Painting wooden exterior trim is one of the easiest ways to give your home instant curb appeal. Whether your trim needs repairs, or a refresh, you’re just ready for change,, or you are in the last stage of repainting the outside of your house, you can follow our tips to paint your wood trim.
How to Paint Exterior Wood Trim
Generally, the trim is painted a different colour than your siding. When you are choosing a colour for your trim, you can choose a complimentary colour that is close in the shade to the rest of your home’s exterior, or you might want to choose something that nicely contrasts.
When you buy your paint, it’s important to ensure you’re selecting outdoor paint. After all, the outside of your home is exposed to all the elements and you want to ensure your new paint job can withstand mother nature.
There are many reasons people decide to paint the exterior of their home. Sometimes they are trying to create curb appeal before putting a home for sale. Sometimes it’s part of a repair job. Other times they are simply ready for a new look. If your exterior trim is dated, worn or in need of a refreshing, a new paint job and colour can do just the trick.
Materials You Will Need to Paint Wooden Exterior Trim
Before you start painting, you will want to gather up all the materials you will need and put together a painting station.
- Ladder long enough to reach all your trim
- Paint scraper
- Wood filler rated for exterior use
- Rags
- Cleaning solution
- Sandpaper
- Caulking compound and gun
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrush
Preparing to Paint Wooden Exterior Trim
You will want to clean the wood trim with a rag and cleaning solution. It’s always good to start with a clean surface. Next, you will use a paint scraper to scrape off any paint that is peeling or cracking. Fill the holes and crevices with exterior wood filler and then lightly sand once it has dried. You will then use your caulking gun and caulk to fill the seams between the trim and the siding.
How to Prime Wooden Exterior Trim
It’s important to apply primer to the wood. Not only does it seal the wood, but it also provides a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Use your paintbrush to carefully prime the trim. You will want to apply an even layer. The primer needs to fully dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
How to Paint Wooden Exterior Trim
If you used a quality primer, you likely will just need one coat of paint to cover the trim. Once again, you will use your paint brush to apply an even coat of paint. An angled brush works great to reach the corners and edges.
What is The Best Paint Finish for Exterior Wood Trim?
Choosing the best paint finish for exterior wood trim can be a tough decision, but it’s one that you definitely want to make right.
The right paint finish will help protect the wood from UV rays, dirt, and other elements that can cause damage. If you choose the wrong finish, it could result in your wood looking old, stained, or even yellowed.
However, there are different types of paint finishes for wood trim, so if you’re not sure which one is right for your project, here’s a rundown of some of the most popular options:
1. Oil-based paint
Oil-based paints and primers may survive longer on old weathered wood or wood exterior siding that is subjected to the sun, rain, wind, etc. Priming with oil allows the primer to penetrate deeper into the grain and create a waterproof barrier. It will also prevent the tannin in the wood from escaping. Oil-based finishes are more durable and provide more protection against weathering over time.
2. Latex or water-based paint
One of the most popular choices is the water-based finish. It’s easy to use and requires little effort. They are also less toxic and less harmful to the environment. Additionally, the vast majority of premium quality exterior paints are water-based.
3. Acrylics
Acrylics are also one of the best paint finishes for exterior wood trim because they are durable, environmentally friendly, and easy to apply.
They have a low VOC content, which means that they don’t pollute the air by releasing harmful chemicals into it. They are also resistant to moisture and heat, making them an excellent choice for exterior wood trim.
Painting exterior trim is not a difficult job, but it is one that takes effort. You will likely be spending a lot of time on a ladder so it’s important to take safety precautions and to be careful. It can be hard to paint from a ladder while juggling a can of paint and a paintbrush.
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If the work involved in Repairing a Wooden Exterior Trim sounds like it involves too much time and energy to do yourself, call 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com for a FREE quote or visit our website Home Painters Toronto. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below as well!
