Paint Walls Before Installing Trim?

17 years ago

Drywall is almost done. We're considering painting walls first before putting up trim.

We would paint trim/doors before installing and touch up nail holes after install. It definately would be easier- we are painting on our own and have a good sprayer.

Good or bad idea?

Featured Answer

Ryan Colwell

8 years ago

I always trim first. That way you can caulk all the gaps against the walls with a paintable acrylic caulk. I wipe it out with a damp rag and a square edge putty knife. When that’s done and all holes filled I paint all trim and doors. Move quick and fill the corner where the trim meets the wall. Don’t worry about getting lots on the walls as long as you feather it out. Once all flooring and cabinets are in I paint the last 2 coats of colour at the very end of the job. Never use painters tape when cutting in. It takes years of practice, a steady hand and an expensive brush to do a professional job. I make sure my jobs are flawless when I leave no matter what.

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Comments (10)

worthy
17 years ago
I can only tell you as a builder that I never do it other than priming.

Part of the problem is simple damage to the walls from moving around doors, lengths of trim etc. As well, there are sometimes adjustments to the drywall in fitting the trim that require drywall repair.

Of course, since you are the painter and the trim carpenter, you're in a position to better coordinate those trades and call them back for repairs. :-)
sweetwillie
17 years ago
My builder had me finish all painting first. But his reasoning was due to the amount of hardwood. He wanted all the moisture from the paint out of the house. We will begin flooring next then the trim
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jasonmi7
17 years ago
I always painted first, then installed trim.
homeagain
17 years ago
When we finished our basement, I painted all the walls first, then painted the trim on workbenches before install. So much easier! No taping. Only had to cut in around the ceiling. We just filled nail holes and touched up here and there and it was done.

I just spent today painting my daughter's room. Going from lavender to lime green. Took longer to tape than it did to paint!! The entire time I was thinking how much easier it would be if I didn't have to trim out around doors windows and baseboards.
ccoombs1
17 years ago
I painted my whole house prior to trimming and am very glad I did! I was so easy. I also painted all the trim while it was laying out on saw horses. It's easier to paint trim while it is horizontal so you don't have to deal with runs. Once I put the trim up, it's very simple and quick to touch up nail holes.
millworkman
8 years ago
Ryan Colwell, you do realize this is a 9 year old post you resurrected for no real reason.
mfreeman94
8 years ago
I'm getting ready to paint, and got some great tips from Ryan Colwell. I often go back to advice boards to get advice--even if they're older. :) The original poster didn't benefit, but anyone who finds this board still can.
worthy
8 years ago
I'm revivified!
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Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
8 years ago
Your first answer covered it. I hold interior paint until after finish carpentry, cabinet install, & showers are completed in order to get a better, cleaner finish.