When it comes time to paint the trim in your home, you may wonder if you can just use leftover ceiling paint instead of buying a special trim paint. At first glance, it seems like an easy way to save money and make use of excess paint. However, using ceiling paint on trim comes with some drawbacks. In most cases, it is better to use a high-quality trim paint to get the best results.
What is Ceiling Paint?
Ceiling paint has a formulation specifically designed for painting ceilings. It has extra binders and fillers that allow it to cover well and hide imperfections. The finish is designed to be flat or matte to avoid reflections.
Some key qualities of ceiling paint:
- Extra pigmentation for hiding power
- Thicker consistency for heavy coverage
- Matte or flat finish to prevent glare
- Top-quality hides cracks, water stains and imperfections
- Formulated to resist yellowing over time
These attributes make ceiling paint ideal for its intended use. It covers flaws and uneven areas easily. The matte finish also helps open up room spaces visually.
However, the formulation that works well on ceilings is not ideal for trim and other detail work.
What Makes Trim Paint Different?
Trim paint has an entirely different set of properties that are important for painting trim, doors, cabinets and other detail work.
Some key qualities of trim paint:
- Durable high-gloss finish resists chipping, scuffing and sticking
- Smooth enamel-like finish for easy washing
- Superior leveling and flow for a smooth coat
- Formula resists fading, yellowing and wear over time
- Provides excellent brushability and coverage on edges
- Available in various sheens like satin, semi-gloss and high gloss
So while ceiling paint is designed to hide imperfections, trim paint is designed to highlight details like moldings. The durable finish protects high-use surfaces like door frames and window sills.
Using the right paint makes trim details really stand out with a clean finished look.
Why Ceiling Paint is Not the Best for Trim
While ceiling paint may seem like an easy solution, there are a few issues that come with using it on trim:
1. Inferior Coverage and Durability
Ceiling paint is thicker for hiding imperfections on textured ceilings. But this thickness can actually make it harder to get good coverage on trim. It was not formulated to level out and adhere well on smooth surfaces.
The matte finish also lacks the durability and scrub-resistance needed for trim. It scuffs easily, holds dirt and is hard to clean. Trim paint has superior leveling, adhesion and washability.
2. Slow Dry Time
The heavy consistency of ceiling paint requires longer dry times. On vertical trim surfaces, it can take even longer to set and fully cure. This leads to extended recoat times as well.
Trim paint is formulated to dry faster, making projects go quicker with less downtime between coats.
3. Visible Flaws
The flat finish of ceiling paint will accentuate any flaws in the trim, from brush marks to drips. Any imperfections in the application will be noticeable.
Trim paint has a smooth glossy finish that helps hide any minor imperfections. The finish leaves trim looking uniform and professional.
4. Mismatched Appearance
Using a flat ceiling paint on trim while the rest has a gloss finish can make the trim pieces stand out. The mismatch may be even more apparent on touch-up jobs.
Matching sheens is important for a cohesive finished look. Using trim paint ensures uniformity.
Is Ceiling Paint Ever Acceptable on Trim?
While trim paint is always preferable for best results, ceiling paint may work in certain situations:
As a Primer Coat
It is acceptable to use ceiling paint as a base primer coat on new or bare trim. The thick consistency provides good sealing and coverage on raw wood.
Be sure to sand smooth before applying one or two finish coats of quality trim paint.
For Light Duty Areas
For interior trim in low traffic areas like a spare bedroom, using leftover ceiling paint may be fine. These areas see less wear and tear.
Just touch up high use areas like main door frames with trim paint.
Quick Fix on Damaged Areas
As a quick fix on scuffed trim between tenants or before a quick sale, ceiling paint can temporarily disguise flaws.
It should be done only as a short term solution before a proper repaint later.
When Trim Paint is Unavailable
In a pinch when trim paint is not accessible, ceiling paint can work. Add a semi-gloss clear polyurethane coat on top for added protection.
Always use real trim paint for best durability whenever possible though.
Best Practices for Painting Trim
Follow these tips to get a professional looking paint job on interior trim:
- Lightly sand glossy trim to degloss and rough up the surface
- Clean thoroughly and degrease any existing oil-based trim paint
- Use painter’s tape for clean lines and to protect adjacent surfaces
- Apply two coats of quality trim paint in the desired sheen
- Allow proper dry time between coats as specified on the can
- Work methodically and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
- Use a high quality trim brush for best coverage on edges and details
- Finish with a microfiber roller on larger flat areas to even out the finish
- Work top to bottom on vertical trim surfaces to avoid drips
Recommended Trim Paint Finishes
Semi-Gloss: Provides excellent durability and some sheen. Ideal for doors, cabinets, window frames.
Satin: Has a smooth low luster finish. Good for living spaces. Easier to touch up than gloss.
High Gloss: Very reflective and smooth. Great for trim in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms.
Eggshell: Has a soft velvety finish with subtle sheen. Ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms, accent walls.
Tips for Choosing the Best Trim Paint
Look for these qualities in a top-performing trim paint:
- Formulated specifically for interior woodwork
- Durable, scratch and scuff-resistant finish
- Superior flow and leveling for smooth uniform coats
- Resists yellowing, fading and wear over time
- Fast dry time between recoats
- High-quality acrylic or acrylic/alkyd blend
- Coverage in one or two coats
- Provides excellent brushing properties
Investing in a premium trim paint ensures your woodwork will stay looking fresh and clean for years. Avoid endless scrubs and frequent repaints by using the right product from the start.
With a little extra care taken to prep surfaces and apply multiple smooth coats, you can achieve a flawless, professional-looking finish on all your interior trim and millwork. The right paint is transformative!
Tips for Painting Different Types of Trim
All trim is not equal. Different materials and trim components around your home require slightly different painting techniques for best results.
Here are some tips on how to properly prep and paint the most common types of trim:
Wood Trim
Most interior trim is wood, including baseboards, door frames, window casings, crown molding and chair rails.
Prep:
- Lightly sand to smooth any raised grain
- Fill nail holes with wood filler
- Sand again lightly when dry
- Dust clean
Paint:
- Always prime new or bare wood before painting
- Apply two coats of quality trim paint, sanding lightly between coats
- Work methodically to avoid drips, lap marks and brush marks
- Maintain a wet edge and follow proper cut-in techniques for clean lines
Metal Trim
Metal trim includes wrought iron railings, aluminum clad exterior windows, copper gutters and steel door frames.
Prep:
- Remove any loose paint or rust
- Sand to roughen slick surfaces
- Clean thoroughly to remove oils and residues
- Spot prime any exposed metal
Paint:
- Use a bonding primer designed specifically for metal
- Allow proper dry time before painting
- Apply two finish coats of durable exterior enamel spray paint
- Maintain proper spray distance for smooth coat
Vinyl or PVC Trim
Vinyl is common for exterior trim pieces including windows, corners, soffits and siding trim.
Prep:
- Clean thoroughly with vinyl cleaner to remove dirt and mildew
- Lightly scuff sand for paint adhesion
- Wipe clean
Paint:
- Always use premium 100% acrylic latex paint
- Vinyl requires less drying time between coats
- Roll on two thin coats rather than one thick coat
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces
Proper prep and priming are extremely important when painting vinyl or PVC to prevent chipping and peeling.
Glass Trim and Mirrors
Window trim, glass block and beveled mirrors often feature in bathrooms and entryways.
Prep:
- Clean glass thoroughly with glass cleaner and towel dry
- Use masking tape around the edges for a clean paint line
Paint:
- Apply two coats of quality acrylic latex trim paint
- Use a small trim brush for cut-in work around the edges
- Remove masking before paint fully dries to prevent pulling up edges
- Avoid excessive brushing which can lead to visible streaks
Glass trim requires careful attention to prep and taping for the best results.
Common Problems Using Ceiling Paint on Trim
While ceiling paint may seem like an easy shortcut for trim, the results often leave much to be desired. Here are some of the common problems homeowners encounter when using ceiling paint on moldings, frames and baseboards:
Streaking and Brush Marks
The thick consistency of ceiling paint leads to obvious brush strokes on trim. The heavy body makes it difficult to apply smoothly.
Trim paint is formulated for superior flow and leveling. It leaves a uniform, professional-looking finish.
Drips and Sags
Ceiling paint is prone to drips and sags, especially on vertical trim surfaces like door frames. The paint is too thick to flow out nicely.
Quality trim paint has better flow and evener coat for drip-free results.
Flashing and Sheen Variations
The flat sheen of ceiling paint looks noticeably different from adjacent glossy trim. This flashing is very obvious, even under interior lighting.
Using a matching paint sheen avoids jarring differences between surfaces.
Visible Lap Marks
Maintaining a wet edge is critical when painting trim. But ceiling paint dries quicker, leading to obvious lap marks.
Trim paint levels out better for fewer marks and mismatches.
Increased Yellowing Over Time
Many ceiling paints and primers use less expensive binders. This often leads to premature yellowing, especially in indirect sunlight.
Premium trim paints retain their true color much longer.
Frequent Touch Ups and Repaints
With inferior durability and washability, ceiling paint scuffs and shows wear easily. This requires frequent repainting.
Trim paint resists wear, marks and scratches better, lasting years longer.
When it comes to trim, it’s worth investing in a quality product specifically designed for the surface. Though pricier up front, you’ll enjoy better coverage, fewer coats, and longer lasting results.
Achieving a Flawless Finish on Interior Trim
Painting trim may seem straightforward at first. But without proper prep and application, small flaws can really stand out, ruining the overall look. Follow these pro tips for a picture-perfect finish:
Prep Work is Crucial
The key to smooth results is starting with properly prepped surfaces:
- Fill all holes, dents and gouges with wood filler
- Sand trim pieces until completely smooth. Primer will not hide flaws.
- Remove all grease, wax and polish from existing trim
- Lightly sand glossy finishes to degloss for paint adhesion
- Remove all dust with a tack cloth before priming or painting
Prime New or Bare Wood
Priming ensures better adhesion and truer paint color. Use a quality oil-based or acrylic primer formulated for trim.
Brush Quality Makes a Difference
Invest in quality synthetic-bristle trim brushes. Avoid cheap brushes that leave obvious strokes.
Maintain a Wet Edge
Work systematically in small sections to prevent lap marks where fresh paint overlaps drying paint.
Follow Proper Cut-In Technique
Use a steady hand and angled trim brush to cut-in tight, straight lines around edges and corners.
Apply Multiple Thin Coats
Two or three thin, evenly applied coats look better than one thick, heavy coat. Allow proper drying between coats.
Sand Lightly Between Coats
Gently sanding knocks down any grains or dust particles between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.
Finish with a Microfiber Mini Roller
Use a small foam roller to evenly coat larger flat trim areas for a consistent, streak-free finish.
Remove Tape Promptly
Pull off masking tape immediately after painting while the edge is still soft. Allowing paint to fully dry first can peel up fresh paint.
With careful prep, the right tools and some pro techniques, you can achieve flawless results on DIY trim painting projects. Just be patient, take your time, and use the right paint. Your trim will look crisp and professional in no time.
