Painting Trim

[cwarn]

I will be painting the trim in my new construction shortly and I had a couple of questions for some of you with painting experience.

As far as trim goes, spray or brush? I want a really smooth finish and didn't know if I could achieve this with a brush. What are the methods you use for both?

Also, is it better/easier to paint before or after installing the trim?

[woodall83]

Install, caulk, paint. Our guys was brushes.

[Cole]

High Gloss Paint, with a brush!

[Vector]

I'm going to disagree. Spray it.

Install, fill nail holes, sand, caulk, and then spray a good alkyd primer and sand (unless you use pre-primed wood) and then spray alkyd paint in your sheen of choice (if I was brushing, I might use gloss, but spraying I'd use a semi-gloss unless I wanted it to be really, really shiny). Sand lightly between coats and it'll look like glass when you're done.

[Cole]

I'm going to disagree. Spray it.

Install, fill nail holes, sand, caulk, and then spray a good alkyd primer and sand (unless you use pre-primed wood) and then spray alkyd paint in your sheen of choice (if I was brushing, I might use gloss, but spraying I'd use a semi-gloss unless I wanted it to be really, really shiny). Sand lightly between coats and it'll look like glass when you're done.

Your talking a lot of prep work for overspray etc...

This is what I do when I want to get a glass like finish.........hire a pro painter!

I hate painting, did I mention I hate it.

[CThomp]

My wife is the trim painter.

I hate painting.

I do enough of it though...but only with a roller. My wife does the cutting in and trim painting. When she trys to get me to do I just tell her "I like it the way it is."

She gets pissed and does it. It works for me.

[Cole]

When she trys to get me to do I just tell her "I like it the way it is."

She gets pissed and does it. It works for me.

I love it!!!:lol:

[HDNord]

Did all ours before installing. Natural wood (alder) that was stained, brushed on two coats of poly, then installed.

[cwarn]

Thanks guys for the responses.

Woodall or Cole, what type of brushes will give the smoothest finish, or is it just the amount of sanding?

Vector, what kind of sprayer do you use or have you seen used? And do you have to tape the walls or can you get a tight enough pattern to not have to?

I'm trying to decide on which method will give me the look I want and not be a major p.i.t.a.

[CThomp]

They make brushes specifically for trim painting. They're usually thinner and narrower brushes. As in less than 2" wide. Don't skimp...buy a nice one. Just clean it really good afterwards.

Painting trim really isn't that hard. Just be consistent and even.

[Vector]

Vector, what kind of sprayer do you use or have you seen used? And do you have to tape the walls or can you get a tight enough pattern to not have to?

The sprayer I use is an airless unit, it's a Wagner, I'm thinking the 9140S which is their smallest commercial-type unit.

http://www.wagner-group.com/portal/twinstroke_9140s_spray,43199,747.html

I didn't tape the walls for my job. In a couple of spots I wish I had, because were I used a paint with some sheen (bathrooms), the smooth layer of trim paint causes the wall paint to have more gloss than the rest of the walls. I never notice it now, but if I look, it's there.

I had cabinets to paint too, and getting the large areas of those very smooth and professional looking was a high priority, so that influenced my path. Plus, I just can't make anything look good with a brush to save my life.

[11chaos]

Do any of you guys use Bondo for wood filler? It doesn't shrink and once painted it isn't noticable. I typically paint on the ground first with a sprayer if I have it.

btw, me wife is the painter and I am the Stainer in the household. She knows I don't have the patience for it.

[CThomp]

I usually use paintable caulking for filler. Luckily my gaps are usually very small. But I generally don't get fancy with my trim work either.

[11chaos]

Dang it! :) I also have small gaps in my trim work.

The bondo can be used for;
rot in window sills without having to replace the thing,
hinge placement or removal. You know you can go into any home and see the small gaps around hinges. I hate that.
Nail holes. really any holes in wood
You can't tell the difference once painted.

[MHIC]

I honestly dont think spraying is a good idea unless you practice first (can get messy and cause HUGE problems). I use a mini roller and brush it out, install it and then putty and caulk and then final coat it.

[MCC]

High Quality Fine Haired Brush And A High Quality Gloss Paint And You Should Have A Nice Finish

[briwnt6]

What i see a lot of in my area when painting trim they put a paper backer up
before installing trim. Then once the trim is installed your ready to paint.
when done painting trim go around cut the paper then caulk. Done with no mess to the walls.

[Cole]

What i see a lot of in my area when painting trim they put a paper backer up
before installing trim. Then once the trim is installed your ready to paint.
when done painting trim go around cut the paper then caulk. Done with no mess to the walls.

Seems like a lot of work.

[CThomp]

Just get your wife to do it. ;)

I got my wife to paint trim yesterday. Of course I was tiling all freakin day.

I'd rather tile than paint trim.