Painting interior trim is no different than painting any other kind of wood. Start by sanding it until it is smooth and then apply primer. When the primer is dry, sand the trim again lightly using 150-grit sandpaper; this will smooth any grain that was raised by the primer.

Finally, paint using a solvent-based (alkyd) or preferably water-based (acrylic) enamel. When the first coat is dry, sand with 220-grit sandpaper and apply another coat.

Alkyd paints were once preferred because of their high-quality finish and how well they stood up to abuse, but today’s acrylics are now preferred for several reasons: Their look and durability are comparable, they are easy to apply and clean up, they are kinder on the environment, and they pose a lesser health hazard.

When choosing paint, be sure to pick either a satin or a gloss finish. This will give the trim a shiny quality that will help it stand out against wallpapered or flat-finished walls. In addition to its increased durability, enamel paint also makes a surface more washable.