I have read conflicting info on wether one should paint their trim before nailing it up, or after it’s already in place. For instance, a book about installing crown molding tells you to paint before you put it up, while an article I saw stated to absolutely never paint crown until after you have it up. It seems that the info geared towards your average weekend DIY’er type falls in the paint before, while the articles I have read by the pro’s and true artisans implies they paint the trim after it’s already up. Thoughts? Advice? What is the advantage in waiting to paint until after trim is up? Thanks for your advice…Russ
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In the big picture, it doesn't matter. I would paint before putting it up, but you have to hide the nail holes, so you will probably paint another coat afterwords. Painting before inatalling lets you get a coat on the trim in advance.
In general the answer is "yes" -- paint it before you put it up and again after.
I think you've already figured it out.
I have a painter friend who says there is no way to prefinish trim. O.K. for him
. I'm a carpenter/woodworker and almost never have to paint but if I do it will be one or two coats before and one after install. Also what I recommend to aspiring painter homeowners.
The advantage to painting after it is up is you can make the nail holes and joints invisible easier.
Thanks all, yes in the past I would put on 2 coats, sanding between, and then a final coat after it was up. This works, was just curious if there was a reason that some waited to paint. Thanks again all.
Paint if first and touch it up after.