Trimming Windows Before Painting: The Right Way?

should you trim windows first or paint first

Painting a room can be a daunting task, and deciding whether to paint the trim or the walls first can be tricky. While there is no definitive answer, several factors can help you decide the best order for your project. Most professional painters recommend painting the trim first, as it is easier and faster to tape off the trim than the walls. This way, you don't have to worry about neatly painting the trim, as any paint that gets on the walls will be covered later. Painting the trim first also results in cleaner lines between the trim and the wall. On the other hand, painting the walls first can provide instant gratification, especially if you are a beginner painter or unsure about the wall colour.

Characteristics Values
Order of painting Painting the trim first is generally considered the best approach as it's easier and faster to tape off the trim than the walls.
Painting the walls first Painting the walls first can provide instant gratification, especially if you're a beginner painter or not committed to the wall colour.
Painting technique Using a roller for walls and a brush for the trim is recommended.
Painter's tape Having extra painter's tape is essential to cover any mistakes or imperfections.
Paint edgers Paint edgers can help cut in and create a clean, precise line where the wall and trim meet.
Painting speed Painting the trim first can be slower due to the need for a smooth finish and the time required for drying.
Room condition If the room is under construction or there's a lot of traffic, painting the trim first can be preferable to avoid marking up the new wall paint.

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Painting the trim first makes it easier to get the trim right

Painting the trim first is a good idea, especially if you are a beginner painter. This is because you can tape off the trim and paint it first, and then tape off the walls. It is much easier to tape off the trim than the walls, as the trim has smooth, sharp edges. This means you are more likely to get a clean line.

If you are cutting in, it is also easier to spread your brush over the wall and use the edge to cut in along the trim line. It is also a good idea to paint the trim first if the room is still under construction, as it will reduce the chances of the new wall paint getting marked up.

When painting the trim, you don't have to be too neat, as you will be painting over any paint that gets on the walls or ceiling. Just make sure you get a smooth finish on the trim. It is important to let the trim dry for a full 24 hours before moving on to the walls.

Once the trim is dry, tape it off and then paint the ceiling and walls. This way, you only have to cut in once, which can be a painstaking job.

Overall, painting the trim first can make the whole process easier and less time-consuming, especially if you are a beginner.

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Painting the walls first is great for instant gratification

Painting the walls first is a great way to achieve instant gratification. Painting the walls first can give you a boost of energy to complete the rest of the project. It can be motivating to see the entire wall painted before moving on to the more meticulous job of painting the trim.

Painting the walls first is also a good idea if you are not fully committed to the wall colour. The trim and walls should coordinate, but the wall colour is usually what people notice first. With so much surface area, you may not know if a shade is right until you paint a full wall or even the whole room. If you paint the trim first and then decide you don't like the wall colour, you will have wasted time.

Painting the walls first is also the conventional way to paint a room. Due to paint drips, the ceiling is usually painted first, followed by the walls, and then the trim. If you like doing things the conventional way, heed the laws of gravity and paint from the top down.

Painting the walls first can also cut down on corrections. If you paint the trim first and then make a mistake when using rollers on the walls, you will have more paint to clean up. Plus, rollers tend to fling paint droplets that can end up on the trim.

Lastly, if you are a beginner painter, it may be easier to paint the walls first. It is a lot quicker to tape off the trim than the entirety of the walls.

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Beginners might prefer painting the walls first

Painting the walls first is a great option for beginners. This is because it is easier and more efficient, especially for those who are inexperienced with painting.

Painting the walls first allows beginners to be slightly messier with their brush strokes without the final job looking untidy. This is because any splatters or mistakes on the trim will be covered up when you paint the trim after the walls. This means that beginners can be less precise with their painting, which is often a difficult skill to master.

Painting the walls first also offers a sense of instant gratification. When you step back and look at your newly painted walls, you will feel a sense of achievement and the room will already feel different. This can give you the energy and motivation to keep going and complete the rest of the job.

Another benefit of painting the walls first is that it follows the traditional method of painting from the top down. This means that if any paint drips occur, they won't mess up your work.

Additionally, if you are unsure about the colour you have chosen for your walls, it is better to paint them first. The wall colour is usually what people notice first, and with such a large surface area, you may not know if the shade is right until you have painted the whole wall or room. If you paint the walls first and then decide you don't like the colour, you can simply change it without having to repaint the trim as well.

Overall, for beginners, painting the walls first can be a more forgiving and motivating approach that allows for a sense of instant gratification and follows the traditional method of painting from the top down.

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Painting the walls first can be safer if you're not committed to the wall colour

Painting the walls first can be a safer option if you're not committed to the wall colour. The trim and walls should coordinate, but the wall colour is what people notice first. With so much surface area, you may not know if a shade looks right until you paint a full wall or even the whole room.

If you're not 100% committed to a wall colour, don't skip to the trim. Try a few different colour samples first. Once you're satisfied, you can paint the trim in a complementary shade. That way, if you end up disliking the wall colour, you won't have wasted time repainting the trim.

Additionally, if you paint the trim first and then make a mistake when using rollers on the walls, you'll potentially have more paint to clean up than if you'd overbrushed slightly. Plus, rollers tend to fling paint droplets into the air (and onto the trim).

If you paint the walls first, you can also avoid having to tape off the walls, which is often a more challenging process than taping off the trim.

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Painting the trim first can make the whole process quicker

Painting the trim first is also a good idea if you're a beginner painter. You can paint the trim, then tape it off, or use the cutting-in technique to paint the walls neatly. It is also easier to cut in when you can spread out your brush over a broad area (the wall) and use just the edge to cut in along the fine line of the trim.

If you are painting a room that is still under construction or where there is a lot of work traffic, it is also better to paint the trim first. This leaves the walls for last, when there are hopefully fewer things moving in and out that can mark up the new wall paint.

Additionally, if you are using a high-gloss trim paint, it is easier to paint the walls first to avoid getting glossy trim paint on the wall. A glossy paint mistake will be tougher to cover up with wall paint.

Overall, while there is no clear-cut answer to whether you should paint the trim or walls first, painting the trim first can save time and hassle, especially for beginner painters or when working in a room that is still under construction.

Frequently asked questions

It's up to you! Painting the trim first can make it easier to get the trim right, but painting the walls first is great for instant gratification.

It's a lot quicker to tape off the trim than it is to tape off the walls. Plus, if you make a mistake when painting your trim, you can cover it up when you paint the walls.

Painting the walls first will deliver visible results quickly and give you instant gratification. If you need that extra bit of motivation that comes with seeing the entire wall painted before you move on to the more meticulous job of painting the trim, then paint the walls first.

No, there is no "right" answer—it's a matter of personal preference and the kind of project you're working on.

Written by
  • Lara Beck
  • Lara Beck
    Author Home Renovation Professional
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