Replies

1. 
   DanH | Sep 05, 2006 11:12pm | #1

   One or the other, or maybe both, depending.

   In some cases the edge of the trim adjacent to the siding is painted the siding color, in which case the caulk would be painted that color as well.

   And, in general, the caulk is usually more in plane with the siding than the trim, and thus should get the siding color.

   But it depends.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
2. 
   paperhanger | Sep 06, 2006 12:35am | #2

   Are you painting your own? Or someone else's for a fee. One thing I know. I'm glad you're not painting mine.

1. 
   ph882 | Sep 06, 2006 03:34am | #4

   Not that your useless is not appreciated, But what am I missing here? Is this not a legitimate question? Perhaps you do not understand what I am asking. If this is common knowledge, Please grace me with your abundant wisdom!

1. 
   DonCanDo | Sep 06, 2006 03:54am | #6

   I'm going to take a shot at what I think Paperhanger meant.  He meant any professional painter should know that you don't paint the sides of the trim to match the siding.  Of course, that's assuming that the trim is actually an obvious decorative detail.

   Having said that, I've seen it done both ways.  If there is so much caulk that there isn't an obvious inside corner, then it's not going to look like a first-class job either way.

   Take another look at the comments by Megspop.  I think he/she said it well.

   -Don

    

1. 
   ph882 | Sep 06, 2006 04:52am | #7

   Thank you for some useful responses Megspop, DonCanDo. I guess I should have been more specific with my question. Typically when a new home is initially painted (as with this home) the caulk was tinted to match the trim paint color. There is no question all exposed trim sides should all be painted the same, But If the bead is equally on each material which color should it be? Splitting it seems like it would get real sloppy looking.I have seen a several jobs where It just looks wavy.I am a remodeler and have painted several exteriors but for whatever reason never one where the trim varied from the siding color. I just wanted to know what the exclusively painting pros in here typically do for a clean look.

1. 
   DonCanDo | Sep 06, 2006 03:15pm | #8

   I still say split the difference.  And yes, the cut line may be a little wavy.  Get a good brush and take your time.  If you err by painting too much onto the trim, it will still look fairly neat from the front.

   Basically, it sounds to me like they used too much caulk.

   -Don

3. 
   megspop | Sep 06, 2006 03:30am | #3

   Is there that much caulk that you cannot make out a corner?

   Consider removing the caulk.

   Paint as straight a line if you don't remove it...divide the line.

   I would not recommend painting the sides of the trim......that screams cheap.

    

1. 
   DonCanDo | Sep 06, 2006 03:44am | #5

   I would not recommend painting the sides of the trim......that screams cheap.

   I assume you mean that do not recommend painting the sides of the trim the same as the siding.  And I agree.  ALL of the trim should be painted the same color, including the sides.

   The rest of your comments were well put.

   -Don

4. 
   mikeingp | Sep 06, 2006 04:35pm | #9

   It would be helpful to have pictures, but I'm not that handy with paintshop.

   I was taught to paint the side of the trim the same as the wall color (at least when the "side of the trim" is 1" or less). You paint the walls first, including the side of the trim. Then you paint the face of the trim. The benefit is that the color change happens on an outside corner, so you don't have to draw ("cut in") a line with a 4" brush. It's 100 times easier and it looks better.

   The same applies to interior painting. For example, the sides of the window and door casing are painted the color of the walls. For typical house paint colors, you can't notice the color change, although I suppose if the walls were deep blue and the trim was white, you might want to cut in the edge.

   (Don't worry paperhanger, I'm not available to paint your house!)

    

1. 
   mrfixitusa | Sep 06, 2006 04:53pm | #10

   Thank you for asking this question. I've done painting off and on and had never even given it a second thought.The way I've done it is "whatever way is fastest and easiest"For me It's easier to change colors at an outside corner. Plus I like to use a small roller and if I can paint the trim with the roller and not have to use a brush. As a realtor I've shown hundreds of houses and have listened to complaints about anything adn everything humanly possible and I have never heard anyone complain about what you're talking about.What people do complain about is the sloppy paint jobs where the wall meets the ceiling etcGood luck!^^^^^^

    

   S N A F U (Situation Normal: All Fouled Up)

2. 
   BillBrennen | Sep 06, 2006 07:20pm | #11

   Many moons ago when the earth was young, I was a painter. In production painting situations the sides of the trim were typically painted wall color, the face in trim color, thereby eliminating the tricky cut line at the inside corner.On fancier jobs the side of the trim went trim color/sheen, and this was considered an upgrade. It was referred to as "3-D'ing the trim." That is a good descriptive term, since painting the edge makes the trim more obviously proud of the wall surface. I always do my own stuff this way, as the other way looks cheap to me.Bill

3. 
   paperhanger | Sep 07, 2006 12:25am | #12

   you wouldn't know a quality job if it hit you square in the puss!

1. 
   bustaduke | Sep 07, 2006 02:32am | #13

   A good cut man can split the paint between the trim and siding and if he can't than I wouldn't use him, find someone who knows what they are doing.busta