Nothing elevates a room like flawlessly painted woodwork trim. Fresh paint can make old trim look new again, and the right color can completely transform a space. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best paint for your specific trim project can feel overwhelming. I’ve spent years tackling home improvement projects, and I’ve learned that the right paint makes all the difference. This guide shares my top picks for woodwork trim, helping you achieve a professional finish with ease.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- INSL-X Cabinet Coat: Best overall for a durable, factory-like finish.
- Benjamin Moore Advance: Ideal for intricate trim with excellent leveling properties.
- Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Paint + Primer: Great budget-friendly option for all-in-one coverage.
- Diamond Brite Paint Oil Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint: Best for high-traffic areas due to its exceptional durability.
- KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint: Best for trim in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Top 5 Best Paint For Woodwork Trim
1. INSL-X Cabinet Coat
INSL-X Cabinet Coat isn’t just for cabinets; it’s a fantastic choice for woodwork trim, delivering a smooth, durable, factory-like finish. This paint is known for its excellent adhesion and self-leveling properties, minimizing brush strokes and imperfections.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent adhesion on various surfaces
- ✅ Self-leveling formula for a smooth finish
- ✅ Highly durable and resists chipping and scratching
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey compared to other options
- ❌ Requires careful surface preparation for best results
- ❌ Limited color options compared to other brands
Verdict: If you want a professional-looking finish that will last, INSL-X Cabinet Coat is a top-tier choice, especially for high-end homes or detailed trim work.
2. Benjamin Moore Advance
Benjamin Moore Advance is a waterborne alkyd paint that combines the best qualities of both oil-based and water-based paints. It offers the durability and leveling properties of oil-based paints with the low VOC and easy cleanup of water-based paints, making it a favorite among professionals and DIYers alike.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent leveling properties, minimizing brush marks
- ✅ Durable, hard finish that resists scratches and scuffs
- ✅ Low VOC and easy to clean up with soap and water
Cons:
- ❌ Longer drying time compared to other water-based paints
- ❌ Requires a good primer for optimal adhesion
- ❌ Can be more expensive than some other options
Verdict: Benjamin Moore Advance is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, durable finish with easy cleanup, perfect for detailed trim work and intricate moldings.
3. Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Paint + Primer
Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Paint + Primer is a budget-friendly option that provides excellent coverage and durability in one coat. This paint is designed to adhere to a variety of surfaces, making it a versatile choice for various trim projects around the house.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides excellent coverage in one coat
- ✅ Dries quickly, saving time on projects
- ✅ Affordable option for large projects
Cons:
- ❌ May require multiple coats for darker colors or heavily stained surfaces
- ❌ The finish may not be as smooth as higher-end paints
- ❌ Durability might not match more expensive options
Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient option for your trim, Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover Paint + Primer is a solid choice, especially for quick updates and budget-conscious projects.
4. Diamond Brite Paint Oil Enamel Interior/Exterior Paint
Diamond Brite Oil Enamel Paint is an incredibly durable paint designed for both interior and exterior use. It offers excellent resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and trim that’s likely to get bumped or scuffed.
Pros:
- ✅ Exceptional durability and resistance to scratches and scuffs
- ✅ Suitable for both interior and exterior use
- ✅ Provides a hard, protective finish
Cons:
- ❌ Oil-based, so it requires mineral spirits for cleanup
- ❌ Higher VOC content compared to water-based paints
- ❌ Can yellow over time, especially in areas with low light
Verdict: Diamond Brite Oil Enamel is the best choice for those who need a super-durable finish on their trim, particularly in areas that see a lot of use or are exposed to the elements.
5. KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint
While technically a floor paint, KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint is surprisingly effective on trim, especially in areas prone to moisture. Its enamel formula provides a tough, water-resistant finish that holds up well in bathrooms and kitchens.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent moisture resistance, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens
- ✅ Durable finish that can withstand wear and tear
- ✅ Easy to clean up with soap and water
Cons:
- ❌ Limited color options compared to other paints
- ❌ Can have a slightly textured finish, which may not be ideal for all trim styles
- ❌ Might require a primer for best adhesion on certain surfaces
Verdict: If you need a paint that can handle moisture and wear, KILZ Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint is an excellent choice for trim, offering both durability and water resistance.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right paint for your woodwork trim involves more than just picking a color. Several factors can influence your decision, ensuring you get the best possible results. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
Type of Paint:
- Latex (Water-Based): Easy to clean, low VOC, and dries quickly. Great for most interior trim projects.
- Alkyd (Oil-Based): Durable, provides a smooth finish, and good for high-traffic areas. Requires mineral spirits for cleanup and has higher VOC content.
- Waterborne Alkyd: Combines the benefits of both latex and alkyd paints, offering durability and easy cleanup.
Finish:
- High-Gloss: Very durable and easy to clean, ideal for trim in kitchens and bathrooms. Shows imperfections more easily.
- Semi-Gloss: Good balance of durability and sheen, a popular choice for trim and doors.
- Satin: Offers a softer sheen than semi-gloss, good for areas where you want a subtle look.
- Matte: Non-reflective and hides imperfections well, but not as durable or easy to clean as higher-sheen finishes.
Surface Preparation:
- Cleaning: Remove dirt, grease, and old paint.
- Sanding: Smooth the surface and create a better grip for the new paint.
- Priming: Apply a primer to improve adhesion and block stains, especially on bare wood or previously painted surfaces.
Application:
- Brushes: Use high-quality brushes designed for the type of paint you’re using (e.g., synthetic brushes for latex paint).
- Rollers: Use small rollers for smooth surfaces and detailed trim work.
- Sprayers: Consider using a paint sprayer for a flawless, professional finish, especially on large trim projects.
Durability:
- Consider the amount of traffic and potential for wear and tear. Choose more durable paints for high-traffic areas.
VOC Content:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can affect indoor air quality. Opt for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints for a healthier environment.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to prime my trim before painting?
A: Yes, priming is almost always a good idea. It helps the paint adhere better, blocks stains, and creates a uniform surface for a smoother finish. Especially important on bare wood or when changing colors significantly.
Q: What’s the best way to clean trim before painting?
A: Start by wiping down the trim with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust. For greasy or grimy areas, use a mild detergent solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely.
Q: How many coats of paint do I need for trim?
A: Typically, two coats of paint are recommended for best results. The first coat provides coverage, and the second coat ensures a uniform color and finish. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times between coats.
Q: Can I use the same paint for trim as I use for walls?
A: While you can, it’s generally better to use a paint specifically designed for trim. Trim paints are usually more durable and have a higher sheen, which makes them easier to clean and more resistant to wear and tear.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint for your woodwork trim can significantly impact the final look and durability of your project. Whether you prioritize a factory-like finish, exceptional leveling, budget-friendliness, or moisture resistance, there’s a paint on this list to suit your needs. By considering factors like paint type, finish, and surface preparation, you can achieve professional-quality results and transform your space with beautifully painted trim. Good luck with your painting project!
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