Door moldings are the finishing touch in a room and are often painted white. The first thing to do to paint a new decoration is to apply primer, and this is often necessary even when you want to repaint one you already have. Here's how to paint a molding.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Paint an Uninstalled Molding
Step 1. Choose a primer and paint
The two main choices are an acrylic (latex) or an alkyd (oil-based) paint. You have to use the same base, for both the primer and the paint.
- Latex dries quickly, smells less and is easier to clean. Brushes and surfaces can be cleaned with water. However, this product leaves more noticeable brush strokes than oil-based paints.
- Oil-based paints offer a smoother, more scratch-resistant finish, but take longer to dry. Painting with this product is more difficult, and the paint is more easily damaged with sunlight and water.
Step 2. Place the molding on trestles so that it is well supported and raised off the ground
If you can, you should do the work inside a garage or building. If you paint outdoors, beware of insects and the wind that could blow debris on the fresh paint.
Step 3. Apply a coat of primer to the previously untreated decoration
Step 4. Wait for it to dry completely
Step 5. Install the structure inside the building
Step 6. Use silicone to cover nail holes, seams between wood pieces and other visible defects
Step 7. Apply painter's tape to the walls and ceiling above and below the decoration
Also put some around the windows. This tape, usually blue in color, is designed to be easily removed from walls without causing damage. It also prevents paint from penetrating and transferring to the wall or ceiling. Put a tarp on the floor.
Step 8. Paint the molding using a 2, 5 - 3, 75 or 5 cm brush
An angled brush may be more suitable for a narrow frame.
- Start on the side closest to the ceiling. Then paint the door and window frames by going down the wall. Lastly, paint the base.
- Put the brush about 7.5 - 10 cm from the corner and paint back towards the corner. Move another 7.5 - 10cm from where you just painted and brush over the fresh paint.
Step 9. Let it dry and touch up if necessary
Step 10. Remove the masking tape when the frame is completely dry
Cut along the tape where a lot of paint has accumulated to make removal easier.
Method 2 of 2: Paint an Installed Molding
Step 1. Choose latex or oil-based paint
(The advantages and disadvantages were described in the previous section.) You must apply the same type of primer, for example you cannot use a latex paint if the existing paint is oil-based. Primer is also needed if you need to paint a lighter color over a darker color.
Step 2. Remove any peeling paint with a putty knife, smooth rough areas and make any necessary repairs
Step 3. Clean all the decoration with soap and water and a rag
Step 4. Let it dry completely
Step 5. Apply painter's tape and paint as described in the previous section
Advice
- A disposable foam brush allows for a smooth finish like a bristle brush.
- Wide brush strokes allow for a smooth finish and less brush marks are seen once the paint has dried.