Should You Paint or Replace Your Trim?

Trim takes a beating over the years. Baseboards get kicked, door frames get dinged, and window trim fades in the sun. So when it's looking rough, should you paint it or replace it?

When Painting Makes Sense

Paint your trim if:

• The damage is mostly cosmetic (scuffs, faded color)
• The wood is solid and not warped
• You're happy with the style
• Budget is tight
• You're doing a quick refresh

A good paint job on solid trim can make it look brand new. Sand it smooth, prime any bare wood, and apply two coats of semi-gloss paint.

When Replacement Makes Sense

Replace the trim if:

• It's rotting or water damaged
• It's badly warped or pulling away
• The style is outdated and you want a change
• There are big chunks missing
• It's been painted so many times it's lost its detail

The Middle Ground

Sometimes you can do both:

• Replace the worst pieces
• Paint the ones that are still good
• Just make sure the profiles match

Cost Comparison

Painting trim costs much less than replacing it. A gallon of trim paint runs $30-50 and covers a lot. New trim might be $1-3 per linear foot, plus labor.

But if you paint damaged trim, you're just putting lipstick on a pig. It won't look right and you'll wish you'd replaced it.

Tips for Painting Existing Trim

• Clean it well with TSP or degreaser
• Sand glossy surfaces so new paint sticks
• Fill dents and holes with wood filler
• Use a good primer on bare spots
• Semi-gloss or satin finish is easiest to clean

Take an honest look at your trim. If it's solid wood in decent shape, paint will transform it. If it's falling apart, replacing it is money well spent. When painting trim, semi-gloss is usually the right finish.