Looking for a go-to trim paint? The trim throughout your home will look like new when you use Benjamin Moore's ADVANCE® Interior Paint, a paint that cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish.
Perhaps you’re painting trim simply because it’s the final step of an interior painting project. Or maybe you’re making a purposeful design decision to paint trim to highlight the architecture of your space and accentuate your wall color. Either way, the best paint for trim, moldings and baseboards is one that’s easy to clean, offers a smooth, durable finish, and comes in your choice of thousands of high quality colors.
The Best Way to Paint Trim
What's the best way to paint trim? Watch our how-to video for expert guidance on painting trim, a job many consider to be a difficult task. From supplies to preparation to application techniques, we've got you covered.
Step #1: Gather Your Supplies
To get started, you will need silicon, some sandpaper, painters tape, a sponge, Benjamin Moore Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer and Benjamin Moore ADVANCE Interior Paint. You'll also need the best brushes for painting trim; we recommend a 1½- and 2½-inch angle sash brushes readily available.
Use high-quality brushes — nylon blends work best. Inexpensive brushes tend to leave brush marks or lose bristles as you paint.
Step #2: Inspect the Trim
Inspect your trim to determine if it needs repairs. Gaps between the wall and trim are a common issue you can repair with silicon.
Step #3: Prepare the Surface
If your trim has a existing glossy finish, you should sand it lightly to help the trim accept the new coat of paint. Finish off all repairs by cleaning the trim with a damp sponge and allowing to dry. If your trim requires extensive repairs, start with a coat of our Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer. To protect your walls, tape off the wall area up to the trim.
Step #4: Apply the First Coat of Paint
When you are ready for your first coat, start from the top and work down; crown molding, windows, door frames and finally baseboard. Dip your brush approximately 1/3 of the way into the paint and remove excess paint by tapping on the side of the can or container. Apply the paint in a smooth stroke. If you press lightly, the paint will release evenly and level off, giving you a professional-quality finish.
ADVANCE is a waterborne alkyd paint, so it provides the quality and durability of an oil-based paint with the soap-and-water cleanup of a water-based paint. White is a common choice, but you can choose virtually any color to paint your trim, as Benjamin Moore offers 3,500+ colors to choose from.
Step #5: Let it dry!
ADVANCE has a dry-to-touch time of about 1-2 hours. Once the paint is not sticky, you are good to go for your final coat.
For quicker results, a fan can help get the air flowing in your painting space. You can use an overhead or freestanding fan to get your paint to dry faster - just be sure to position properly.
Step #6: One Final Coat of Paint
A second coat of ADVANCE Interior Paint will give you complete coverage and allow the finish to cure evenly.
ADVANCE INTERIOR PAINT
With its durable, furniture-like finish for cabinets and trim, it's the finish professionals prefer.
