Trim and Baseboard Painting in Scarborough

The duration depends on the scope of the project, including the linear footage and complexity of the trim. A typical whole-home trim refresh can take anywhere from 2-5 days, while smaller projects might be completed in a single day. We'll provide a clear timeline with your quote.

We primarily use high-quality oil-based or waterborne enamel paints. Enamels are chosen for their superior durability, smooth finish, and resistance to scuffs and chips, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like trim and baseboards. We can discuss the best option for your specific needs.

While we handle all the meticulous preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and taping, we recommend clearing the immediate area around the trim. Moving furniture away from walls and removing any wall hangings will help us work more efficiently and safely.

We can certainly match your existing trim color if you provide a sample or the paint code. Alternatively, we can help you choose a new color from popular options like cloud-white or natural-white, or any other shade that complements your home's interior.

Oil-based enamels are known for their extreme durability and smooth, hard finish, but they have a stronger odor and longer drying time. Waterborne enamels offer excellent durability with less odor, faster drying times, and easier cleanup, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. We'll discuss the pros and cons for your project.

While all paints have some odor, we use high-quality, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints whenever possible, especially waterborne enamels, to minimize strong smells. We also ensure proper ventilation during and after the painting process to dissipate any lingering odors quickly.

Part of our detailed preparation process includes addressing minor imperfections. We'll fill small dents, cracks, and nail holes, and sand them smooth before painting, ensuring a flawless surface. For more significant damage, we can discuss our drywall integration services.

While the paint will be dry to the touch within a few hours, it typically takes about 7-14 days for the paint to fully cure and reach its maximum hardness and durability. During this time, it's best to be gentle with the newly painted surfaces to avoid scuffs or damage.

Homes built before 1980 may have lead-based paint, especially on trim, doors, and window frames. Professional painters test for lead before sanding or scraping, and use containment procedures if found. We follow Ontario safety guidelines and ensure proper preparation for a lasting, safe finish.

Plaster walls require different preparation than drywall — we fill cracks with flexible filler, skim-coat damaged areas, and use primers designed for plaster adhesion. Multiple thin coats of premium paint deliver the best results on these textured, character-rich surfaces.

Original wood trim in older homes — baseboards, crown molding, door casings — is often higher quality than modern replacements. Professional stripping, sanding, priming, and repainting preserves the character while refreshing the look. We only recommend replacement when wood is rotted or severely damaged.