How to get a smooth paint finish on doors and trim?

18 years ago

I am about ready to paint my basement for the first time after a remodel. I would like the doors and trim to have a nice smooth finsh. I was going to buy a Wagner Sprayer but did a search on this site and seems like sone one likes the Wagner. I bought a special paint from S.W. that is supose to flow together for a smooth finsh. I tried it in the laundry room and was not impressed. Any ideas?

Mark

Featured Answer

User

18 years ago

The smoothness of a paint coverage depends almost as much on the applicator as the paint. Adding Floetrol will help greatly in getting a smooth finish.

Using a $25 paint brush that is designed for the type of paint being used will also go a long way in getting a smooth finish.

Technique is also a factor, getting too much or too little paint on the brush and subsequently on the surface causes runs/drips/brush marks.

However, even the most accomplished brush paint job will not look as smooth as a sprayed on finish. The gotcha with sprayers is they take more expensive equipment/technique than brushing.

I have a friend who just had a new house built---and the builder had his sprayers do the woodwork. They spent a week and a half-----on just the door/base/crown molding. And did that before the walls were painted.

It is the best trim paint job I have ever seen----I hate to ask what the cost was----the house was around 500K.

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Comments (12)

sycamore_guy
18 years ago
I like those small foam rollers for getting an even finish.
ventupete
18 years ago
I think the foam rollers do a pretty good job of leaving a smooth finish (no brush marks). However, if you are a perfectionist, the smoothest finish will result from using a sprayer. If you are not experienced with a sprayer, practice putting on an even coat and not overspraying or you will get drip marks.
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Michael_H
18 years ago
I won't repeat what Mac has said. But it's all true.

A smooth finish with brush requires high quality self-leveling paint, a high quality brush, and the skill to apply it.

Don't blame the paint. 99% of the time it's the painter.

Michael
lyfia
18 years ago
oil paint instead of latex also gives a smooth finish. The floetrol does help and a good quality brush for trim and for the paint type helps too. For doors I would spray and I have done that with my wagner. Floetrol is required for this too to thin the paint and to not see a splatter finish. My suggestion is to pick a room and tape it all up and spray the doors in there.
DrynDusty
18 years ago
I think the most important factor is surface prep. Make sure everything is sanded smooth, with no particles. I'd vaccuum off all the surfaces to be painted. Then use good quality paint and you're good to go.
Norm
MongoCT
18 years ago
Just for clarification on conditioners: If latex, use floetrol. If oil/alkyd, use penetrol.

Purdy or Wooster brushes are my favorites.

Surface prep is key. Sand smooth, tack cloth to remove all dust.

Prime.

Light scuff sand by hand, just to knock off the nibs. Tack again.

First coat of paint, then very light scuff, tack.

Top coat.
marvelousmarvin
18 years ago
If you use oil, then you shouldn't use the foam rollers.
mike_in_kc
18 years ago
I've used Sherwin Williams' Pro Classic semi-gloss latex with VERY good results. It has extra hardeners for a smooth, durable finish.

The first time I bought it, they instructed me to brush the paint on, going in one direction and to work my way down the trim, back-brushing slightly into the wet edge I just left. They said the paint begins to set up quicker than standard latex paints, so going over it multiple times will leave brush strokes. If you lay it on with the brush and don't go back over it with more than a couple brush strokes, it lays down as smoothly as oil base. You know what? They were right! I love the stuff!
mrray52381_gmail_com
13 years ago
Wagner sprayers are definitely not going to give you the best quality finish.....my advice is...if you want to spray, go to home depot or any of your local paint stores and find out how much they want for an airless sprayer rental... granted there is a bit more technique involved but the quality of the finish will be better. For brush and roll I recommend a purdy brush and high end paint like Benjamin Moore or valspar...I have had very good results with both.
brandygirl
13 years ago
Any idea's on painting "backband" on door casing. We just put it in over all the doors and windows with the Carolina casing 2 1/4 and 3 1/4 for doors, looks really nice...but darn, painting is going to be a bear!
Blythewood
11 years ago
I also went to Sherwin-Williams and got a $45 gallon of paint. I was instructed to prime, paint, sand with 220 grit, then paint again for a smooth finish. But I'm not sure what type of brush to use. Natural or synthetic fibers? BTW, I'm painting cabinets.

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