How To Paint or Stain Trim & Doors Using a Paint Sprayer

Painting trim with sprayer

It’s common to forget to paint a room’s trim and doors. An interior painting project can be completed with a new or updated paint color. One of the best ways to get rid of brush strokes and coat the trim and door surface evenly with paint so that it has a professional finish is to use a paint sprayer.

Painting trim with sprayer project Overview

Safety Reminder: Exercise adequate caution, remain vigilant, and be aware of any potential dangers whenever using spray equipment. Wear safety equipment, including respirators, dust masks, safety goggles, gloves, spray socks (hoods), and hats. Ensure that there is enough airflow. Turn off any appliances in the area if you want to paint close to them. (Check your Sprayer Operation Manual’s Safety Precautions.) Always follow the safety precautions and detailed instructions for the particular spraying equipment you are using.

How to Spray Small Projects, in Video (3:12)

Suggested Tools & Equipment

Paint sprayers from Graco, Magnum, or TrueCoat (visit Paint Sprayer category page to compare models)

Paint/Stain

Spray tips: The most effective size is usually a narrow 6- or 8-inch spray fan (seetip selector)

buckets that are empty for cleaning and priming sprayers (two needed)

Mixing sticks

Better finish and tip plug prevention are both achieved by using a paint strainer bag.

drop cloths, tarps, or plastic sheeting

tape masking

Brush for touch-up painting

Magnum tip extension (optional) – for difficult-to-reach spots where a ladder would otherwise be necessary

if required, more airless hose sections

Spray barrier

Pump Armor lubricant (see pump protectant product details)

cloths for cleaning

cleaning using stiff nylon brushes

Safety and defense gear, including safety goggles, a dust mask or respirator, and a spray sock or cap to cover the head

Getting Started/Prep

As much of the furniture as you can remove from the space. Any remaining furniture should be moved to the middle of the space and thoroughly covered. Give your tools and equipment lots of room.

To safeguard wall surfaces, wrap the trim’s edges in masking tape and protective paper. Cover the entire floor area that is adjacent to or beneath the door and trim.

Remove the door and set it on a table or two sawhorses. All door hardware should be removed.

Look for any holes or cracks in the trim or doors. When filling with putty, smooth out any rough edges after.

All the trim and door surfaces should be cleaned and dried completely with a thorough wipe-down. Lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to improve paint adhesion. Wipe the surface again to remove the dust.

Spraying Trim & Doors

Choose the spray tip that is most appropriate for your chosen paint or stain and the surface you plan to spray it on. Make sure the tip’s hole size is within your sprayer’s maximum capacity (see spray tip info).

In order to ensure uniform color, even if there are slight color variations between individual paint cans, combine paint from several containers in an empty 5-gallon container. Choose the lowest pressure level that enables you to retain a decent spray pattern while spraying lighter materials like stains.

You’ll have more control and a finer finish if you use lower pressure settings.

It is advised to paint the trim first if your project involves painting the inner walls of the room.

Long, steady strokes should be used to spray the trim, with the tip held about 12 inches from the surface. For doors, leave around 50% space between each subsequent spray pass.

For more advice on spraying, go to How to Use a Paint Sprayer: Spray Techniques.

Clean-Up

Before removing the tape from your trim, give the paint or stain ample time to cure. Crisp, clean lines will be produced as a result.

Furniture and other areas should be free of all coverings.

Rehang any doors and replace any missing hardware.

After each usage, clean your airless paint sprayer. Use the bucket method of cleaning, if appropriate, or follow the instructions in your user’s manual for Power Flush cleaning using water-based materials. View the Power Flush Video or consult your Sprayer Operation Manual for further details.

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