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Overview:
This project will show you how to paint interior trim. A fresh coat of paint on the walls can make the paint on the trim look old and tired. Highlight special trim or architectural features with a fresh, professional-looking paint job.
Materials:
primer, paint, painters' tape, ladder, cloth, rags, wood filler, caulk, sandpaper, TSP surface cleaner, deglosser
Tools You'll Need:
6-in-1 or 1 1/4" putty knife
Before You Begin:
Painting can be messy work. Pull your hair back and tuck it up under a barbara k! cap. Wear your barbara k! shirt to protect your clothing. Safety glasses can be helpful.
Barbara's Tips:
If you find drips or spills that have dried, use denatured alcohol to remove them from floors, furniture or other objects.
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Step 1: Preparation is Everything
Paint does not adhere well to dirt or greasy grime, so carefully dust and clean your woodwork, especially over the tops of windows and doors. Use a phosphate-free cleaner and rinse well, then dry with an absorbent cloth. Protect floors with plastic or canvas cloths. Use painter's tape to protect walls. Remove switch cover plates or any other hardware from walls. Paint during daylight hours if possible, or use an extension cord and bring in a light source from another room.
Step 2: Quick Repairs = A Professional Finish
Sand out shallow dents or scratches. For deeper scratches, apply wood filler with your putty knife and sand smooth when dry. When sanding old paint or varnish, remember that homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based finishes. Call 800-424-LEAD to obtain additional information before you sand or scrape any areas that might contain lead. If the trim has a glossy sheen, use sandpaper or a brush-on deglosser to dull the finish and allow the fresh paint to adhere. Prime the trim, using caulk to fill in any cracks or gaps between the trim and the walls.
Step 3: Grab Your Brush and Paint
Edging paint pads (the kind with rollers that ride on the walls) may be helpful, but your best tool for painting trim is a high quality brush with an angled tip for cutting in and painting in tight spaces.
Step 4: Clean Lines are Easy
Don't worry if you accidentally paint on to the wall above the trim. Simply wrap a cotton cloth over the edge of a putty knife and use it to wipe up the paint. The sharp edge of the knife gives you the control to get close to the trim without smearing wet paint. With freshly painted trim, your room looks great. You did it yourself!
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