If you’re wondering how to paint trim for a flawless look during your interior house painting in Hollywood Park, TX, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re sprucing up your living room or giving your home a new vibe, painting trim adds that professional touch. But here’s the thing—achieving that polished, drip-free finish isn’t as hard as you might think.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the steps to paint your trim like a pro, share some insider tips, and highlight why professional house painters can help you achieve the perfect finish.

Key Takeaways

  • A clean, prepared surface is the first step to a professional-looking trim paint job.
  • Choosing the right trim paint ensures durability and a smooth finish that lasts.
  • Using a quality brush helps avoid drips and provides better control while painting.
  • Precision taping around trim makes the job faster and cleaner, saving time in the long run.
  • Don’t rush: Allow enough drying time between coats for a smooth, professional finish.
how to paint trim

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather all the materials you’ll need for your interior house painting project. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2-inch angled paintbrush: This will give you better control over the trim edges.

  • Putty knife: For filling holes and cracks in the trim with wood filler.

  • Caulking gun: To apply caulk where the trim meets walls or ceilings.

  • Sanding sponge (100- to 150-grit): Helps degloss the trim or smooth out any imperfections.

  • Microfiber cloths: To clean dust and debris from the trim.

  • Drop cloths: Protect the floors from paint drips and spills.

  • Acrylic-latex interior paint: The go-to choice for trim since it dries quickly and is easy to clean.

  • Acrylic-latex caulk: Fills small gaps and provides a seamless trim-to-wall connection.

  • Painter’s tape: Ensures you get those crisp, clean lines.

  • Wood filler: For repairing holes or cracks in the trim.

  • 12-inch masking paper: To protect baseboards or molding.

  • Trisodium phosphate (TSP): A cleaning solution to remove grease and grime from trim surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paint Trim

Painting trim is often the final touch in home painting projects, but it can be tricky. Here’s how to get it right, from the prep to the final coat.

1. Prep Your Space for Interior House Painting

Before you even think about how to paint trim, make sure you have your area set up. Cover the floors with drop cloths to protect them from any spills. If you’re working around baseboards, tape masking paper along the floor edge. It’s simple but essential to avoid making a mess during the process.

2. Fill Holes and Imperfections

Trim can be prone to imperfections, especially if you’ve had it for a while. Use a putty knife to fill in any cracks or nail holes with wood filler. Don’t rush this step—take your time, and sand it smooth once the filler is dry.

3. Sand the Trim for Smoothness

Next, grab your foam sanding sponge (a 100- to 150-grit one works best). Lightly sand the trim to remove any gloss or bumps. Newly installed trim may not need sanding, but if you’re painting over old trim, a quick sanding session will make the surface smoother and the paint stick better.

4. Clean the Trim to Remove Dust

Once the sanding is done, wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth. Dust is one of the worst enemies of a clean paint job. If the trim is greasy, mix up some trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution and clean it thoroughly. You want a fresh, clean surface so your trim paint goes on evenly.

5. Apply Caulk for a Seamless Look

Caulking is a simple but important step. Use a caulk gun to run a thin bead of caulk along the edges of your trim where it meets the wall. This fills any small gaps and helps give you a crisp, clean line when the paint goes on.

how to paint trim

6. Tape the Trim for Neat Edges

The next step is one of the most important—taping the trim. Using painter’s tape, run strips along both sides of the trim, ensuring the edge is just next to the trim without touching it. This will give you those sharp, clean lines that you see in professional paint jobs.

7. Prime the Trim for a Strong Foundation

If your trim is unfinished or if you’re switching from a dark color to a lighter one, applying a primer is key. This step helps the trim paint adhere better and prevents stains from bleeding through. Let the primer dry before moving on to the fun part—painting!

8. Brush on the Paint

Now that everything’s prepped, it’s time to paint. Use a high-quality angled brush to apply your paint. Don’t overload the brush—dip the bristles only a little into the paint. Brush the paint along the trim lengthwise, following the natural grain of the wood. For a pro finish, work in thin, even layers. Don’t rush this step; it’ll pay off later.

9. Apply a Second Coat

After the first coat has dried (give it at least 4 hours), apply a second coat for a rich, smooth finish. The second coat is where you’ll really see the trim come to life, so take your time and be thorough.

10. Remove the Painter’s Tape

Once the paint is dry to the touch (but still a little soft), carefully remove the painter’s tape. Pull it back at a 90-degree angle to avoid smearing the paint and to leave behind that sharp, professional line.

Tips for Perfect Trim Painting

  • When painting trim, be sure to use an angled brush for better control and precision.
  • Keep your brush strokes consistent and avoid overloading the brush to prevent drips.
  • If you’re working with detailed trim or areas that are tricky to reach, consider using a smaller brush for better control.
  • Take your time between coats to let the paint dry properly—rushing can cause uneven results.

How to Paint Trim Like a Pro: Why It’s Worth the Effort

Painting trim isn’t just about getting a project done—it’s about creating a look that elevates your entire space. The small details matter, and a clean trim can make a huge difference in the overall feel of a room. Whether you’re refreshing an old trim or painting new ones, taking the time to follow these steps will make sure you get a result that looks like it was done by a professional house painter.

how to paint trim

If you’re in Hollywood Park, TX, and want to save time or need help with a larger project, Magna Painting can handle all your interior house painting needs. They’ll make sure the trim painting process goes smoothly and that you get the look you want, without the hassle.

Wrapping Up Your Trim Painting Project

Achieving trim painting success is all about preparation, patience, and the right tools. By following these steps, you can get that crisp, professional look without needing to hire an expert. However, if you’re short on time or don’t want to deal with the hassle of doing it yourself, reach out to Magna Painting for help. They’re interior house painters in Hollywood Park, TX, offering free estimates and professional painting services.

Call Magna Painting today at 210-796-6601. Serving Hollywood Park, Helotes, Shavano Park, and the surrounding San Antonio, TX suburbs.