Paint Touch Ups For Windows and Trim 

Winter is the perfect time to start crossing off those home projects on your list that you have been putting off all year. Now that you are stuck in the house until the weather gets better, you can focus your attention on all of those repairs, touch ups, and paint projects you have been dying to get to. 

One project that homeowners often ask us about is neatening up previous paint projects that either got messy with splattering paint or didn’t come out the way they planned. One of the top locations where touch ups are desperately needed is the window casing and trim around the room. These areas tend to be a bit tough especially if you did them yourself. 

Why Trim and Windows Need Work

In our last blog we discussed how difficult “cutting in” or using painters tape can be when painting these detailed edging areas. Slip ups are bound to happen when novices paint these areas themselves. Therefore these areas become riddled with drips, paint splatters, and oftentimes too much paint for the trim to absorb. 

How To Refresh Trim and Windows

Take a close look at your trim, moulding, and window casings. Do they have clumps of paint, drips, or uneven paint? Now is a great time to remove the paint and get those detailed areas looking sharp. 

Step 1 – Clean 

Clean all the trim including baseboards, crown moulding, and window casings that you plan to touch up. Use small tools to get into the corners and dig out the dust and grime that has been building up. 

Step 2 – Protect the Room & Yourself 

Before you begin removing excess paint, you will want to to protect the areas around the trim. Place a plastic or canvas tarp on the floor and tape off areas you do not want impacted by your work. Be sure to wear goggles and gloves if you are planning on using chemicals to clean or strip the paint. 

Step 3 – Remove the Excess Paint 

Many homeowners find that the best way to start fresh on the trim or moulding is to remove the paint either through paint stripping or scraping the paint by hand. Either way you choose be sure to allow for ventilation and protection for yourself and others working around you. If you are using a paint striper you may be able to apply a light coat, wait a bit and then easily wipe off the top layer. Depending upon your success, you may need to try a second time or continue on to the next phase of the project. 

Step 4 – Sand the Wood 

Once you have removed the paint, you can start sanding down the trim by hand or with a power sander. Remember to get into the corners and get the wood soft and smooth. Once this phase is complete, you should use a wet cloth to wipe away any dust before starting the next step. 

Step 5 – Paint the Trim 

Now that the wood trim is down to its original state, you can start painting the wood whatever color you plan. If you choose to stain it, you should bleach it prior to doing so. 

Do you need help touching up your trim? Talk to our team about getting your project list going. 

Categorised in: Decorative Paint Techniques, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Trim and Molding