Should You Paint Trim or Walls First? How To Paint a Room

Paint Trim or Walls First?

Most professionals recommend starting with the trim for several reasons. The trim typically requires more detailed work, so getting it done first allows you to focus on precision without messing up the walls. Once the trim is dry, it’s much easier to tape it off and move on to the larger wall surfaces. This method saves you from having to be overly careful when painting around the trim, allowing for a cleaner and more efficient process. Another benefit of painting the trim first is that it makes fixing any mistakes easier. If you accidentally get trim paint on the walls, it’s not a big deal because the wall paint will cover it later. This step-by-step approach lets you be a little more relaxed with the tedious trim work, knowing the wall painting will smooth things over. 

How to Paint a Room 

Here’s a quick guide to help you tackle your next paint job without the headache: 

• Start with prep work: Move out furniture, cover the floors with drop cloths, and patch any holes or cracks in the walls. 
• Tape off areas you’re not painting: Use painter’s tape to cover baseboards, windows, and door frames. It’s quicker and easier to tape off the trim than the walls. 
• Prime if needed: If you’re changing from a dark to a light color or painting over an uneven surface, priming helps the paint go on smoothly. 
• Begin with the trim: Paint the baseboards, door frames, and window trim first. This way, you can tape them off once dry, making painting the walls easier.
• Move on to the ceilings: Painting the ceiling next keeps any drips or splatters from messing up your freshly painted walls. 
• Finish with the walls: Use large strokes in a “W” or “M” shape to get an even, smooth finish. This helps avoid streaks or uneven coverage. 
• Check for touch-ups once everything is dry: After the paint has completely dried, inspect the room for any missed spots or areas that need a little more attention. 

How to Paint Trim After Walls are Painted

There are a few things to keep in mind If you decide to paint the trim after the walls. Start by allowing the wall paint to fully dry, then apply painter’s tape along the edges where the trim meets the wall to protect your clean wall lines. Use a steady hand and an angled brush to carefully paint the trim. Working slowly and deliberately will help you avoid any smudging onto the freshly painted walls. Once you’re finished, remove the tape while the trim paint is still wet. If you wait too long to remove the tape, you run the risk of the paint bleeding through and kissing your clean lines goodbye.

Should You Paint Ceilings or Walls First? 

A good strategy for a clean and efficient paint job is to tackle the ceiling before the walls. As mentioned earlier, this will help you avoid the hassle of dealing with drips or splatters that could land on newly painted walls. This top-down method ensures that any accidental ceiling paint on the walls can be easily covered later. Plus, starting with the ceiling allows you to work without worrying about ruining the wall finish, giving you a much less stressful project. 

How to Paint Walls 

Painting walls is one of the most dramatic and inexpensive changes you can make to a room. The right sheen and color are key to achieving the look and feel you want. Here’s how to paint your walls like a pro: 

• Choose the right color and sheen: Pick a color that fits the mood of the room and a sheen that works with the lighting and function of your space. Remember that flat or matte finishes hide imperfections, while satin or eggshell are more durable for high-traffic areas. 
• Prep the walls: Clean the walls to remove any dust or grime, and fill in any holes or cracks with spackle. Sand smooth once dried, careful not to compromise the texture of the wall.
• Protect trim and furniture: Use painter’s tape to cover the trim, baseboards, and any surfaces you don’t want painted. Move or cover any furniture with drop cloths. 
• Cut in the edges first: Use a small, angled brush to “cut in” around the edges of the wall—corners, baseboards, and near the ceiling—before using a roller. 
• Roll paint on in sections: Use a roller to paint in large sections at a time. Don’t over-saturate the roller to avoid drips. 
• Blend as you go: Work quickly enough to blend the wet edges of your painted sections together, which prevents visible lines or streaks.
• Let it dry before a second coat: If a second coat is needed, allow the first one to fully dry. This will help ensure even coverage and a smooth finish.