How to Paint Trim without Brush Strokes

It is easy to discern where the brush stopped, and the roller started. Additionally, foam rollers could create a different surface than brushes which can only highlight the lines.

Some people are adamant about this method. Here we will suggest you how to paint trim without brush strokes!

WHAT BRUSH SHOULD I USE WHILE PAINTING TRIM

A high-quality brush can be used to paint the trim. There are a variety of paintbrushes I believe to be top quality, including Purdy, Zibra, and Wooster. In general, ensure that you purchase a two to two 1/2 inches angled brush for convenience of use.

I like soft bristles, too. The stiffer the bristles have, the more brush strokes you’ll notice.

These are the best 3 paintbrushes that I would recommend for trimming.

Purdy 2 inch Angular Brush (Soft Bristles) These are ideal for those who like the traditionally handled brush.
Wooster 2 inch short cut is my personal favorite! I like the shorter handle that allows for better control in small spaces.
ZIBRA 2 inch Palm Pro Trimbrush The brush offers an excellent release of paint to create smooth and flawless finishes.
Wooster 2.25 Inch Brush for Oil-Based Paint Brush If you choose to apply oil-based paint on your trim, choose this brush designed specifically for oil-based paints.

HOW TO PAINT TRIM WITHOUT BRUSH STROKES

After we’ve learned a few of the basics of painting before, Let’s find out the art of painting trim using brush strokes!

It is recommended to begin with a list of materials. As we’ve previously discussed, the material you pick will determine the ease with which you can paint trims without making brush strokes.

If you pick brushes of poor quality and paint, the strokes you paint with are more noticeable.

MATERIALS REQUIRED TO PAINT TRIM

Sandpaper: Sanding blocks and the 320-grit sandpaper for final sanding
Wood putty is used to repair damages.
Vacuum
Tack cloth, sponge, and water bucket
Primer
Paintable Caulk
Quality Paint Brush
Paint
Painter’s Tape (optional)

HOW DO YOU PREPARE TRIM FOR PAINTING?

Trim that is painted without strokes is possible thanks to the work you have done to prepare—the surfaces of your trims look as perfect as they can. Splintering, high spots, and rough areas will exhibit an unnatural look in your paint as well as your strokes will be visible immediately.

In the beginning, repair any marks, dents, or cracks in the trim using wood putty.
Clean any build-up or residue upon windowsill corners or at the top edge of baseboards using the help of a razor or putty blade.
Repair damaged areas of your trim using a cutting block.
Clean and dust your entire trimming, even the top of the ledges, which are often left unnoticed.
Check for high spots in your repairs, and then polish them with the 320 grit of sandpaper. Be sure to feather them.
Vacuum once more, then apply a tack cloth or sponge with water to clean your trim thoroughly.

NEED OF PRIME BEFORE PAINTING TRIM?

Once you’ve prepped your trim to paint, you might need it in order to prepare it. If you’re painting on rough wood, you’ll be required to prime the trim prior to painting. This will give your last topcoat the highest long-lasting adhesion and durability.
But, if you’re painting trim that is already painted, you don’t need to prime it. In the event that you’re painting a light shade over a darker color, the priming process can decrease the number of topcoats you have to apply.
However, if you’re painting over an existing light shade, you can give the baseboards an extra sanding, which will rough the paint. This will create a smooth finish is what we’re looking for!

WHEN DO I APPLY CAULK TO TRIM?

One of the least understood components to achieving an expert finish in applying paint to trims is caulking. Caulking can fill in any holes in the wall or around the window to create a finished appearance. It is possible to see the difference between trim that’s been sealed as opposed to trim that isn’t in my blog post on how to update an area by painting trim.
I like to apply my caulk following priming, or in the case that the trim has been previously painted, you apply the paint after most of the preparatory work has been completed but prior to applying my final coats. This is my personal preference; however, should you choose this option, make sure that you use paint-able caulk!
An alternative is to finish the painting process and then complete the stage of sealing. This is perfectly acceptable too. I just prefer caulking prior to painting so that any color variation in my painting and caulk won’t be apparent.

TECHNIQUE FOR AVOIDING BRUSH STROKES WHEN PAINTING

And finally! We’re here! Are you ready to learn the art techniques that will teach you how to paint trim with no brush strokes? I’m sure you didn’t even know that there are so many choices to make. In the real world, everything we have discussed thus far has set you up for success so that the following tips and tricks can be achieved.

3 TIPS FOR PAINTING WITHOUT BRUSH STROKES

Tips: Put your paintbrush onto the bottom of the bucket of paint instead of wiping away the edge. The bristles stay filled with paint so that they can be placed on the trim rather than bristles strewn across the surface.
Follow the grain when you paint, including trim painting with the grain of your wood rather than over it. This will give you the most smooth finish.
Cut first before painting the middle. Make this work in 2 feet increments instead of cutting the entire area first before returning and painting all the middle areas.

PAINTING TRIP METHOD

The basic steps are to finish trim paint after it is cleaned and primed in the event that it is needed; the following steps are required:
- Cut into
- Paint the middle
- Don’t over-brush
- Feather out
- Do not begin a stroke on the paint you have applied.
By dividing the area into 2-3 foot sections, Use your angled brush to dip it for about one inch to the color. Do not dip your brush further than halfway across the bristles because that can overload the bristles excessively.
Rub off the paint that has accumulated and then cut around the edges and on the top and bottom of baseboards. After that, return and paint the middle. Keep your brush at an angle, and then gently sweep your brushes across your surface by using this method instead of using it straight across to be sure to avoid any marks of dabbing.
Don’t use too much force when you paint. Instead, let the paint perform the task of self-leveling after drying. A lot of people believe that using a harder brush will help smooth the paint. However, it’s actually the contrary.
In the same way, ensure that you don’t brush too much. That’s why, when you’ve finished applying an application of paint, make sure you don’t brush over it more than 3 times. If you do this, you’ll apply your paint too thinly, which causes the strokes of your brush to be seen.
In the same way, you’re making sure that you are feathering your stop and start points. After you’ve completed a 2-3 foot section, you can move 2-3 feet further down the trim and then work backward toward your painted trim. Do not begin your brush stroke with paint that has already been applied because it will reveal that beginning point.
If you are in the middle between the freshly applied paint, slather your strokes of paint using an upward sweep.
Repeat this procedure for each trimming with a coat of the first, and be careful not to overfill the brush, which could result in drips.
After your first coat of paint has dried, gently sand it with 320 and 360-grit sandpaper. Many people do not bother with the sanding process between coats; however, this will ensure the smoothest surface.
After that, repeat the procedure with the final coating of paint. Most trims only require the application of two coats. If you’re painting over a dark shade and did not prime the trim, you may need three coats.

You are all set now. Good luck.