How to Paint Brown Trim White
The best paint to use to paint stained brown trim white with no bleed though.
I finally got my studioffice back up and running so I can now function and create in organized bliss. :-) I had to paint the stained wood trim white which took some effort. Now that it is complete it is such a nice feeling after months of not having a designated place to create.
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The room I claimed as my own in the lake house is bigger than I had in my previous house. It also has one huge difference…a lake view from my desk. :-)
As much as I wanted to get the room back to the way I had in my previous house, the piles of unpacked boxes around me drained my energy and I had a hard time getting my mojo back to get the space organized.
After the new flooring was put in I left the furniture and boxes in the middle of the room so I could paint the brown trim, white. I needed to do this before anything else or the room would never feel quite right to me. I know what I need to be happy in a room… white and bright always makes me feel my best.
Here is how the room looked the day we moved into the house. We removed the carpet and added new flooring. I also removed the drapes. The ceiling fan is still brown, but I have plans for it.
The new flooring made a huge difference, but after painting the brown trim shiny white, the room began to sing to me.
How to Paint Stained Wood Trim White
supplies needed:
- Stain blocking primer. I used Kilz Max
- White Latex semi-gloss paint. I used Valspar in the color Bistro White 7006-4
- Angled Trim Glide paint brush – makes painting trim easy
- 100 grit sandpaper on a sanding block
- Painter’s tape
To successfully paint stained trim you need to first use a “stain blocking primer”. This is a must. There are many brands of stain blocking primers, but I like Kilz products. I usually use the original oil-base formula, but wanted to try the water-based Kilz Max.
I liked it a lot, especially with the simple soap and water-clean up and low odor. It will be my go-to “stain” blocking primer from now on. My other go-to primer is Glidden Gripper. I use it mostly on furniture makeovers and cabinets. It is the best primer to use when a surface is super shiny and smooth.
- Sand any rough spots on trim if needed.
- Clean the surface with detergent and water, rinse and let dry.
- Tape off any areas you don’t want paint to splatter.
- Paint 2 light coats of primer on trim, letting the first coat dry before applying the second. Let dry. If you see any discoloration (usually a brownish tint) in the dried primer you will need another coat of primer. Once that coat is dry and the white primer stays white, you are ready to paint. If areas of discoloration are still coming through the primer after 3 coats, you may need to use the oil-based formula to block the stained areas.
- When primer is dry, paint 2 light coats of semi-gloss white paint, letting the first coat dry before applying the second. Let dry.
- After the final coat has dried about 30 minutes, remove painter’s tape.
AFTER
Here is a little tour of my newly organized space where I spend a good majority of my time.
All the furnishings are from my previous house, even the 3 paneled tool wall I dubbed my “creative wall” made the move.
I set everything up pretty much the same way I had in my previous house with a few tweaks.
The only new addition is actually old. It is a grey laminate desk that was left by the previous owner. It was built into a closet in an upstairs bedroom. We removed it. With the help of our neighbor John’s table saw, the desk is now a table for my sewing machine.
I will be painting it along with the armoire. I am thinking a pretty shade of pink for the armoire, not sure yet for the grey desk/table.
You may not be able to see the texture in this photo, but I love the walls.
In the foyer, upstairs hallway and this room, there is real grasscloth paper on the walls that was painted white by the previous owner. It keeps the room light and bright while the texture adds style and interest.
Eventually the flooring in the kitchen will be stained a darker shade to flow with the studioffice and foyer floors. I also have a lot more stained trim to paint, but for now I have to address this row of cabinets that blocks the flow of energy and light from all directions. It will have to wait since…
… Ed was taking on another project this past weekend where the energy flow of the house could use a boost. The wall between the kitchen and family room.
We both knew the wall and pocket door inside it needed to go. We got even more excited when the sheetrock was removed on either side of the studs. We couldn’t believe how much better the space felt, even in its raw state. More on this wall coming soon.
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