[shelzmike]

I have always painted trim after I install it. I have read plenty of places where folks have said they prepaint at least primer and first coat for less work after install.

Makes sense to me, but should you paint full boards or measure it all out, cut, then paint. The latter doesn't make as much sense to me.

 

[ktownskier]

Paint full boards, if you cut them, invariably the measurements will be off.

Just prime and paint all 4 sides.

 

[Nealtw]

Outside or inside?

 

[shelzmike]

Paint full boards, if you cut them, invariably the measurements will be off.

This is exactly what I was thinking. I do somewhat question all 4 sides for interior trim though. (you may have thought I was referring to exterior in which case it would make more sense)

Just prime and paint all 4 sides.

Outside or inside?

Interior.

 

[Old Thomas]

I paint 2 coats, then cut and install. You don’t want gobs of paint on cut ends. Spackle the nail holes and touch up the paint.

 

[Nealtw]

I agree with others, paint, cut, install, touch up.

 

[mark sr]

IMO it's best to apply the final coat after installation. After the wood is nailed up it needs to be caulked and puttied. It will look better with a full coat of paint applied after installation rather than just touching it up.


I'd also prime full boards rather than cutting them first and then painting.

 

[dj3]

I like to pre-paint as much as possible - primer for sure.
Things like baseboards are a lot easier to paint on a work bench than on the floor, if you know what I mean.

 

[SPS-1]

Heck of a lot easier painting baseboard when its racked out at waist level, rather than doing it on your hands and knees.

 

[BigJim]

Just make sure the paint you use can easily be touched up, some paints can't. One area I would walk away from when prepainted was stairs. There is no way to do some work without messing it up if prepainted or having to do some sanding.

 

[shelzmike]

I think I'm going to split the difference. I am using a semi gloss Super Paint so touch up is tricky with the sheen. I will prime and first coat, then I stall, fill nail holes, caulk, then paint final coat. I always like to paint over the caulk anyhow because caulk has a tendency to get dirt stuck in it and harder to clean than a semi gloss paint. Thanks for all the input!