What Is Trim Paint?
Trim paint is a category ofinterior paintthat is formulated specifically for use on trim.
It has a satin, semi-gloss, gloss, or high gloss sheen.
The Spruce / Candra Huff
Trim paint usually comes pretinted in bright white and in base colors that can be custom-tinted.
Self-Leveling
Nobody likes seeing brush marks on their trim.
Acrylic-latex paints do show brush marks.
Trim paint is generally somewhat thicker than regular wall paint to help prevent this.
Non-Yellowing Properties
Most trim gets painted white.
That’s why some paint companies advertise non-yellowing properties with their pre-tinted white paint.
Without this feature, different window trims will yellow at different rates.
Even different sections within the same window will yellow differently.
Oil-based trim paintresults in superior, glass-like finishes with minimal to zero brush marks.
But this does come at the cost of slow drying times, fumes, and solvent-based clean-up requirements.
Because of its thick consistency, oil-based paint is good at filling in minor holes.
If you do choose an oil-based paint for your trim, anatural-bristle paintbrushwill provide the best results.
Be aware that you must usemineral spirits or paint thinnerto clean up your brushes after painting with oil-based paint.
Brush marks are likelier to be visible.
The surface will not have the rock-hard shell texture of oil-based paints.
Still, for many people, the benefits outweigh these costs.
Water-based trim paints afford easy clean-up with soap and water.
Fumes are minimal or non-existent.
Synthetic-bristled brushes are recommended for latex paint.
Trim Colors
Trim paintis most often white but can be tinted to any color you choose.
White Trim
it’s possible for you to’t go wrong with white trim.
This is especially good if your ceilings are low, as it visually stretches the walls.
This is a bold look that adds drama to a space but isn’t overwhelming.
For the absolute best results, however, prime all of your trim before painting it.
Many homeowners are averse to the idea of glossy items in their homes, and understandably so.
Glossy paint on walls and ceilings highlights flaws and produces uncomfortable reflected light.
Yet trim is one area where you might want to compromise and instead go with semi-gloss trim paint.
At the least, use satin gloss on trim.
Along with this, they are hard to clean.
Dust and dirt tend to stick to flat paints.
Not just that but flat or matte trim paint chips more readily than glossier paint.
If you do decide to paint trim flat, know its limitations and be ready to deal with them.
Detailed Fact Sheet: Architectural Coating Rule for Volatile Organic Compounds.
