The Best Way to Paint Picture Frame Molding on Walls
Learn how to paint picture frame molding on your walls for a gorgeous finish – the easiest way!
Picture frame molding is an incredible way to add character to your home. But painting it can be a pain. If you’re ready to try this fun project, here are my best tips for painting picture frame molding on your walls.
How to Install Picture Frame Molding
But first, don’t miss the full tutorial for installing picture frame molding. It’s a budget-friendly, high-impact, beginner-level project that adds loads of character to your home. Then come on back over here for the painting tips!
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Supplies you’ll need for painting molding on your walls
- Painter’s tape and drop cloths
- Paint – I always use satin when I am painting a combo of trim and walls.
Bonus: this is perfect for high-moisture spaces like bathrooms and laundry rooms! - Low nap roller and paint tray
- Wood filler, caulk, caulk gun, and sanding sponge
- High-quality angled brush – these are my favorite, hands down
- Handy paint pail or plastic cup
Avoid my mistakes
Over the years, I’ve done lots of wall trim (see here for wall treatment ideas). Before we start the full tutorial, I want to tell you two things I wish I’d know beforehand:
- The first time I DIY’d wall trim, I waited until I had finished all the woodwork before I painted. It was not ideal. If possible, paint the walls before you install the trim. That will allow you to use a normal low-nap roller and move quickly.
- Use satin sheen paint, not flat or eggshell. I prefer when the trim and walls match (at least for picture frame molding), and flat or eggshell paint is generally just not up to the task of protecting trim from marks, dings, and smudges.
The Best Way to Paint Picture Frame Molding
0-Prep your space
If you have done any construction work in the space or skim coated your walls, then be sure to clean any dust from the walls. Before painting, cover your flooring with drop cloths. If you are painting trim and baseboards, I recommend taping the edge around the floor and any windows to avoid mistakes. Do not bother, though, taping the ceiling (most textured ceilings won’t cooperate with tape anyway).
1-Roll the walls with satin paint
If AT ALL possible, you should do this BEFORE you install your trim. It’s much faster to roll a flat wall. If you already have trim installed, though, then roll all of the flat portions that you can. Be careful not to roll the trim as it is easy to get drips from a roller. Do two coats, if needed. You want the walls fully covered.
2-[Install trim then] Fill and caulk your nail holes and seams
I’m working on a post with more details, but in the meantime, see this post on installing trim for more details on filling and caulking. Wipe caulk lines with a damp rag. Lightly sand wood filler and spackle. Then be sure to clean up any dust created from the process.
3-Paint your trim
This is the real secret sauce! These are my favorite brushes for projects like this. It’s important to have a high quality brush to get full coverage without causing drips. Paint carefully in the corners for the same reason. Expect that some trim (especially pvc trim) doesn’t take paint very well on the first pass. Be patient. Do 2-3 thin coats if needed, but don’t load up on paint or you will likely get drips.
4-Touch up fillers
Paint will, at times, expose problems with caulk and filler. If needed, fill and caulk any additional spots, then finish with a final coat of paint.
FAQs for Painting Trim
Should you paint the wall and molding the same color?
That’s a matter of preference! For picture frame molding, I prefer the walls and trim to match. But contrasting trim for wainscoting or elaborate crown molding can be lovely. In short, there’s no right answer. For this space, I chose to match them for a subtle, elegant texture.
What are the best tools for painting walls and trim?
I mentioned above that I love these little trim brushes. They are my go-to for painting crown molding, baseboards, wainscoting, and more. They also are excellent for cutting in. For rollers, I do not have a preference. Any budget-friendly low nap rollers work well for the walls.
What is the best paint for painting walls and trim?
I prefer satin paint when the walls and trim are painted the same. For more info on paint sheens, see this post.
Conclusion
In short, there’s a trick to painting picture frame molding the most efficient way. And I hope these tips help you next time you are ready to tackle a DIY painting project!
