Painting doors and trim may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of home improvement, but these finishing touches can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your home. Whether you’re looking to refresh a room or complete a full renovation, giving your doors and trim a fresh coat of paint can elevate your space from ordinary to polished.
At Davis Painting, we know that doors and trim require special attention to detail, and with the right techniques, you can achieve a professional, flawless finish. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process for painting doors and trim to help you transform your home with ease.
1. Choosing the Right Paint
Before you start, it’s important to select the right type of paint for your doors and trim. High-traffic areas like doors and baseboards need durable, long-lasting finishes that can stand up to wear and tear. The most commonly recommended paint types for these areas are semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes. These finishes not only provide a sleek, polished look but are also easy to clean.
- Semi-gloss: Great for a subtle shine and provides durability.
- High-gloss: Ideal for doors or trim that you want to stand out with a more reflective finish.
At Davis Painting, we recommend testing out a small patch before committing to the entire surface to make sure you’re happy with the sheen and texture.
2. Prepping the Surface
Proper preparation is key to a smooth, professional-looking paint job. Skipping this step can result in peeling, uneven paint, or visible imperfections. Here’s how to prep your doors and trim for painting:
- Clean the surface: Wipe down doors and trim with a mild cleaner to remove dust, dirt, or grease that can interfere with the paint’s adhesion.
- Sand the surface: Lightly sand the doors and trim with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit is ideal). This step smooths out any imperfections and roughens the surface slightly, allowing the paint to adhere better. Davis Painting loves the Festool Dustless Sander!
- Fill in gaps and cracks: Use wood filler or caulk to repair any cracks, dents, or holes. Once the filler dries, sand it down to ensure a smooth, seamless surface.
- Tape off surrounding areas: Use painter’s tape to protect the walls and floors from accidental splatters or drips. This is especially important when painting trim, as precision is key to a clean, sharp edge.
At Davis Painting, we understand that thorough prep work makes all the difference in the final outcome. Our team takes the time to ensure every surface is perfectly primed and ready for paint, so the end result is flawless.
3. Priming the Doors and Trim
Priming is essential, especially if you’re working with bare wood, previously unpainted surfaces, or when switching to a new color. Primer helps create an even surface, enhances paint adhesion, and improves the durability of the final coat.
- Oil-based primers are recommended for trim and doors since they seal the surface well and help prevent stains from bleeding through.
- Water-based primers can also work well, particularly if you’re dealing with previously painted surfaces.
Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
4. The Painting Process
Now that your doors and trim are prepped and primed, it’s time to apply the paint. For a professional finish, follow these steps:
a. Doors:
- Remove the door (optional): If possible, remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat on sawhorses. This makes it easier to achieve an even coat without drips. If removing the door isn’t feasible, you can paint it while it’s still hung, but be extra careful with drips.
- Paint the panels first: If your door has panels, paint these areas first, using a brush to cut in along the edges and a small roller to cover the flat areas.
- Move to the larger sections: Once the panels are done, move on to the larger flat surfaces of the door. Use a roller for an even coat, and smooth out any brush marks as you go.
- Edges last: Don’t forget to paint the door edges, ensuring a complete, even finish.
b. Trim:
- Start with the edges: Use a high-quality, angled brush to paint the edges and corners of the trim. This will allow you to get into tight spaces and ensure crisp lines.
- Use long, smooth strokes: Apply the paint using long, smooth strokes for an even finish. Be sure to feather the edges to avoid visible brush marks.
- Work in sections: Trim is often broken into sections like baseboards, door frames, and window casings. Paint each section fully before moving to the next, maintaining a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
5. Applying Multiple Coats
One coat of paint is rarely enough, especially on high-traffic surfaces like doors and trim. Plan on applying two or more coats for even, complete coverage. Be sure to let each coat dry fully before applying the next. If you’re unsure about drying times, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Davis Painting often advises homeowners that patience is key here. Rushing between coats can lead to uneven coverage and paint streaks. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, durable finish.
6. Final Touches and Clean-Up
Once the paint has dried, carefully remove the painter’s tape and inspect the surface for any touch-ups. If you see any areas that need more coverage or have minor imperfections, now is the time to fix them.
Additionally, make sure to clean your brushes and rollers thoroughly if you plan on reusing them. High-quality brushes can last for many projects if properly maintained.
At Davis Painting, we pride ourselves on delivering a perfect finish from start to finish. Our team takes care of all the final details, ensuring your doors and trim look flawless without any missed spots or smudges.
Painting doors and trim may seem like a small task, but it requires precision and care to achieve a professional look. By following these steps, you can elevate your home’s appearance with a clean, polished finish that highlights every detail.
For homeowners who want expert-level results without the hassle, Davis Painting is here to help. Our team has the skills and experience to deliver exceptional door and trim painting, ensuring that every surface is finished to perfection. Contact us today to get started on your next home improvement project!
