How to Paint Trim: Tips & Step-by-Step Guide

Yellow walls with a gray trim hallway frame leading to a white cozy living room.

Looking for a go-to trim paint? The trim throughout your home will look like new when you use Benjamin Moore® ADVANCE® Interior, 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.

Watch this video to learn the recommended process for 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 to be a difficult task. From supplies to preparation to application techniques, we've got you covered.

ADVANCE Products and Paint Brushes for Painting Trim

Step #1: Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you will need caulk, a sanding block, painters tape, a sponge, Benjamin Moore^® Fresh Start^® 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 for water-based paint and a natural-bristle brush for oil-based paint. Inexpensive brushes tend to leave brush marks or lose bristles as you paint. Your Benjamin Moore retailer can help you find the right tools and materials.

Repair Trim by Filling Gaps Between Walls and Trim

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 caulk.

Prepare the Trim for Painting by Sanding Lightly

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 Benjamin Moore Fresh Start primer. To protect your walls, tape off the wall area up to the trim.

Apply Paint Trim Top to Bottom, Start at Crown Molding, Windows, Door Frames, then Baseboard

Step #4: Apply the Paint

When you are ready for your finish 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. Learn more about choosing trim paint colors.

Remember to take your time, read all labels and follow all instructions.

Have More Questions? Visit your local Benjamin Moore store or contact Customer Support.