Gather supplies: painter’s tape, drop cloths, sandpaper, putty knife, caulk, primer, trim paint, angled brush, small roller, cleaning cloths
Remove dust, dirt, grease, and grime from the trim
Fill nail holes, dents, and gaps with wood filler or caulk
Let repairs dry completely
Sand the trim smooth
Wipe away all sanding dust
Tape off adjacent walls, floors, and hardware
Apply primer if needed, especially on bare wood, patched areas, or stained trim
Let primer dry fully
Stir the trim paint thoroughly
Apply the first coat with a brush or small roller
Paint along the edges and detailed areas with an angled brush
Let the first coat dry
Lightly sand between coats if needed
Apply a second coat for full coverage
Remove painter’s tape before the paint fully hardens
Touch up any missed spots or rough edges
Let the trim cure before heavy use or cleaning