Getting the right painting techniques can be a pain. There are different methods to paint; it doesn’t matter if you’re painting the walls or trim; there’s a technique for ensuring the job is perfect.

Whether interior or exterior painting, you don’t want to spend hours on minor details. Euro Painting interior painting Sarasota fl has an easy-to-follow painting guide for trim and crown molding: From getting the right tools to choosing the right brush strokes. Read to learn how to paint trim and crown molding.

Pick The Right Color

Before you begin, look at the paint chips from your last project and see if you have any leftover samples. If not, grab some from the hardware store to try out different shades before committing to one color. You may even want to paint a small section of trim in each color to see how they look with your furniture and accessories.

Or look around your home for inspiration. Try pulling out items in your home and seeing what colors go well with them — it shows what colors look good together and don’t mesh well together.

Pick Paint Type

Different paints have different properties that make them better suited for particular tasks than others. Knowing what kind of paint will work best for your project will save time and money.

For example, Some paints are formulated specifically for interior use only, while others can be used both inside and outside on wood surfaces like trim or deck railings.

Oil-based paints are more durable than latex, but you must apply them in multiple coats requiring ventilation. Water-based products are less toxic than oil-based paints but aren’t as durable over time. They also tend to fade more quickly than oil-based paints once exposed to sunlight. 

Pick The Right Paintbrush

A good brush is also key to getting a professional-looking job. Look for brushes with synthetic bristles. The bristles should be tightly packed and stiff enough so they don’t sag or bend while you paint. A good brush will make applying an even coat of paint easier because it won’t leave lumps or streaks on your trim as you go along.

Prep The Surface

Use a putty knife to remove any peeling paint and smooth out any rough spots on the surface of your trim. Make sure you scrape in the direction of the grain — otherwise, you’ll cause more damage than good. 

Next, sand away any remaining bumps and splinters by hand or with an electric sander with medium-grit sandpaper. Then wash down all surfaces with a sponge dipped in warm water, allowing them to dry completely before priming.

Prime The Surface

You can use either oil-based or latex primer when priming bare wood, but it works better on glossy surfaces like trim because it’s less likely to crack over time. On heavily stained wood, use an oil-based primer first so that any remaining stain comes off more easily when you go back over it with latex paint.

If your trim or crown molding is bare wood, prime it before painting. Use an oil-based primer that matches the color of your final coat of paint so that you don’t have to apply more than one coat of finish. If you previously painted your trim or crown molding with latex paint, use a latex primer instead of an oil-based primer so that you don’t have to sand it down first.

Use a brush for small areas such as doors and window sills. A roller works best for larger areas such as walls and ceilings because it covers more surface area quickly and evenly than a brush does.

Paint The Surface

Paint all sides of the trim and crown molding before you paint other surfaces. You can brush on one side of the trim or crown, then flip it over to paint another without smearing wet paint onto dry areas. If there are gaps between pieces of trim or crown, fill them with spackles before painting.

Apply two coats of primer first, if possible. Primer helps seal in stains and prevents the paint from peeling off over time due to moisture penetration into wood surfaces that occurs while they dry out after being painted with latex or oil-based paints every year.

Trim and crown molding helps complete the look of your rooms. Before you paint crown molding, consult a contractor about the best way to prepare and paint it. It will involve sanding the surface and priming it before painting it. The work will improve the appearance of your home and provide years of beauty.