How to Paint Trim Like a Pro: A Complete Guide

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

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:

BEHR PREMIUM® Cabinet, Door & Trim Enamel

Key Features: Excellent Flow & Leveling, Dries To a Hard, Durable Finish, Sandable
Finish Options: Satin, Semi-Gloss
Best For: Interior or exterior trim and other properly prepared and primed surfaces.

BEHR MARQUEE® Interior

Key Features: One-Coat Color Guarantee, Superior Durability, Advanced Paint & Primer Formula
Finish Options: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Best For: All interior rooms and surfaces.

BEHR ULTRA® Interior

Key Features: Scuff Defense, Smooth Even Finish, Stain-Blocking Paint & Primer
Finish Options: Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss
Best For: 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 5-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.
Step 3
Dip your brush into the paint and tap both sides of the brush on the inside of the can gently to remove the excess paint.
Step 4
Slowly apply paint using long continuous brush strokes and move along the length of the trim.
Step 5
While the paint is still wet, peel off the tape.

Designer Approaches: Popular Trim Painting Styles

Painting Trim and Walls the Same Color

This modern design trend creates a sophisticated, cohesive look that can make a room feel larger. For a subtle, elegant contrast, use a higher paint sheen on the trim than on the walls. For example, pair BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® Interior Eggshell on the walls with the same color in Semi-Gloss on the trim.

Working with Black and Dark-Colored Trim

Bold, dark trim creates a dramatic and grounded look. Colors like Cracked Pepper or a true Black make a powerful statement. This style works well in rooms with plenty of natural light.

Relax modern green office with cracked pepper trim

Colors That Complement Natural Wood Trim

If you decide not to paint your existing wood trim, choose wall colors that complement its natural undertones. For oak or pine trim with yellow/orange undertones, consider earthy greens or warm greys. For cherry or mahogany with red undertones, creamy whites or deep navy blues work beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most durable Behr paint for trim in a house with kids?

We highly recommend BEHR ULTRA™ SCUFF DEFENSE™ Interior Paint. Its formula is specifically designed to resist scuffs and marring, making it ideal for the high-traffic, high-touch life in a busy household.

How long do I need to wait between coats of Behr trim paint?

Typically, you should wait at least 2 hours between coats. However, always refer to the specific paint’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS) on behr.com for precise recoat times.

Can I use one paint color for both walls and trim?

Yes, you can absolutely use the same paint and color. For a designer touch, we recommend varying the finish—for example, using an Eggshell or Satin finish on the walls and a more durable Semi-Gloss finish on the trim.