Painting 101: Should You Paint Walls or Woodwork First?
When it comes to interior painting, one of the most common questions we get asked is: should you paint walls or woodwork first? It's a good question! The order of operations is super important when it comes to any painting project.
Honestly, there are benefits and drawbacks of both methods. We'll walk you through your options, helping you make an informed decision and figure out which is best for your specific interior painting project.
Table of Contents:
- Painting Walls First
- Painting Woodwork First
- Considerations When Deciding Which to Paint First
- Conclusion
The Benefits of Painting Walls First
Painting walls first ensures that any other finishing touches, like trim or molding, will look crisp and clean when they’re applied over top of the paint job. It also helps create a cohesive look in the space by tying together different colors and textures within the same room. Additionally, painting walls first can help reduce costs since you won’t have to worry about having to repaint if something else isn’t up to par with your standards later on down the line.
Before you start painting, ensure that your workspace is adequately prepped by clearing away any dust or debris, filling in holes and cracks, sanding down rough spots, and applying a primer coat. Taking these extra steps will ensure that your final product looks smooth and uniform without needing additional touch-ups afterwords.
Key Takeaway: Painting walls first is the key to achieving a professional and polished look in any room. Preparing the space beforehand by tidying, mending, sanding and applying primer will guarantee a smooth finish that won't require any extra attention later. Doing this ensures that all other finishing touches like trim or molding will look great too.
Benefits of Painting Woodwork First
Okay, let's flip the equation around.
Painting woodwork first is also a great way to ensure a seamless look between the walls and trim, plus it creates an even finish that looks professional and lasts for years. Here are some tips for preparing the room and painting trim.
Benefits of Painting Trim Woodwork First:
Painting your woodwork before you tackle the walls has several advantages. For one, it’s easier to clean up any drips or smudges on painted trim than on freshly painted walls. Additionally, painting trim first gives you more control over how much paint gets applied – too much paint can cause runs or streaks in wall colors but is less noticeable on trim work. Finally, if there’s a color mismatch between the two surfaces, it’ll be easier to touch up small areas of trim than large sections of wall space.
Before you start painting:
- Thoroughly clean the surfaces of dirt and grime
- Lightly scuff any glossy spots with sandpaper or steel wool for better adhesion
- Clean off any dirt or grime from all surfaces with soap and water so that no debris will get trapped under your new coat of paint
- Next, use sandpaper or steel wool to lightly scuff up any glossy spots so that your primer adheres better later on down the line
- Finally, apply primer before adding multiple coats of paint – this helps protect against fading and peeling as well as creating an even base layer for smoother application
Painting woodwork first can be a great way to ensure that your project is completed with the highest quality finish and durability. Before deciding which surface to paint first, all related cost and time factors, color selection, and matching should be weighed carefully.
Key Takeaway: Painting woodwork first is the way to go if you want a flawless finish and long-lasting results. Preparing the room properly beforehand by cleaning, scuffing and priming will ensure an even base layer for paint application that won't fade or peel over time. Take your time to avoid any future disappointments.
"When painting walls and woodwork, consider cost, time & quality. Painting one surface before another can help protect against moisture damage & result in a better finish." #PaintingTips #DIY Click to Tweet
What's the takeaway?
No matter which you choose to paint first, walls or woodwork, the key is to take your time and do a thorough job. If done correctly with careful attention to detail, you can create an amazing transformation in any space that will last for years.
Let Nash Painting help you make your home look beautiful! Our experienced professionals can provide the highest quality painting services for walls and woodwork, so contact us today to get started.