The Best Way to Paint Trim: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Paint Trim Like a Pro: A Complete Guide

Before You Start: Choosing the Right Paint, Finish, and Tools

This introductory section immediately addresses product-selection queries, helping you make the best choices for a durable and beautiful result.

What is the Best Paint for Trim?

Choosing the right paint is the most critical step for ensuring your trim withstands the test of time. Here’s a comparison of our top-recommended interior paints for trim, doors, and cabinets:

Paint	Key Feature	Finish Options	Best For
BEHR PREMIUM® Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel	Excellent Flow & Leveling Dries To a Hard, Durable Finish Sandable	Satin, Semi-Gloss	Interior or exterior trim and other properly prepared and primed surfaces.
BEHR MARQUEE® Interior	One-Coat Color Guarantee Superior Durability Advanced Paint & Primer Formula	Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss	All interior rooms and surfaces.
BEHR ULTRA® Interior	Scuff Defense Smooth Even Finish Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer	Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss	All interior rooms and surfaces.

Paint

Key Feature

Finish Options

Best For

BEHR PREMIUM® Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel

Excellent Flow & Leveling

Dries To a Hard, Durable Finish

Sandable

Satin, Semi-Gloss

Interior or exterior trim and other properly prepared and primed surfaces.

BEHR MARQUEE®
Interior

One-Coat Color Guarantee

Superior Durability

Advanced Paint & Primer Formula

Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss

All interior rooms and surfaces.

BEHR ULTRA® Interior

Scuff Defense

Smooth Even Finish

Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer

Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss

All interior rooms and surfaces.

The Best White Paint Colors for Trim

While you can paint your trim any color, a classic white is timeless. Here are three of our most popular, no-fail white paints for trim:

Ultra Pure White®: Our brightest, cleanest white. Perfect for a crisp, modern look.
Swiss Coffee: A warm, creamy white with a soft off-white appearance. Ideal for creating a cozy,
inviting space.
Bit of Sugar: A clean white with a touch of warmth, sitting perfectly between pure white and cream

Selecting the Best Paint Brush and Tools

For trim, precision is key. While you'll need rollers for doors, the most important tool is your brush. We recommend a high-quality 2-2.5" angled brush. The angle allows you to “cut in” cleanly along edges for a sharp, professional line. Our Trim Painter brush can help any DIYer achieve this professional look.

How to Paint Trim: The 7-Step Method

Step 1

Grab your tools.

Step 2

Make sure that the area where the wall and the trim meet has been taped off. Be sure to check out How to Apply and Remove Painter's Tape if you need more details.