How To Complete Wood Trim Inside A Building?

A 40-plus year painting veteran shares his best practices for finishing wood trim. To achieve perfection, follow these steps:

1. Remove the trim by removing the pieces and checking for any issues. If the miter saw has a new, sharp blade, it should be the correct one.
2. Apply finish by stirring polyurethane or varnish without shaking it. Use a disposable foam brush to fill the pores across the grain.
3. Apply one piece at a time, sanding the room first.
4. Dispose of the rags and apply sanding sealer first.
5. Sand the trim with dry-brush crevices and apply a satin-smooth oil finish. For a satin-smooth oil finish, rub the dry surface between coats with extra-fine steel wool.
6. Pre-finish crown molding, bead board, and other wooden trim before installation. Sand all surfaces with progressively finer sandpapers and apply the stain in a two-step process: brushing it on and wiping it down. Oil-based stains are the most common and easiest to use, especially for large wooden furniture with lots of wood.
7. Sand the trim with 120 grit, then wipe everything down with a tack cloth. Use a brush to apply semi gloss polyurethane and fill any holes, dents, gaps, or scratches with wood putty.
8. Stain or paint the trim with 80 grit sandpaper on a DA sander.
9. Clean the room first, then apply the stain one piece at a time.\n10

What is the finishing technique for wood?

Wood finishing is a complex process that involves various techniques to enhance the aesthetic and functional qualities of wood. Sanding is the foundation of wood finishing, smoothing the surface and preparing it for further treatments. Staining and dyein offer various color options and highlight the wood’s natural grain, while bleaching lightens wood tones for a uniform appearance. Sealing, varnishing, and oiling provide different levels of protection and finish, catering to specific needs like durability in high-use areas or maintaining a natural look in items like cutting boards. Waxing and polishing add a final touch, creating a smooth and shiny surface ideal for furniture and musical instruments.

Innovative techniques like French polishing and lacquering deliver high-quality finishes, perfect for luxury items and fine woodcraft. French polishing offers a high-gloss shine using shellac, while lacquer and shellac provide quick-drying, durable coats. Spraying and brushing are application methods suited for different finishes and complexities of woodwork. Distressing and charring impart a unique, aged look or textured finish, popular in decorative and architectural applications.

Ebonizing and inlaying transform wood into striking, visually appealing pieces, darkening the wood for a contemporary look, and grain filling creating a smooth base for high-gloss finishes. The increasing use of water-based finishes marks a shift towards eco-friendly practices in woodworking, balancing aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

How to finish wood molding?

The optimal preparation time for paint involves the cleaning of the molding, sanding with a medium/fine grit sponge or paper, vacuuming, priming, sanding again, vacuuming again, and the application of the top coat(s) of paint, ideally two coats.

Do you have to sand interior trim before painting?

To clean a new or smooth trim, lightly sand it with 120-grit sandpaper until all shine disappears. If the trim is rough and worn, start with 80-grit sandpaper and then move to less-coarse sandpaper. Dust off walls and ceilings around the trim to ensure painter’s tape adheres well. Apply painter’s tape to walls and ceilings surrounding the trim, being careful not to stick to the trim itself. Use one long piece of tape instead of multiple shorter pieces.

What is the best finish for wood trim?

The paint sheen used for interior trim affects the level of light reflected off the finish. The most common and best sheen is a satin or semi-gloss finish. Satin paints have a medium sheen and are durable and easy to clean, while semi-gloss paints have a higher sheen and stand out in a room. If you prefer a lower sheen or want to paint walls and trim the same color and sheen, use a satin paint finish. This is especially recommended for areas with imperfections in drywall. A full skim coat or “Level 5” finish can be done, but it can be expensive and not suitable for most applications.

How do you refinish interior wood trim?

To refinish interior trim, remove the trim before painting or sanding it to remove old paint and finish. Stain or paint the trim and then reattach it. Interior trim, including doors, window casings, and floorboards, adds life and personality to a home. It serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, covering areas where two or more materials meet. Wood is the most popular material, but it can be found in various materials like PVC, plaster, and metal.

Despite the popularity, unexpected accidents, damages, and time can cause the need for trim repair. Most common interior trim issues are easy to repair, making it a necessary part of home maintenance.

Should trim be gloss or satin?

In comparison to satin, semi-gloss is a superior option for wood trims and window trims, yet less suitable for interior walls and furniture. The higher gloss offered by semi-gloss paint provides a more natural appearance, though it is slightly more expensive than satin due to the enhanced level of protection and durability it offers. This is due to the fact that the paint provides superior protection and durability, thereby offering a more cost-effective solution for homeowners.

How do you make wood trim look good?

To make your home with original wood trim look fresh and modern, paint it cool by choosing neutrals, off-whites, light or dark grays, or jewel tones in the blue/green or purple family. Avoid warm colors like yellow, tan, orange, or red, and opt for modern furniture with metals, lacquered pieces, black, or distressed woods. Keep furniture clean lines and mix sleek pieces with antiques or distressed pieces for an eclectic feel.

Fun with color by incorporating jewel tones in pillows, rugs, or artwork, as well as cool tones like blues/greens or subdued washed-out tones in pink or peach. This will help create a cohesive and inviting look for your home.

Should you paint wood trim or leave it?

The author encourages people to paint their woodwork, as it can instantly update and brighten a room, especially if used light paint. They believe that unless the house is on the National Register of Historic Places, it is acceptable to paint woodwork. One friend’s midcentury house had a wooden ceiling across the entire family room, which was cozy in winter. However, after years of deliberation and multiple painters refusing the job, the friend decided to paint it white. The result is a light, airy space that is still appealing but in a new way. The author encourages others to consider painting their woodwork if they want to make a significant change in their home.

How to get a smooth finish on wood trim?

To achieve a silky smooth wood finish, it’s essential to do the following steps:

1. Sand your woodwork project thoroughly.
2. Wipe away all dust before staining.
3. Sand between finish coats.
4. Carefully apply the final finish coat.
5. Buff the final finish with paper.

This method requires an orbital sander, assorted sandpaper (80, 120, 220, and 320 grit), wood conditioner, wood stain, wipe-on polyurethane, a stain pad or lint-free cloth, and craft or construction paper. The author may earn a small commission for their endorsement, recommendation, or testimonial.

Can you paint over wood trim without sanding?

Paint over wood trim without sanding it, as long as it’s clean and deglossed. If you’re satisfied with the current trim design, use the correct technique and paint it in any desired color. When selecting paint, consider type, sheen, color, and brand. Shinier paints are more durable and hold up better over time. Semigloss offers a classic look and is easily wipeable. Satin paint offers a contemporary look with a matte finish and is durable. Satin trim painting is a great option for those who prefer a more contemporary look.

Can you just paint over wood trim?

Paint over wood trim without sanding it, as long as it’s clean and deglossed. If you’re satisfied with the current trim design, use the correct technique and paint it in any desired color. When selecting paint, consider type, sheen, color, and brand. Shinier paints are more durable and hold up better over time. Semigloss offers a classic look and is easily wipeable. Satin paint offers a contemporary look with a matte finish and is durable. Satin trim painting is a great option for those who prefer a more contemporary look.