How To Paint Old Varnished Wood Trim

Painting old varnished wood trim can breathe new life into a room, transforming dark, dated woodwork into a fresh, modern look. This Old House painter Mauro Henrique shows the proper steps for tackling this common home improvement project.

*Costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Preparing the Room and Trim for Painting

Before painting, properly prepare the room and the trim for the best results.

Protecting Floors and Walls

To safeguard your floors and walls from paint splatters and spills:

• Use wide, high-quality masking tape along the edges of the floor where it meets the trim. 
• Cover the taped area with a heavy-duty drop cloth for added protection.
• Apply painter’s tape to the walls adjacent to the trim unless you also plan to repaint the walls.

Removing Hardware and Doors

For a thorough paint job:

• Remove any hardware from the trim, such as doorknobs or hinges. 
• Take down closet doors or other removable trim pieces to easily access all surfaces.

Cleaning the Trim

Before sanding or painting, make sure the trim is clean:

• Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust, grime, and cobwebs.
• For stubborn dirt or greasy spots, use a mild detergent solution. Rinse well with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Allow the trim to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps. Moisture can interfere with paint application and lead to peeling or bubbling.

Sanding and Priming Before Painting

Proper surface preparation, including sanding and priming, is important for a long-lasting paint job on varnished wood trim.

Sanding the Trim

Sanding helps create a surface that paint can adhere to:

• Use 220-grit sandpaper to lightly sand all trim surfaces.
• Focus on breaking up the varnish and smoothing any imperfections or rough spots on the trim.
• Wear protective glasses and a respirator mask to protect yourself from inhaling dust particles.
• Vacuum thoroughly after sanding to remove all dust particles from the trim and surrounding areas. Then, use a tack cloth to wipe down the sanded surfaces.

Applying Primer

A high-quality primer is essential for better paint adhesion and coverage:

• Choose a bonding primer designed explicitly for glossy surfaces like varnished wood. 
• Apply the primer using a paintbrush, starting with the edges and corners of the trim.
• Work in long, smooth strokes for an even application and to avoid brush marks.
• Allow the primer to dry fully. The recommended drying time can vary between products, so check the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Painting the Trim

With proper preparation, you can transform your trim with paint.

Choosing the Right Paint

Select a paint that provides durability and the desired finish:

• Opt for a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish for easy cleaning and a polished look.
• Choose latex paint for most interior trim applications. It is durable, easy to clean, and has a lower odor than oil-based paints.
• For exterior trim or high-traffic areas, consider using an oil-based paint.

Applying the Paint

Follow these methods for the best results:

• Use a paintbrush suited to the type of paint you’ve chosen.
• Start by cutting in along the edges of the trim, where it meets the walls and floor.
• Paint the broader, flat surfaces of the trim using long, smooth strokes, working with the grain of the wood where possible.
• Apply thin, even coats to avoid drips and brush marks. It’s better to do multiple thin coats than one thick coat.
• Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times so that the coats bond well.
• Sand lightly between coats using very fine grit sandpaper—such as 320-grit—for an ultra-smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding dust with a tack cloth before applying the next coat.

Multiple Coats

To achieve full coverage and a professional look:

• Plan on applying at least two coats of paint.
• Three or more coats may be necessary for darker trim or significant color changes. Assess the coverage after each coat has dried and adjust as needed.
• Evaluate the trim in different lighting conditions to ensure a consistent finish. Natural and artificial light can reveal areas that may need additional coats.

Finishing Touches

The final steps provide your newly painted trim with a polished, professional appearance.

Removing Tape and Touch-Ups

Once the paint has dried completely:

• Carefully remove all painter’s and masking tape while the paint is still slightly tacky to prevent peeling.
• Inspect the trim for imperfections or missed spots that need touching up.
• Use a small brush to touch up any areas as needed.

Reattaching Hardware

To complete the project:

• Allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours, or as the paint manufacturer recommends, before reattaching the hardware.
• Carefully reinstall any removed doors or trim pieces, making sure not to scratch or ding the newly painted surfaces.
• Clean any paint splatters or drips from adjacent surfaces with a damp cloth or a gentle cleaner designed for the specific surface type.

Additional Tips for Perfect Paint

Here are a few additional tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Always work in a well-ventilated area to dry properly and avoid inhaling fumes.
• Use high-quality materials and tools—they pay off in your paint job’s final appearance and durability.
• Take your time. Rushing through the preparation or painting can lead to mistakes and a less-than-professional finish.

Our Conclusion

Following these guidelines and tips from Henrique, you’ll be well on your way to refreshed, beautiful trim that enhances your home’s interior.

Wood Trim Painting Resources:

Henrique explained that in rooms with wood trim that has a finish applied to it, it’s helpful to lightly sand the surface using 220-grit sandpaper to give the paint more to adhere to. For this project, he used a ProSand Contour Sanding Sponge, which is manufactured by Norton Abrasives.

To ensure a solid base for the paint, Henrique primed the trim with Stix Waterborne Bonding Primer, which is manufactured by INSL-X. Henrique decided to do two coats of primer in this case, since he thought it was more important to ensure a strong, even base for the paint.

The homeowner had already purchased paint for the room, so Henrique finished the room using the same paint. She had selected Sherwin Williams paint in Extra White with a semi-gloss finish. This one doesn’t need to be mixed as it’s available right off the shelf.

The other materials Henrique used to paint the trim, including the drop cloths, brushes, painter’s tape, and buckets, can all be found at home centers and paint supply stores.