Is it better to paint trim before installing or after? I've done both ways.

Last month I put up new baseboards in my living room and decided to paint them after nailing them in. It was a nightmare getting paint on the walls and having to tape everything off. 3 years ago I painted all my crown molding on the floor before hanging it, and that way was way faster but I had to touch up the nail holes anyway. I'm thinking pre-painting saves more time overall, but maybe I'm missing something. What method do you guys use and why?

2 comments

2 Comments

wesley_hart8h ago

Four years ago I painted trim after installing and honestly it wasn't that bad...

foster.ruby1d ago

You tried taping off? My buddy painted his baseboards after install and ended up having to repaint half the wall because the tape peeled off some of the old paint. Pre-paint is the way to go for sure.