How to Paint Dark Stained Wood Trim White

I told myself that when I finished the living room downstairs, I would take a break from painting and remodeling for a bit. Who was I kidding?! I can’t sit still or keep from painting. The dining room remodel progress is coming along slowly due to other pressing projects that have to be completed. However, my main complaint when we moved to the farmhouse was how dark it was. Paint to the rescue. This is how to paint dark stained wood trim white the easy way.

Before Painting Dark Stained Wood Trim White

Every inch of this house needs a coat of paint so I just paint as I go and when time allows. For this room, I used Sherwin Williams “Rhinestone”. For the trim I used a primer and then the Behr Premium trim paint in “Ultra Pure White”. I feel like the trim is the most tedious. I was really impressed with the coverage of the Sherwin Williams paint. In just the right light, this shade almost has a faint soft blue hue. It’s exactly what I was looking for in my dining room.

I have only used two wall colors in my entire house. I have used many in previous homes we’ve owned but I find not only is it hard to keep up with, it’s almost too “busy” for my taste. I like clean and simple.

Dark Trim in Progress

This house has a ton of wood work. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. It’s just too dark for my taste. It’s not original finish. Somewhere along the way, someone has painted, stripped and restained every inch of this house. I love natural wood and felt good about leaving the doors as is, but the trim was just too much. I prefer rooms to be bright and light and open. It felt almost like a tomb in every room of the house.

I know so many people have opinions about painting wood or leaving as is. I always say “It’s your space. Do what makes you happy!”. Paint isn’t irreversible. I don’t know how I would have felt about painting an original finish, but I resort back to the comment above. Do what makes you happy.

Paint the Dark Stained Trim for an Instant Facelift

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this tired of painting. I love my home so don’t get me wrong but man oh man! Trim, baseboards, ceilings, walls. I don’t think there will be a single square inch of this home that hasn’t seen paint by the time we are finished.  

I think that by painting the dark wood trim white, it has made the gorgeous wood doors stand out and pop that much more. The details were almost hidden in all the darkness. I wanted their character to shine and be the show stoppers that they are. The pocket doors especially. There are two sets in the dining room alone and they are one of my favorite features of this home. Along with those original tin ceiling tiles.

Have you ever had to paint dark stained wood trim? Did you find success and were happy with the outcome?

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