If you want beautiful, clean, and even trim on your home, the exterior painting techniques you use are crucial. A few easy tricks can give you quality results, while approaching the task haphazardly may result in more work and a sloppy final product. To do the job right, follow these steps.

How to Paint Attractive Trim

1. Prepare the Surface

Before you even begin painting, a large portion of your success is determined by the surface you’re painting on. It should be sanded smooth, with dents and holes patched, old paint removed or sanded down, and any dust and grime already cleaned away.

2. Paint the Trim First

Many homeowners try to paint their main wall first and then the trim, since it’s a smaller detail on top of the wall’s surface. However, this can lead to visible mistakes on the wall where the paint colors meet. Instead, paint the trim first, and allow the wall color to cover any rough edges or blotches.

3. Use Tape

Masking tape should be carefully applied along the edge of the trim to block off the area. Let the paint dry with the tape in place; then, when you’re ready to remove it, use a box cutter or other small blade to cut through the dried paint and remove the tape, creating a clean edge.

4. Prime the Surface

Just like your interior walls, exterior painting is much more successful when you use primer first. Primer seals the surface so that paint doesn’t soak in, meaning you need fewer coats for full coverage, and it also helps hide blemishes. You can spot-prime areas which were damaged just to hide the unevenness, or apply your primer to the whole trim surface.

5. Roll Along the Edges

When you’re ready to apply your main wall color along the edge of your trim, use tape again, and choose a small roller to apply the paint rather than a brush. This will help make the paint in the area smooth and even.

If you’re still concerned about the interior or exterior painting process, ask Alaska’s Fairbanks Paint & Glass for more tips. They carry a vast selection of paint and painting supplies to help you get the job done. Whether you need paint or you’re looking for glass replacement services, you can schedule services with them at (907) 456-7758 or online.