If you’re planning to paint your home, you might be wondering whether you should start with the trim or the walls. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. When it comes to painting a room, professional painters have their own tried-and-true techniques to ensure a flawless finish. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and the best one for you depends on your preferences, skills, and budget. Below, the pros from Forever Builders, the experts in painting services Orange County homeowners trust for exceptional craftsmanship and unmatched service, explore the advantages and drawbacks of each approach and provide insights into the painting process.
The Trim-First Approach
Painting the trim first is a widely practiced method among professional painters. By starting with the trim, they can establish clean lines and a crisp finish. The trim, typically consisting of baseboards, crown molding, and door frames, often requires more precision and attention to detail than the larger wall surfaces. By tackling the trim first, painters can focus on achieving a perfect finish without the worry of accidentally getting paint on the walls. Additionally, painting the trim first allows them to mask off the trim edges, creating a neat boundary for painting the walls.
However, there are downsides to the trim-first approach. Painters must exercise caution while painting the walls to prevent accidentally smudging or smearing the trim paint. Additionally, removing the tape can be tricky and risky. If it’s pulled off too soon, it could peel off some of the wall paint. If it’s pulled off too late, it could leave behind some residue or damage the trim. These factors require careful planning and execution to achieve satisfactory results.
The Walls-First Approach
In contrast to the trim-first approach, some professional painters prefer to start with the walls. Painting the walls first provides a broader canvas to work with and allows for quicker coverage. This approach is particularly advantageous when using a roller, as it enables painters to cover larger surface areas efficiently, and it creates a smoother finish.
By painting the walls first, any accidental spills or splatters can be easily corrected during the subsequent trim-painting phase. This approach also eliminates the need for extensive masking or taping off of the walls, saving time and effort.
However, there are considerations to keep in mind when opting for the walls-first approach. Painters must exercise care and precision when cutting in along the trim, as it requires steady hands and a keen eye for detail. Any mistakes can result in visible overlaps or smudges on the trim, detracting from the overall finish.
The Hybrid Approach
To strike a balance between the two approaches, many professional painters adopt a hybrid method. They start by priming and painting the trim, creating clean lines and a professional finish. Once the trim is complete, they proceed to paint the walls, carefully cutting in along the trim edges. This approach ensures a polished result while minimizing the risk of accidental damage or overlap.
The hybrid approach offers flexibility and allows painters to adapt their process based on the specific project requirements. It combines the advantages of both methods, enabling efficient progress and attention to detail.
Regardless of the chosen approach, careful planning, meticulous execution, and attention to detail are essential to achieving outstanding results. Professional painters must adapt their techniques based on the specific project requirements to create a beautiful and flawless finish.
Painting your home is a major project, so consider hiring experienced professional house painters to ensure you’ll get high-quality results that last for years. If you’re ready to refresh the interior of your home, make sure to hire experts with years of experience. Whether they need a fresh coat of paint or a full home remodel, Orange County homeowners can rely on the team from Forever Builders for outstanding workmanship and exceptional service that fits their budgets. To learn more about our painting services, call one of our friendly team members today at 833-583-0308.