How To Paint or Stain Trim & Doors Using a Paint Sprayer

Painting trim and doors in a room can often be overlooked. A new or updated paint color can put the finishing touch on an interior painting project. A paint sprayer is one of the best ways to eliminates brush marks and evenly coat the trim and door surface resulting in a professional finish. 

WATCH: How to Spray Small Projects (3:12)

Suggested Tools & Equipment

• Graco, Magnum, or TrueCoat Paint Sprayer (visit Paint Sprayer category page to compare models)
• Paint/Stain
• Spray tips – a narrow 6- or 8-inch spray fan typically works best (see tip selector)
• Empty buckets for priming sprayer and cleanup (two needed)
• Stir sticks
• Paint strainer bag – helps prevent tip plugs and provides a better finish
• Tarps, drop cloths, or plastic sheeting
• Masking tape
• Paint brush for touch-ups
• Magnum tip extension (optional) – for hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder
• Additional airless hose sections if needed
• Spray shield
• Pump Armor storage fluid (see pump protectant product details)
• Cleaning rags
• Stiff nylon brushes for cleanup
• Safety and protection equipment – safety glasses/goggles, dust mask/respirator, spray sock or hat to cover head

1. Move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Move any remaining furniture to the center of the room and cover it completely. Allow plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
2. Apply masking tape and protective paper around the trim’s edges to protect wall surfaces. Cover all floor surfaces that are near or under the trim and door.
3. Remove the door and place it across two sawhorses or a table. Remove all the door hardware.
4. Check for cracks or holes in doors or trim. Fill with putty as needed, and then sand any rough areas.
5. Thoroughly wipe clean all the trim and door surfaces and allow them to dry thoroughly. To increase paint adhesion, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper; then wipe again to remove dust.

1. Select the spray tip that’s best suited for the paint or stain you are using and the surface to be sprayed. Be sure the tip’s hole size does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer (see spray tip info).
2. If you’re using paint from multiple containers, mix it together in an empty 5-gallon container to ensure consistent color even if small color differences exist between individual paint cans. When spraying lighter materials like stains, select the lowest pressure setting that enables you to maintain a good spray pattern. Lower pressure settings will give you better control and a finer finish.
3. If your project involves painting the room's interior walls it is recommended to paint trim first. 
4. Spray the trim in long, even strokes, keeping the tip about 12 inches from the surface you’re spraying. For doors, overlap each successive spray pass by approximately 50%.

Visit How to Use a Paint Sprayer: Spray Techniques for more spraying pointers.

1. Allow significant time for the paint/stain to dry before removing tape from your trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
2. Remove all coverings from furniture and other areas.
3. Replace any hardware that you’ve removed and rehang any doors.
4. Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning if applicable. For more information, see Power Flush Video or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.