Should You Paint Walls First? – It’s not hard to choose whether to paint walls or trim first. You can’t really go wrong either way, because mistakes are easily corrected and the results won’t be drastically different.
But which one is easier? Read on to find out the pros and cons of painting your walls first. There’s no “right” answer here; it just depends on your preference and your painting skills. But one thing is for certain: walls are much easier to paint than trim.
Primer is easier to apply to trim
When painting interior or exterior trim, you’ll need to apply primer to create a smooth finish. Primer is a thin, odorless, and fast-drying coat of paint that bonds paint and other finish materials.
Primer is not designed to cover like a final paint coat; it’s intended to seal the sap in freshly milled wood and make it easier for premium glossy paint to adhere.
When painting trim, make sure to use a high-quality primer. Unlike standard paint, the primer has extreme bonding properties that help it adhere to wood trim much better. Using a quality primer gives you a better visual for cracks and holes in the surface.
Also, because a primer is thinner than paint, you can tint it, which makes it easier to cover up imperfections with the final paint color. Primer is more expensive than paint, so consider purchasing pre-primed wood trim.
When painting trim, you should always sand the surface before applying primer. Sanding will help to remove rough spots. You should use a medium-grit sanding sponge to smooth out the surface before applying primer.
This way, you won’t have to worry about the surface being damaged by debris or dust. While the primer may cost more, it will ensure that the paint adheres better to the trim.
It’s easier to tape off
While most people prefer painting trim and walls first, many also find it easier to mask off the trim. Masking off the trim will help prevent extra paint from seeping onto the walls, which is essential for an even, smooth finish.
If you don’t like masking, you can also just cut in freehand over a broad area. Just be sure to tape off the edges of any molding, if you have them.
A foam brush is a great choice for painting trim and walls. Try to avoid brushes that are wider than two to three inches, because they make it difficult to control the paint.
A two-inch sash brush is a great option, as it’s angled and not overloaded. It’s also important not to overload the brush with paint, and you can always wipe it clean with soap and water.
The cut-in method is a faster way to paint walls than painting the trim. It’s not as delicate as painting walls, but it also tends to result in more clean lines. Another advantage to cut-in: you’ll spend less money and materials on the prep work.
While you should still pay attention to the edges, cutting in is quicker and easier. You’ll also need a paintbrush and a steady hand.
It’s easier to follow when cutting in
Start painting trim first. Painting trim first will make cutting in easier. If you tape off the perimeter of the wall or partition first, it will be much easier to follow the trim’s edge. You may also find it easier to cut over a large wall surface than to follow the trim’s perimeter.
But regardless of which you choose, follow these steps to paint your trim and walls evenly. This will ensure that your finished project will look great.
When painting the walls first, it’s easiest to start with the walls. This way, you have more room for error. If you accidentally paint your walls before painting trim, you won’t see it.
Also, you’ll have the paint to cover any misapplied spots in the trim and walls. When painting walls first, you might have to do it a second time. However, this gives you more room for error.
When painting the walls, you may need to mask off your trim before starting on the walls. Masking off trim before painting the walls will help keep extra paint from getting on the walls. It’s also easier to follow the walls without masking tape.
You’ll want to keep a clean edge all around so you can avoid coloring outside the lines. However, when you do the walls first, it’s easier to follow the lines without masking tape.
It’s easier to follow when painting
If you want a smooth, consistent finish, painting the walls first is a good way to start. This way, you can see what your finished product will look like before you even start painting the trim. Using a bigger paintbrush will also make cutting into the trim easier.
You may also want to paint the walls a second time before you begin painting the trim. It’s much easier to follow a paint color plan when you’ve already painted the wall.
Painting walls is not as difficult as painting the trim. However, if you need to cut along the perimeter of a partition wall, start with the walls. You may find it easier to cut along a large portion of wall trim instead of cutting over a smaller part.
Before you begin, be sure to measure first where you’ll be cutting in and where. You’ll be more accurate with your measurements and follow-ups.
Once you’ve done this, you can begin painting the trim. You can use a paintbrush or roller to get the color right up to the trim, while the paintbrush is easier to work with in tight corners and crevices.
If you’re working with a roller, use it for walls and paintbrushes for the trim first. Brushes will help you get into tight corners and cover up accidental splatters.
It’s a matter of personal preference
While painting the walls can be the easiest part of the project, you have to think about the trim, which includes door, window, and crown molding. Paint the trim in a similar color to the walls, or a slightly different hue, to unify the space.
You can choose a subtle or daring color for the trim, depending on your preferences and the look you want to create.
Painting trim requires a high level of skill and accuracy. While walls are relatively easy to paint, painting trim requires a higher level of skill. Generally, painting trim takes longer than painting the walls. Ensure you have a steady hand to prevent paint spills.
The first step in painting the trim is to protect the paint job and avoid making it look too uneven. Moreover, remember to use a paint shield and an edger, as these will help you achieve a clean, crisp line.
Related: How To Paint A Basement With Simple Techniques
There are pros and cons to painting walls before the trim. Professional painters recommend painting the walls first. However, there are some things to keep in mind. First, always remember that painting the walls before the trim is easier.
It will be easier for you to correct mistakes in the trim once you’ve painted the walls. Also, painting the walls first will give you a more satisfying feeling after you’ve finished the entire painting job.***
