Trim and crown moulding are essential for tying a room together. They are the little details and finishing touches that make any room truly shine. It’s important you take the time to paint and finish them properly because mistakes can stick out pretty quickly! So if you’re looking to elevate the look of your room with the perfect trim and crown moulding solutions, follow these steps from the professionals at VIP Classic Moulding for tips on how to paint moulding and trim.
Step 1: Choose a Colour
Some homeowners prefer the look of natural wood, so they may opt to simply stain the crown moulding, however, many people want the unique styling that comes with painting a certain colour. White is a popular choice because it is a neutral colour. Other people may opt to paint the wall a darker version of the existing wall colour for a striking aesthetic and an amazing crown moulding paint finish that you’ll love for years to come.
Step 2: Pick Paint Type
When you’re going to paint crown moulding, you’ll want to invest in some premium paint for a great end result and long-lasting finish. You can get paint for trim and moulding in all the usual finishes, but we recommend getting a semi-gloss or high gloss—especially if you think you’ll be washing the area often. Also know that if you choose a latex-based paint for your primary colour, you can apply it successfully over top of an acrylic or oil-based primer.
Step 3: Choose Brushes
Using brushes to paint trim that comes with tapered edges or flagged tips are the best option for these kinds of projects. Avoid cheap brushes and buy high-quality varnish or enamel brushes that won’t lose their bristles while you work. Angular-tipped brushes of the small variations are the perfect way to paint moulding, baseboards, door frames and hard-to-reach corners. A larger brush is best for painting doors and wainscoting.
Step 4: Prepare for Painting
Before you crack open a can of paint, you have lots of prep work to do to make sure that your paint job will look its best. You have to start by scrubbing and cleaning all the surfaces you plan to paint because the paint won’t stick to grease, dirt and dust. Dip a sponge into some warm water and mild soap for the best results. Carefully apply painters’ tape to protect areas you don’t want to accidentally get paint on. And finally, cover the floors and furniture with drop clothes to ensure you don’t have a bigger mess to clean up when you’re finished painting. If you are planning to paint over existing paint that is semi-gloss or high-gloss, be sure to use fine sandpaper to rough it up a bit and remove any excess dust or dirt afterwards.
Step 5: Prime and Paint
Before applying your preferred paint colour to your crown moulding and trim, cover all surfaces in a high-quality primer. Primers are engineered to help your coat of paint adhere to the surface better and it helps it look better too after the final coat is applied. Be sure to let each coat of paint dry fully before you move to the next one. When you’re finally ready to paint, dip your brush either ⅓ or ½ of the way down the bristles. Then do two strokes over a small section. Clean up any drips or drabs before they dry and then you’re ready to move on to the next section.
Step 6: Clean Up
Good quality paint brushes can be very expensive so make sure you wash them as soon as you’re done painting. Run them under warm water until the water runs clear down the drain, Put them in a brush spinner or shake them outside to get rid of any excess water trapped in the bristles. Hang the brushes to keep drying. Pick up all of your drop clothes being careful not to spread any excess paint that you’ve spilled on them. And don’t forget to peel away any remaining painter’s tape because it’s harder to get off if you leave it for a long time.
The Best Way to Paint Crown Moulding and Trim
If you want professional-looking trim and crown moulding then you’ll follow these handy tips. Remember, it’s about investing in high-quality paint and brushes to get the best finish possible. You also have to practice patience and follow all the steps for proper prep and drying time between coats. If you don’t have the time or desire to do the painting yourself, contact the expert painters at VIP Classic Moulding. We have years of experience serving residents of the GTA and delivering exquisite results. Contact us today for an estimate!
