White panel color | Julie Blanker (2023)

Get my best tips and tricks for painting white finishes, plus my favorite paint colors for white finishes! This simple upgrade will instantly elevate any space.

Painting the trim white is one of my favorite home upgrades because it's so quick, easy, and inexpensive. It also makes a big impact in a space!

My husband and I have renovated several homes. One of the first jobs I did on each was painting, including applying a good coat of white paint to the finish. I loved how the white trim made each space feel clean and fresh.

I startedPaint walls and trim the same colorin white, because it creates more cohesive, open and welcoming spaces. And of course, I love the subtle white-on-white effect.

In all our renovations, I learned some useful tips, from how to paint white, how toPaint on stained wood without sanding, youHow to choose the best ceiling paintyThe best paint for trim.

Keep reading for my top tips and tricks for painting white finishes, plus all my favorite white paints!

white trim paint

The clean white border instantly elevates a space and makes it brighter. A fresh coat of white paint is the perfect way to show off your doors, windows and crown molding. After all, creating a beautiful home is in the details!

It should come as no surprise that painting is one of my tricks formake an old house look newis foradd light in a dark room. Painting the finish white is a great way to brighten and refresh a space, especially when paired withneutral colors.

I've said this before -neutral decorDoesn't have to mean boring! I think it's the perfect setting to create a calm and welcoming home.

White trim paint colors

Of course, anyone who has tried to choose a white paint knows that it's not as easy as it seems. There are so many different whites! In other words, there are warm whites and cool whites, each with their own shades that will affect how your eyes see the final color.

Don't worry, I'll take care of you. I tend to prefer warm-toned whites because I like the warmth and softness they bring to a space. But here's a list of all my favorite whites, hot and cold, and why I love them.

warm whites

• paloma blanca benjamin moore– a soft, warm white with a hint of gray undertone
• Benjamin moore navajo blanco– more yellow undertone than most whites, so can be quite warm in some lights
• – a clear, warm white with a hint of yellow undertone
• – a soft, warm white with the slightest “mud” tone (removed from the color chart but available in the archive collection)
• sherwin williams everyday white– a perfect creamy white
• Sherwin Williams Zurich White– this warm white is more like a neutral because it is neither too warm nor too cold, with a slight gray/grey undertone

nice whites

• Benjamin Moore Decorator's White – A white with a hint of gray tones, which in certain lighting can soften without looking creamy
• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace - a crisp clean white with some gray/blue undertones
• Sherwin Williams Extra White - Just like it looks, this white isextra white, perfect for a more modern look

Materials for painting white wood trim

• Sandpaper (grit 80, 100, 120) or Liquid Deglosser, recommended
• Cleaner and cleaning cloth
• Wood filler or putty
• caulking
• Scotch tape
• 2″ angled brush
• paint tray
• primer
• Oil- or water-based topcoat paint - I recommend a semi-gloss finish (learn more aboutpaint sparkles).

How to paint white trim

1. sand or degrease(for unpainted wood trim) - Follow directions for sandpaper or liquid polish. Typically, you'll use a clean cloth to wipe the icing off the trim, then let it sit for several minutes to "rough" the surface.
2. completely clean edge– Using a clean cloth and an all-purpose cleaner, thoroughly clean the trim. Then dry with a clean cloth or let it air dry.
3. fill holes– Using your fingers or a small putty knife, fill the holes with wood putty or light putty. Let dry completely, then lightly sand with 120-grit sandpaper. Tip: Using a light putty that turns pink and dries white makes it easy to tell when you're ready to paint.
4. caulking– Use paintable caulk to fill any seams or cracks in the trim or between the trim and the walls. Apply a small drop of caulk and smooth it out with your finger or a damp cloth. Let it dry completely.
5. Scotch tape– Secure all edges with masking tape, if desired.
6. Director– If you are painting over a dark wood finish, I recommend using a stain blocking primer like Kilz or Zinzer. This will prevent the wood grain from showing through. Prepare thoroughly, making sure to watch for any drips. Let it dry.
7. Intelligent– Paint with a high-quality semi-gloss topcoat paint. I love the Sherwin Williams Pro-Classic range because it goes on smoothly and hides brush marks, dries to a hard finish, and is durable and easy to clean. Paint with long strokes in the direction of the grain of the wood.
8. sand imperfections– After the paint is dry, check for stains such as drips. If necessary, lightly sand with 80-grit sandpaper and wipe off dust.
9. apply the second coat– Paint a second hand the same way as the first. Remove the painter's tape before the paint is completely dry to avoid chipping the paint. Tip: keep a box knife nearby to score between the edge of the trim and the tape, if needed.

More paint colors and tips

• paint palette
• white painted cabinets
• paint interior doors
• best cream paint
• White cloud
• Gamuza suave Benjamin Moore
• best paint for furniture
• eggshell paint
• Light OakBenjamin Moore