When you want to replace your wood trim, time, effort, and money are expected. However, the better solution that offers more dynamics and less expense is painting the trim. Professionals can make a quick project out of it, and in some cases, that is also cheaper than replacing, or even doing it yourself. With the pride and ownership of accomplishing a project, some homeowners prefer doing home improvement projects in their home to not always save money, however. To help you on your quest, we at L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc. would like to relate some wood trim painting basics today. There are some factors you need to consider before tackling the job to ensure the finished result is a high quality where professionals know the procedure for treating the old trim and preparing it for the new paint. The process of removing it is a safety hazard and needs to be done professionally as it would be likely used before 1979 if any element of your deck or wood trim inside or outside was painted with lead paint.
Trim Cleaning
The trim pieces will need to be cleaned before anything is to be done. To adhere to the surface, the dust or residue buildup will not allow the paint. In order to clean the wood and remove stubborn buildup is a slightly abrasive sponge is adequate. Consider using 2 buckets and 2 sponges, one set for washing, and the other set to rinse the wood well. As it becomes grimy, change the water if necessary. There is a lot of contact such as windows, door frames, around door handles and knobs as well as any surrounding plugs or outlets will need extra attention as seeing the most buildup with trim. These pieces often become greasy and accumulate more dirt and debris.
Sanding the Trim
To ensure the primer and paint are able to stick to the wood, sanding is designed to remove the glossy surfaces, sanding is designed to remove the glossy surfaces. You may need to put more labor with years of extra old paint buildup with previously painted wood trim. Use a no-clog sandpaper in any area that seem gummy. Generally, the coarse sandpaper is adequately good on the large globs of old paint, and a fine 180 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. This step is fairly labor intensive, a sanding block or sponge can make the sanding easier as well. Using a wet/dry vac that have extra suctioning power can make this step less tiresome, the sanding dust will need be cleared from the surface. Use the brush attachment to loosen any stuck dust. Add wood fillers and spackle and fill the minor holes. Sand the repaired areas lightly to smooth the surface.
Priming & Painting Trim
Make certain to use the painter tape to cover the edges of the walls and ceiling and place protection around the flooring, such as a drop cloth or plastic if you did not remove the trim for cleaning, sanding, and prepping. Apply the primer after you select a 3” angled, or the size appropriate for your trim. Make sure your primer is stain blocking if you had stains on the wood that wouldn’t sand out. After the primer is dry (allow at least 24 hours), apply 2 coats of paint. The areas with spackling or wood filler may need another touch of primer. Remove the painter tape and drop cloth and enjoy your masterpiece once the paint is full dry.
Interior & Exterior Painting & More in Amagansett, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Hampton Bays, Montauk, North Haven, North Sea, Noyack, Shelter Island, Sag Harbor, Shinnecock Hills, Southampton, Springs, Water Mill, Westhampton & Westhampton Beach, New York
Your trim can be repainted quickly and efficiently, saving you from hard work, time and money with L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc. To schedule your consultation, call us today.