Do you paint walls or trim first? From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls. And you definitely don't want the hassle of taping them both.
Do you paint crown molding before or after installation? It's a good idea to wait and paint the crown moulding after it's been installed if possible. Why? Because you're going to have nail holes to fill and caulking to do either way.
Prime crown before install, (this saves on time working over head) install crown, fill holes and caulk, then finish coat crown. Paint ceilings second. When painting ceilings you almost always get at least a little splatter on the walls, so save the walls for last and you will have a clean, crisp look.
For interior painting, it's recommended to start with the trim paint, then move on to the ceilings, and finally paint the walls.
Start with the ceiling
We recommend you start your decorating project at the top and work your way down. Taking this approach will allow you to avoid dripping any paint onto freshly painted areas. Before you start painting, clean your ceiling, fill any holes or cracks and sand it.
Paint Last
This may seem backwards considering above we stated that trim/baseboard gets painted last, but the reason behind this is to ensure full coverage on intricate detail. Painting the wall last also allows you to come back for a very crisp, clean cut line.
Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results.
For a smooth finish on trim, use a high-quality sash brush or a foam roller. Apply the paint in long, even strokes. Avoid overloading your brush or roller, and sand between coats for the best results. For added durability, consider using a water-based enamel paint.
Many experts say to rely exclusively on semi-gloss when painting crown molding, as it imparts some shine and texture to the molding. Additionally, it's more durable and long-lasting than flat paint.
Always cut in first then continue painting with a roller. Cut in and paint with a roller one wall at a time. If you cut in all areas first and then roll the entire room, the paint that was applied when cutting in will have dried quicker and you will be left with a patchy, uneven finish.
Pro Painter's Tip: Never pass the brush across wet paint, because it will leave a mark. Always start two feet away and feather the painted sections together for a professional finish without brush marks. Paints like ADVANCE have longer dry times so they can self-level. There is no need to overbrush a first coat.
Ceiling first, then crown, then walls, then baseboard. Any drips at any step will fall on something that is not yet painted.
Regardless of how well-installed your crown molding is, it's always a good idea to caulk both the top and bottom. This is the best way to ensure a uniform look and get rid of any unsightly gaps that may be present.
First, cut in the ceiling and roll it; then paint crown molding; after the molding has dried completely, cut in each wall and roll it. If you're painting the crown molding a light color, apply two coats of paint to ensure good coverage. Always allow each coat to dry for the time frame specified on the product label.
Painting the wall first is easier and efficient, especially for inexperienced painters. This particular order allows do-it-yourselfers to be slightly sloppier when painting the walls without the job itself looking sloppy.
Applying the second coat too early will result in lost time, money, and effort. Not only that but it'll also create additional stress that's not necessary. Applying the second coat too early will result in streaks, peeling paint, and uneven color.
When painting smooth ceilings, the best strategy is to roll parallel with the main source of natural light, such as a big window, as it helps prevent roller lines. If you roll perpendicular to the dominant light source, the roller lines can form a slight shadow. The same applies when spraying.
In most cases, we recommend painting your trim before your walls. Let the paint dry, then tape off the trim and move on to the walls. Using high-quality semi-gloss paint will protect the wood as well as leave a pleasing shine to your trim and baseboards.
In most cases, it's recommended to caulk before painting.
Always start by painting the ceiling, move on to the walls and finish with baseboards.
If you're looking to make a bold design statement, painting the ceiling the same color as the walls can be a great way to do it. It's a design choice that's sure to catch the eye and spark conversation. It can also be a great way to highlight a beautiful paint color or create a dramatic effect in a room.
Yes, you certainly can paint over painted walls, but not with just any old paint over any old painted wall. As long as the underlying paint is sound, you can paint over it, but to achieve a professional result, you'll need to know the specific factors that will give you a high-quality paint job.