, it's easier to paint the trim first since it's a more seamless process to tape off the trim than tape the walls. Plus, walls can be uneven, so taping the trim is more likely to leave you with a clean crisp line.
What is the correct order to paint a room? ›
You can start anywhere when you paint a room. However, using an orderly process can save time and effort. Painting a room in the correct order will also reduce drips and runs. A good rule of thumb is to always start with the ceiling, next the walls and end by painting baseboards, windows and door trim.
Do you paint the walls or woodwork first? ›
One of the golden rules of decorating is to start at the top and work your way down. By painting a feature wall beforehand, you'll avoid any drip marks ruining your newly painted skirting boards. The order should be: ceiling first, walls second, skirting board and wood trim last.
Do you paint walls or edges first? ›
For painting wall edges, it is best to paint the edges first, then paint the rest of the wall surface with a paint roller. There are two ways to paint wall edges near the ceiling. You can either use a paint edger device or use a good-quality angled paintbrush.
Should you paint before or after cutting trim? ›
Paint it Before
Many experts say that it's wise to paint the trim before you install it. It's a fast and easy process that can dramatically speed up paint time. People who paint trim before installing tend to place the boards on sawhorses over a drop cloth to work.
Should I paint a wall or trim first on Reddit? ›
This is the answer. Trim first so you can hit the edges and get some on the wall. Then paint the walls either taping or free cutting the trim In.
Is it better to paint trim with a brush or roller? ›
Brushing is generally the best option for most trim. You can use a mini 4” roller for flat stock trim boards to work more quickly but for trim with complex profile designs a brush allows you more efficiently paint all the edges and grooves.
Is it okay to paint walls and trim the same color? ›
Makes Your Space Look Bigger
When your trim blends with the wall, you're keeping it free from contrast or secondary colors, creating the illusion that your space could continue forever. If you already have a room with high ceilings, painting everything in one color will create an even loftier look.
Do I really need to wait 4 hours between coats of paint? ›
After your first coat of paint is dry, it's safe to recoat typically after four to six hours. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least three hours to recoat your paint or primer if it's water-based. Waiting 24 hours is best for oil-based paint and primer.
Always apply two or more coats of paint. Complete the first coat and let it dry before painting the second coat. Refer to the can as to how much time is required for the first coat to dry.
Do professionals paint trim or walls first? ›
Do you paint walls or trim first? From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls. And you definitely don't want the hassle of taping them both.
Should I paint my house or trim first? ›
Which Comes First: Painting The Walls Or Trim? The answer is decisive: “You should paint your trim first as it will be easier to cut a straight line on the wall next to the trim, whether you are doing that by hand or with the assistance of tape,” says Monica Mothershead, senior merchant of paint at The Home Depot.
Is it okay to cut in one day and paint the next? ›
Is it OK to cut in one day and paint the next? Yes is the simple answer.
Do you paint woodwork or walls first? ›
Most professional painters and decorators will recommend glossing your woodwork last to ensure you can caulk any gaps between the walls and timber. It's also a more time-efficient method; there's no need to go back over woodwork that has been the victim of paint roller splash.
In what order do you paint trim and walls and ceiling? ›
Paint the Trim First, Then the Ceilings and Walls
Pro painting tips will usually tell you to follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls.
Should I paint trim with roller or brush? ›
Also, using foam rollers can leave a different texture on the surface than a brush, which only accentuates the lines. So, while some people swear by this method, I recommend only using a paint brush to paint trim!
Should you paint or cut in first? ›
Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.
Should you paint walls before installing trim? ›
Simply paint the walls first and install the new trim once everything dries. This solution eliminates almost every drawback listed for both sides and saves you a ton of work in the long run.
Do you paint ceilings or walls first? ›
One question everyone asks: Should you paint the walls or ceiling first? If you're planning to paint the entire room, start with the ceiling. That way, you won't have to worry about splatters from the roller getting onto the walls—it will all get touched up once the walls are painted.
See Prep & Tape Application to learn how to mask like a pro. Can I tape a surface I just painted? You should wait at least 24 hours before applying tape to a freshly painted surface, and choose a tape designed specifically for this application, such as Scotch® Delicate Surface Painter's Tape.
Do you have to cut in twice when painting? ›
You want to paint a strip that will allow you to get close enough to the adjacent side with your roller but isn't too wide that your wall dries patchy and with visible lines. Make sure that you cut in on every coat of paint that you apply.
Should you paint walls white first? ›
If you want to save money, use white matt emulsion first, make good, then apply 2 coats of your choice paint. The other choice is apply a thin coat of your finish colour first. Personal choice really.
Should you paint quarter round before installing? ›
Paint quarter-round or shoe trim before or after installation—there's no right or wrong way. Most carpenters like to finish the long trim pieces before measuring, cutting, and installing them—either by painting or applying stain and varnish.
Do you paint first or caulk first? ›
In general, caulk should be applied before painting if the caulk line will be visible once the paint job is complete. This includes caulk lines around windows, doors, and baseboards. On the other hand, caulk can be applied after painting if the caulk line will be hidden by trim or molding.
