Getting a Good Finish on Interior Trim

Todd P. Last
by Todd P. Last
We bought our home in 2008 and the interior trim, which is probably MDF, is painted with what seems to be almost a powdercoated finish. Though I know it is painted. My guess is that it was probably spray painted, but it is very smooth, hard shell finish on it. I need to duplicate this finish to repair a couple of places, and add some new trim, but I am at a loss to how to duplicate such a nice professional finish. Can anyone tell me how? I can post a photo of the trim if that helps.
Smooth, hard, glossy finish
Spot to be repaired
  16 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Oct 02, 2013
    That repair spot will need to sanded out to eliminated the hard edges of the chipped paint, it also looks like you need to update some of the caulking in the corners. As far as painting goes, I like to use a very fine detail roller for doors and trim, chances are this was sprayed, but as long as you do the whole window the new paint job should have a uniform look.
  • Do you have the original paint? If so, have you opened the can to see if the paint is still usable? If you have the original paint and you can use it, I would use KMS' suggestion, but I would sand and paint the entire window sill, as this would prevent a "blotched" look if the sun has changed that paint pigment at all. Depending on the type of paint used, you can purchase a product called flowtrol at the depots that is added to paint to help remove brush marks when painting. I have used this product when hand painting cabinets that has always provided a very smooth, almost lacquer type finish. In addition, you may want to use a high quality primer on the areas that will be bare wood. (Be sure to use an oil based primer with oil paints, and a latex based primer for latex products). I prefer to use Zinzzer primers.
  • Janie Hazlewood Janie Hazlewood on Oct 03, 2013
    Benjamin Moore advance paint is fabulous! I just repainted some trim and it looks like a professional did it!
  • Dian Barnes Dian Barnes on Oct 03, 2013
    Might be an oil based paint. Use an extender to give it that smooth, no brush lines finish. You will need to rough all the surfaces if it was an oil paint.
  • Cyndi Cyndi on Oct 03, 2013
    Everyone gave you good advice. The only thing I would add is that you don't necessarily have to use a latex primer with latex paint. I have just finished painting every paintable surface (including kitchen cabinets and ceilings) in my 2400 sq. ft. house and I used the Zinsser Gold can Primer using all latex paint over it. This tip was given to me by a professional painter and it works since I was having to cover up some pretty ugly tobacco stains.
  • Dee Dee on Oct 03, 2013
    What is the name of the Zinser gold can, I cannot find it in my home depot
    • Cyndi Moore Tippett Cyndi Moore Tippett on Oct 04, 2013
      @Dee The name is Zinsser, Cover Stain, Oil Base, Interior & Exterior Primer, Stain Blocker, Bond Coat. It is in a white can with gold labeling. I got mine at Lowes. I don't know if Home Depot carries Zinsser.
  • Janet Calhoun Watkins Janet Calhoun Watkins on Oct 04, 2013
    Good paint is the key but also they may have finished it with a small sponge roller and not a brush. The finish will look different if it has been rolled on. Much like the doors in the home. Smooth. Really nice. Your best bet though is to patch and probably repaint the whole window sill if you don't want it to show.
  • Dee Dee on Oct 04, 2013
    Thanks a bunch. I live in Lowes but happened to be near HD that day. So if I read you correctly, I can paint with latex over this oil based correct?
  • Dee Dee on Oct 06, 2013
    I have used floetrol and it really did not make a big difference, kept the paint wet for a longer time.
  • Dee Dee on Oct 06, 2013
    I have heard that if you are using oil based paint Flowtrol works much better than with latex.
  • Jeffrey Whitmer Jeffrey Whitmer on Oct 07, 2013
    Advance is solely water cleanup? Used to be I had to rinse MoorGlo etc in water, then spirits.
  • Anna Anna on Oct 19, 2013
    There are two Flotrols -- one for oil paint and another for latex
  • Todd P. Last Todd P. Last on Oct 21, 2013
    Thanks for all the tips. I know preparation is 90% of getting a good finish. After you painted, even with the Flowtrol, did you have to do any finish sanding? My main concern is not having any brush marks. I like the idea of the sponge roller too.
  • Todd P. Last Todd P. Last on Oct 21, 2013
    Thanks for all the tips. I know preparation is 90% of getting a good finish. After you painted, even with the Flowtrol, did you have to do any finish sanding? My main concern is not having any brush marks. I like the idea of the sponge roller too.
  • Beth Gee Beth Gee on Mar 01, 2015
    So did you do the project and if so, what worked?
  • Rhonda Rhonda on May 06, 2016
    I used exterior primer and door and window trim paint. Brushed on then rolled with a tiny sponge roller to take out the brush strokes. Made a good hard shell washable surface.