In either case, the painting process requires about the same amount of work.
Along with baseboards, the outer trim moldings of a window or doorcalled case moldingsare very often painted.
What Is Case Molding?
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Case moldings are usually finished to match the baseboards and other wood trim within a room.
What Is Cutting-In?
At least, this is a common method used by amateurs.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
But professional paintersand many experienced amateursoften do this work by free-handing, omitting the taping process entirely.
Where possible, take a stab at use a single long piece of tape to cover these edges.
Clean the Woodwork
Use a damp sponge and clear water to scrub dirt from the trim.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
A coarse scrubbing sponge can be useful here if the trim is very grimy.
But do not use detergents, which can leave residue that will interfere with the paint bond.
Make the repair as flush as possible to the surrounding trim.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Let thewood fillerdry completely before moving on to sanding.
(Large repair areas may need to dry overnight.)
Tip
Very small holes can be filled with lightweight spackling compound rather than wood filler.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Giving the surface some “tooth” will help the primer and paint adhere.
A good sanding is especially important if you are painting varnished wood.
Here, begin with 80- or 120-grit sandpaper, then move to a 220-grit paper for final sanding.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
With previously painted wood, a light sanding pass with 220-grit paper is usually sufficient.
After sanding, wipe the trim and surrounding walls free of dust with a clean dry cloth ortack cloth.
Primer system is done exactly like standard paint system.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Always"keep a wet edge"by drawing the brush from wet to dry areas.
This prevents you from applying paint over areas that have just dried, which can leave lap marks.
And you should paint relatively quickly, which also prevents lap marks.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Allow the primer to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Depending on weather conditions, this can require as little as an hour or as much as several hours.
Next, paint delicate outer edges that adjoin the wall surfaces.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Be careful not to slop too much paint over the tape.
Otherwise, the dried paint will not separate easily when it’s time to remove the tape.
Conclude by painting the wider surfaces that face the interior of the room.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Allow the paint to dry completely (one hour to overnight, depending on conditions).
Where necessary, you might now apply a second coat of paint.
Remove the Painter’s Tape
Let the paint thoroughly dry.
Remove the painter’s tape only after the paint is dry.
Do not try toremove the tape while wet.
Peel the tape away in a smooth, constant motion.
Pre-painting is often the approach of professional trim carpenters.
Nail holes will need to be filled, sanded, and painted.
And some scuffing and marring are almost inevitable during installation.
