How do you prepare wood trim for paint?

It's important to prepare wood trim properly to achieve a professional-looking paint job. Use a nail set, a hammer, sandpaper, wood filler, a putty knife, a rag and a vacuum cleaner to prepare wood trim for paint.

1. Gather your supplies

   Use a nail set, a hammer, wood filler, sandpaper and a putty knife to fill nail holes and other damage. Use household cleaner, vinegar, water, a vacuum cleaner and a rag to smooth and clean the wood trim.

2. Fill nail holes

   Push nail heads below the surface of the wood trim with a nail set and a hammer. Overfill the nail holes with wood filler using a putty knife. Allow the wood filler to dry. Sand the dry filler until the surface is smooth.

3. Sand the wood

   Sand all the wood trim to remove rough spots.

4. Clean the trim

   Vacuum the sanding dust from the wood trim. Wash all the trim with a household cleaner. Mix 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Wipe the trim with the mixture and a clean rag.

5. Patch the trim

   Patch any imperfections in the wood trim with wood fill. Overfill the areas with the wood fill slightly and allow it to dry. Sand the dry wood fill. Clean the areas of patched wood trim a second time. Allow to dry.

6. Paint the trim

   Paint the wood trim with the paint color of your choice and a small painter's brush.