However, not everyone is a pro, and some people have different preferences. If you are doing a DIY paint job and don’t have much experience, painting the walls first can be a better process. Painting the walls first is a less precise process, so you can afford to be a bit sloppier. Any paint splatter that gets on the trim can just be painted over later. Also, painting the wall with big brush strokes or a large roller is just more fun and satisfying than performing precise strokes on the trim.
Can You Paint the Walls First?
Yes, you can paint the walls before the trim. If you decide to paint the walls first, then the best method is to cover the walls up to the trim, then later use a smaller paintbrush to “cut” into the trim. You may have to go back over the walls a second time to make sure that the lines blend where the walls meet the trim. This will take some more time, but it gives you more room for error.
No matter what order you decide to tackle the walls and trim, it is important to take your time. Even if you have to go at it for longer, you will appreciate not having to redo any parts, and the end product will look much nicer. Painter’s tape is your friend here. You can use a painter’s knife or other thin, flat surface to press the edges so they lie flat against the trim and walls.
Pros & Cons of Painting Trim First
Pros of Painting Trim First
- It's Easier to Set Up Painter's Tape
- You Finish the Hardest Part First
1. It's Easier to Set Up Painter's Tape
One of the best reasons to start with the trim is that it is easier to set up painter's tape along the edges rather than partitioning the entire wall’s perimeter. It may also be easier to cut over the wall’s large area rather than along the more narrow trim.
2. You Finish the Hardest Part First
Another benefit of painting the trim first is that you finish the most challenging painting first. It takes more time and concentration to paint the trims, so once you're done, you will be able to paint the walls quickly.
Cons of Painting Trim First
- You Need to Be Precise
- It's Less Fun
1. You Need to Be Precise
If you will paint the trim first, you need to be very precise with your brush strokes. Trim paint is usually high-gloss, and if you get paint strokes onto the wall, they may show up through the matte coating of the wall. This looks highly unprofessional, which is why painting trim first takes some skill.
2. It's Less Fun
Another drawback of painting the trim first is that it's less fun. You don't get the same instant gratification you would get when painting the walls first, using a large roller to apply paint to a large area very quickly.
Painting Trim or Walls First Bottom Line
At the end of the day, though, which order you choose is up to personal preference. The most important part of painting is not really which order you do it in but how precise and diligent you are with the process. Painting in itself is not an incredibly difficult task by any means, but it can be time-consuming, especially if you're painting a room or other large area. A lot of painters end up making mistakes because they try to rush the process and get it done as quickly as possible.
Whatever you do, make sure you do not forget to put a layer of paint primer on first. Paint primer ensures that the walls have a smooth surface to hold the most important layer of paint. So before actually applying paint, make sure you apply a layer of primer to both the walls and trim. Applying primer is straightforward as you do not have to worry about any splattering or bleeding, as those areas will just be covered up by paint later.