I installed new windows about four years ago, and while the installer put on the trim, he never painted it. My husband and I have been meaning to get around to painting the trim ourselves, but life got in the way. Now, four years later, we're still staring at unpainted trim, and it's starting to chip and gather dirt. I've done some research and picked up some supplies like caulking and paint, but I'm feeling hesitant as I've never taken on a job this big before—there are 13 windows! I'd love to hear from anyone with experience on whether I should just dive in and paint or if I should hire a pro.
Additionally, we've got six doors that we ordered four years ago sitting in the garage—also waiting to be painted and installed with trim. My husband hasn't made much progress with this either. Can a contractor handle both the window trim and the door installation, or should these be two separate projects? Thanks for any insight you can offer!
3 Answers
Oh, a quick note about the doors! If they’re pre-hung, you won’t have to worry about fitting them into the existing frames, which is great for beginners! However, hanging doors can still be tricky since getting the angles and measurements right is key. If you're not familiar with this process or lack the right tools, it’s probably best to hire a pro for the installation. For the painting, just like with the trims, you can paint them while they're on sawhorses. Just make sure they’re set for fitting before you break out the paint!
I'd suggest a quick plan: start by vacuuming and cleaning the trims with TSP. Then, give them a light sand with 120-grit paper. Spot prime any chips and caulk any gaps. Use a quality acrylic trim paint with a 2-inch angled brush and aim to tackle about two windows a day to make it manageable. Regarding your six doors, a finish carpenter can handle painting, hanging, and adding trim all in one go. Just make sure to get at least three quotes and a clear timeline to ensure everything goes smoothly!
Welcome to the DIY adventure! For those window trims, here's a simple breakdown: First, give them a good cleaning using a strong detergent like TSP. Make sure to mask off your area with tape and plastic to avoid any messy accidents. After cleaning, inspect for any chips—if there are significant ones, sand them down and re-prime. I recommend re-priming all the surfaces just to be safe. For the color coat, use a 'Cabinet and Trim' paint; it’ll dry harder and resist chipping better. Apply 2-3 thin coats, following the wood grain, and keep an eye on the temperature while painting. Once it’s dry to the touch, carefully peel off the tape for nice clean lines! Watching a tutorial on this might also be helpful! Good luck!
It’s awesome that your doors are pre-hung! That definitely saves you some hassle. Once they’re fitted, just take your time when painting and enjoy the process!