How to Get Your Trim Work Perfect
When it comes to painting trim work, if your woodwork is already smooth, all you need to do is give it a once-over with some 120-grit sandpaper. However, if your trim is in rough shape, you will need to use 80-grit sandpaper. Switch to 100-grit to smooth and blend in the areas with layered paint. Lastly, go over all the wood with some 120-grit. Purchase sandpaper that is labeled ‘no-load.’ This will not clog as easily and is better for sanding painted surfaces.
Filling in holes and dents
To repair large dents or gouges on edges that are vulnerable to abuse, try using a hardening-type two-part wood filler. Fill in smaller dents and holes with a spackling compound. Because spackling does shrink as it dries, you will need to apply a second, and possibly even a third coat once the previous coat has dried.
Shine a light across your woodwork to highlight depressions and to make sure that you don’t miss any spots when applying the filler. Leave the filler dry and then sand it smooth.
Caulk for a seamless look
This is a step that most beginners don’t know about, however, the pros swear by it. Caulk every crack and gap, no matter how small it may be. Use a latex acrylic caulk or a paintable latex/silicone blend. The key is cutting the caulk tube tip carefully to create a tiny, 1/16-in.-diameter hole. Then you should start filling in all the small cracks first. When you have wider ones to fill, recut the caulk tube tip to create a larger hole. Move the caulk gun swiftly along the cracks, which will prevent excess buildup of caulk. If it is necessary, smooth the caulk with your finger, just make sure to keep a damp rag in your pocket to clean your finger and to keep the tip of the caulk tube clean too. Should caulk pile up in the corners, remove the excess with a putty knife.
To learn about the painting services and products that AB Concepts Painting and Drywall can offer you, and if you live in or around the Copperas Cove, TX region, please do not hesitate to call this number (254) 433-5014 anytime.