How to Paint Trim

Want to learn how to paint trim? Whether you’re searching for painting trim tips or simply want to know the best trim paint to use, the experts at Benjamin Moore are here to help you make the trim in your home look like new.

A pretty red painted bedroom with beige trim and doors, a comfy bed with white bedding and an orange pillow, and a coat rack next to an open door looking into a gray painted hallway. A pretty red painted bedroom with beige trim and doors, a comfy bed with white bedding and an orange pillow, and a coat rack next to an open door looking into a gray painted hallway.

Perhaps you’re painting trim simply because it’s the final step of an interior painting project. Or maybe you’ve made a design decision to paint the trim to highlight your space’s architecture and accentuate the wall colour. Either way, once you’ve found your trim colour and are ready to get started, our step-by-step guide will take you through the basics of painting trim.

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 a difficult task. From necessary supplies to sanding trim before painting, we’ve got you covered.

Watch our how to paint trim video for expert guidance and tips.

Two Benjamin Moore paintbrushes: one with white paint on it and the other with black paint, next to a white cloth. Two Benjamin Moore paintbrushes: one with white paint on it and the other with black paint, next to a white cloth.

Step 1: Gather Your Trim Painting Supplies

When painting trim, you will need caulk, a sanding block, painter’s tape, a sponge, and premium Benjamin Moore products. We suggest starting with Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer, which delivers maximum hide and a uniform finish, before painting trim with Advance® Interior, which goes on smooth and cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish.

You’ll also need the best brushes for painting trim. We recommend using high-quality nylon/polyester brushes. Inexpensive brushes tend to leave brush marks or lose bristles as you paint. We suggest 3.8 cm and 6.4 cm (1½- and 2½-inch) angle sash brushes for painting trim, but the experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store can help you determine which supplies will work best for your project.

A person filling a gap between a white painted wall and baseboard using caulk and a caulk gun. A person filling a gap between a white painted wall and baseboard using caulk and a caulk gun.

Step 2: Inspect and Repair Trim

Examine your trim and baseboards to determine if they need repairs. Fill gaps between the wall and trim with caulk, and make sure it’s fully cured before preparing the trim for paint.

A person sanding white painted trim. A person sanding white painted trim.

Step 3: Prepare the Trim for Paint

If the existing trim has a high-gloss finish, sand the surface before painting to help it accept the new primer or paint. Finish by cleaning the trim with a damp sponge and allowing it to dry thoroughly. To protect your walls, tape off the area adjacent to the trim.

All repairs should be primed before painting. For heavily repaired trim, we suggest applying a coat of Fresh Start primer before painting.

A person brushing white paint onto trim. A person brushing white paint onto trim.

Step 4: Paint the Trim

When painting trim, remember to take your time, read all labels, and follow all instructions. The easiest way to paint trim is to start at the top and work down: crown moulding, window frames, door frames, and finally baseboards, in that order.

Dip your brush approximately a third of the way into the paint and remove excess paint by tapping the brush 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. If applying a second coat, be sure to let your first coat dry completely.

Let the paint dry thoroughly before removing painter’s tape.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Should you paint the walls or trim first?

A. Paint the walls first. Trim painting should be the final step of your project. Make sure to protect freshly painted walls by using painter’s tape around the trim.



Q. How many coats of paint should you use when repainting trim?

A. How many coats of paint your trim needs depends on the trim’s condition. If you’ve made extensive repairs, apply a coat of primer—we suggest Fresh Start®—before the finishing paint. From there, you can decide whether you want one or two coats of paint.

If you are unsure of how much trim paint you’ll need for your project, consult the experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store.



Q. What are the general rules to follow when painting trim?

A. When painting trim, remember to take your time, read all labels, and follow all instructions. The easiest way to paint trim is to start at the top and work down: crown moulding, window frames, door frames, and finally baseboards, in that order.

Dip your brush approximately a third of the way into the paint and remove excess paint by tapping the brush 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.



Q. Should I use tape when painting trim?

A. Yes! Since painting trim is usually the final step of a paint project, you want to protect your previously painted surfaces by using painter’s tape. Before you start painting the trim, tape off the adjacent wall area. Remove the tape only when the trim paint is completely dry.



Q. Is it better to paint trim with a brush or roller?

A. Due to the small surface area of trim, we recommend painting trim with a high-quality brush. The best brushes for painting trim are nylon/polyester for water-based paint or natural bristles for oil-based paint. A 3.8 cm or 6.4 cm (1½ or 2½”) angle sash brush is ideal for painting trim, but the experts at your locally owned Benjamin Moore store can help you determine which supplies will work best for your project.



Q. What is the best paint to use for trim?

A. We recommend starting the project with an acrylic primer like Fresh Start® High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer, which delivers maximum hide and a uniform finish. Let it dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. The best paint type for trim is a waterborne alkyd paint like Advance® Interior, which goes on smooth and cures to a hard, furniture-quality finish and is available in over 3,500 colours.



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Advance® Interior Paint

Advance® Interior Paint

With its durable, furniture-like finish for cabinets and trim, it's the finish professionals prefer.

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