Trim rarely gets the spotlight. It doesn’t command a room the way a bold wall color does, nor does it compete with a statement light fixture. Yet in nearly every home in Greater Boston, from 19th-century Victorians to post-war Colonials, trim quietly frames the entire space. Baseboards outline the room, casings define openings, and crown molding bridges walls and ceilings with an understated grace.
Which is exactly why trim deserves a bit more appreciation, and a lot more finesse.
Trim Painting Isn’t an Afterthought (Though It’s Often Treated Like One)
Many homeowners think of trim as the “quick part” of a painting project. But trim exposes every shortcut. It shows every brush stroke, every uneven edge, and every missed gap in caulking. Walls can sometimes hide imperfections; trim absolutely does not. And, in Newton’s older homes, trim profiles tend to be more ornate and architectural. The challenge and payoff are even greater.
Prep Makes the Profile
Before any interior painting begins, our trim painting starts with prep. We sand down old ridges and brush marks so the surface looks smooth rather than layered or lumpy. Also, we repair gaps and nail holes to give the trim a continuous, uninterrupted line. And, we spot-prime to prevent stains or previous coats from bleeding into the new finish.
It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the foundation of crisp and sharp trim; it’s the difference between a professional finish and something more akin to a weekend project.
Older Homes Bring Extra Personality (and Extra Work)
Trim in older homes often has stories to tell. You’ll find:
- Hand-carved casings with generations of paint layers
- Crown moldings with ornate shadows and curves
- Baseboards that have been vacuumed by more than a few vacuum cleaners
Painting this kind of trim is about preserving details and calls for talented people with an eye for historic restoration. Our crews sand to maintain original profiles and repair chips rather than bury them, and use primers to support long-term stability.
Trim Painting in Newton & Greater Boston
When trim is painted properly, the entire room shifts. Spaces feel cleaner and more structured. Architectural details become more visible. Shadows and shapes look more intentional. Even older homes feel revitalized without losing their character.
Whether your home has simple, modern casings or the kind of historic moldings that have been part of the property for generations, trim deserves expert attention.
At Catchlight Painting, we treat trim as a craft, not an afterthought. Ready to refresh your trim and elevate your space? Contact Catchlight Painting today.
