Painting Indoor Trim White?

The white trim is so fun! When I have done little jobs like this around the house, the trim goes in first...then paint it. That way if you can fill the nail holes before you paint for a nice smooth finish. Use masking tape on the wall and the floor to keep from getting paint there. The stark white trim really brightens things up! Have fun.

Replace the floor first. We painted our walls swiss coffee at first (sort of an off white color. They say its good for kds and hidimg dirt) and then painted all of the door frames, window frames, trim white (semi gloss). Everyone has commented that it looks great with the color contrast. At first you couldnt tell the walls were swiss coffe, but once we painted the trim it really brought it out and looks great. We also did it ourselves to save money, and it wasn't that bad. The most time consumming part is the prep. We have real wood floors and we had to lay painters paper/drop clothes down, tape off the trim, etc. Good Luck!

I've done it and it's a long arduous process with unbelievably wonderful results.
Use a gloss finish - don't use matte, you'll hate it. I use Benjamin Moore paint for everything and the glossy finish for the trim.
I'd paint before the new floors go in, but know that you'll have to do some touch ups after.
Enjoy!
LBC

Why is that a big step? White is the most common, and usually the best, color for moldings. Just make sure it's a nice, rich, creamy white, not an icky blue hospital white.

Unless they are spectacular, there is no need to keep the natural wood. And yes, prime first.

Paint it before you replace the floor? I guess it would make painting easier, you wouldn't have to worry about drips, but if the person painting is good there shouldn't be too many drips.

I'm a sometime designer, and I vote for white. I also vote for color on your walls.

Also, I have to disagree with the person who said to use matte paint. There should be some form of gloss on moldings. Eggshell or semi-gloss.

I prefer white trim and moldings. Use Benjamin Moore Aura Super White Matte finish. paint all the trim except the baseboards before the floor is replaced. The baseboards can painted after the floors are finished.

You should prime the trim/moldings first

I would actually consider painting first. That way, any paint that drips on the floor (and, trust me, it will, even with the utmost care and prep) is no big deal, floor's being replaced anyway. Here's how I would do it (actually, here's how I have actually had it done per my contractor's recommendation): 1) remove existing baseboards carefully if re-using 2) paint trim around windows and doors and paint previously removed or new baseboards in your garage or driveway (much, much easier than painting once they're installed) 3) put down new floor 4) re-install baseboards or install new baseboards (which, of course, you've already painted) 4) do the minor touch ups to the baseboards, fill in nail holes, touch up the paint. And yes, yes, yes on the white trim. It will make everything look fresh and clean and your wall color will look nice and new. Have fun!

*gasp* I live in a 1920s house and we took all the wood moldings off and refinished them. Such a tragedy to paint over nice quality wood!

replace the flooring first.
I hope you finish the wood floors with some kind of varathane/staining or something... because unfinished raw wood, will absorb stains etc.
Is this tongue & groove wood flooring, or square sheets that are already finished?
Real wood or synthetic like Pergo?

After the flooring is installed and completed, then do the baseboards.
And/or trim/moulding.
Sand it first... and fill any holes with wood putty. Then sand again to smooth it.
Can apply primer first. Then after it is dry, paint it.
You need to decide what finish of paint you want for the trims. ie: eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss. Usually, trims are painted in a semi-gloss... if a higher gloss then brushstrokes shows up more as you paint. Semi-gloss paint is also easier to wipe clean.
"Matte" paint attracts dirt/stains and is harder to clean.
"Egg-shell" paint finish... has a very very slight sheen.... but not 'matte.' and it is not 'glossy.'

White trim is very nice and versatile.

Use a water based interior trim paint. Easier clean up that way.
And of course, put down drop-cloths on the floor before you paint to protect the floors from dripping paint. :)

As a side note: laying down flooring can be tricky... you have to measure out the space... and then know how to cut the wood/flooring when around corners or odd shaped perimeters. Unless your room is a perfect square... and you need the proper tools to be able to cut/saw the flooring... and you either work from the center of the room outward... or from one side of the room toward the other... or from the perimeters inward... it depends on what kind of flooring you are installing. ASK the people at Home Depot or your home improvement center.

good luck,
Susan

Absolutely! we remodeled about a yr ago & i struggled with the same thing...but i did it...and i love it!! i'd definitely paint the trim b4 installing the floor...just save yourself the hassle of covering the floor (as not to get paint on it) etc.

You have to remove the baseboards to replace the floor...when they're out and in the garage either paint them or buy new ones, depending on how scuffed up they are.

To remove them, use a box cutter or other very sharp knife to cut the silicone bead which joins the baseboard to the wall. Then gently pry the boards off. They should be held in every 8" or so with a long nail.

Once they're off, you'll need to peel off the silicone, then sand and paint. GL!