Trim first, then walls. After doing this for almost 20 years, I don't use tape. With practice you will find that your brush allows you to apply just the right pressure to make a perfect line.
I've always painted the walls first because I'm kinda sloppy and drip on the baseboards, but the pros here make some great points in favor of painting trim first. I'm convinced.
I like the "paint the trim first" advice because I always paint the walls first and never get around to or want to paint the trim so it never gets done. :)
I think it is just a matter of personal preference. I've painted professionally for over 25 years now and always paint walls first then trim. For a homeowner who may not be as good with a brush, doing the trim first might make sense. I never tape anything off. Always use premium brushes like Purdy...and good rollers like Purdy White Dove if you can find them. NEVER use the pre-packed roller, brush tray deal or cheap rollers/brushes....
I am just about to start painting the molding because I am having tile installed. ty its good to know I am doing it the right way. Next question. Do I paint the ceiling first or the walls? I have been told to paint the ceiling first then the walls. However, my ceiling and walls are the same color because they are cathedral. The walls with flat ceilings I am painting first because I am keeping them white and the walls have a color on them. I am also adding decorative molding to those
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flat ceilings. Bedrooms, hallways etc. So with the moldings on do I paint the ceiling first or the moldings. Geeze this is so confusing. lol
Angela - if you are installing tile...remove the base at the floor first. Let them set their underlayment & the tile...and then reinstall the baseboards. We see so many tile job where the base was left in place and is now "shorter" than the rest of the house and just looks funny.....plus, if a piece is ever damaged, it will be a nightmare to repair.
@ Peace and others, yeah I rarely use tape myself. After 20 years I can cut in a pretty darn straight line. By the time I finish taping things off, I could have had it painted with just the brush anyhow. But for the non-pro, using the tape will make a great line. The only time I do use the tape is when (for whatever reason) the client only wants the walls painted and not the trim.
You must have a great paint brush to cut in a straight line. I have tried to find a slanted brush that's stiff enough to cut a nice line but they are hard to find. Do you mind me asking where you get yours?
I'm pretty sure that every professional painter has their own favorite brush. The Purdy ones are popular, available at Sherwin-Williams or Lowes/Home Depot. Personally I like the Corona brand better, in my opinion they are superior to the Purdy ones. At least around here the only place I can find them are at Color Wheel (a paint store like Sherwin-Williams). They are pretty expensive though. The brushes I buy cost around $35 each.
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Of course, 20 years of practice with literally tens of thousands of gallons of paint doesn't hurt either. :)
We don't use tape because we learn to make straight lines and good paint and rollers don't leave overspray, except on the baseboard.
All pros use this method because it works best for them.
If you need to use tape, try the 3M EdgeLock for no bleeding.
Good question Michelle.
Best, Charles
CP
CP
Of course, 20 years of practice with literally tens of thousands of gallons of paint doesn't hurt either. :)
Best, Charles