Serious question, I had a contractor in Boise tell me to always paint trim before installing it, but my dad swears you do it after.

Last month I was redoing my kitchen and the debate came up when I had to decide on the spot for the new window casing.

3 comments

3 Comments

Man, I used to be on team paint-after for years. Then I tried painting some baseboards already nailed to the wall and spent forever cutting in with a tiny brush. Getting a clean line on the floor was impossible. Painting the pieces flat on sawhorses first is just faster, and the finish is way smoother. You still touch up the nail holes after, but the main coat is done. That contractor gave you good advice.

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milesbarnes2d ago

Totally agree with @david920. Did the same thing with my kitchen trim. Painting it first, then installing, saved me hours. Just taped off the back edge to avoid getting paint where the glue goes. Touching up those little nail holes later is nothing compared to cutting in on the floor.

jennybailey2d ago

Actually, taping the back edge for glue is a bad idea. You want the glue to bond to the wood, not paint. Just paint the face and top edges, leave the back bare. The touch-up after install is for the nail holes and any scuffs from handling, not a full coat.