When it comes to painting wood trim and molding, the color of the trim can really date your home. 

Nothing screams “out of date” more than trim that simply doesn’t match with today’s expectations. Yet in many cases it’s not just a question of paint or stain. If you’re trying to maintain historic quality in your décor, stain may be the perfect choice.

Wood Trim and Molding: To Paint Or Not To Paint?So how do you know what the right choice is? When it comes to choosing a color for your doors, molding, and trim, what should you do – paint or stain?

Trends change. The shag carpets and gold and orange colors from yesteryear may seem out of date … until they become the latest trend once more.

Remember, styles and colors change all the time. Typically six to seven years is the normal span for trends to run from acceptance to domination, finally beginning to fade into the next trend.

Before you make a decision, ask yourself a few questions first.

How old is the home?

In some cases, wood trim is more than a design element – it’s a historic statement. When homes were built decades ago, they didn’t paint the trim, they left it natural. Wood trim makes a classic home more appealing – it just looks right. And to cover it with paint would change the entire structure.

Do I want the daunting task of painting the trim?

When homes are built, typically every room is the same when it comes to design structure. So if doors, trim and molding are wood in the main living quarters, chances are they run that way throughout your home. If you paint one room, you’ll be obligated to paint the trim room to room to give visual equality throughout your home.

Do I want the maintenance of paint?

While wood trim does need to be re-stained from time to time, it typically lasts longer than paint. And once you paint your trim, it will sustain scuffs and marks, meaning you’ll need touchups and repainting on a more routine basis. Keep in mind that once you paint a trim previously stained, reverting backwards to solid wood and stain takes a lot of manpower to sand and restain – or replacing to natural wood once more. Ask yourself “is this truly the look I want” anytime you are thinking about adding paint to wood. Get more advice on how to paint wood trim here.

What advice can I get?

While you may be tired of the wood look, in some cases paint isn’t your only solution. Talk with your painting professional or decorator first for other ideas. Maybe adding crown molding in a soft white to match your new wall color – which accents the wood features around your windows – will do the trick instead and provide you with an entirely new and updated look.

When it comes to trim, there are always many options. Talk with your paint professional first to find the perfect solution for you.