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1. Remove all loose or cracked paint with a stiff putty knife. Work in various directions to get underneath the loose paint.
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2. Fill nicks and gouges with a two-part wood filler. Mix it thoroughly (following label directions) with a 2- or 3-in. flexible metal or plastic putty knife.
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3. Pick up a dab of putty with the knife and apply it to the gouges. Hold the putty knife at an angle and press and smooth the filler into the scraped area. Leave the filler slightly higher than the surrounding surface.
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4. Sand the filler flush to the painted surface with 100- or 120-grit sandpaper or a medium sanding sponge. Make sure to eliminate all ridges. Then finish-sand with 180-grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge. Spot-prime the filler and any bare wood.
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5. Hold a utility light close to the surface, and circle any imperfections with a pencil. Fill, sand and spot-prime these areas. Finally, lightly sand the entire surface with the 180-grit paper to ensure that the new paint will stick.
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6. Apply a small bead of paintable caulk to the crack between the wood and the wall. Smooth the caulk with a damp rag wrapped around your finger. Wipe the edges to remove any ridges of caulk.
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7. Pour a quart of paint into the pail and add a latex additive (such as Floetrol) for smoother results. Follow the label’s instructions for the correct amount. Mix thoroughly.
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8. Dip the brush bristles 1 to 2 in. into the paint to load the brush. Lightly tap the tip of the brush against the sides of the pail to shake off excess paint.
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9. Start at the top of the board with the loaded brush and stroke down toward the middle. When the brush begins to drag, stop and reload.
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10. "Tip" the wet paint by lightly setting the tip of the brush against the wet paint at the top of the board and lightly stroking down the whole length of the board. Hold the brush almost perpendicular to the surface for this stroke.
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11. The fine brush strokes left after tipping will flow together until the paint begins to skin over.
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12. Apply painter’s masking tape to protect finished surfaces before brushing on the second color. Carefully position the tape and push it tight against the surface with a stiff putty knife. Be sure the paint underneath has thoroughly dried.
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13. Load the 1-1/2 in. brush with paint and drag one side over the edge of the pail. Holding the dry side of the brush toward the wall, carefully set the tip of the brush close to the wall line. Apply a little pressure and pull the brush along the line. Guide the paint up to the line by manipulating the pressure and position of the brush’s tip as you pull it along.
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Painting woodwork has always been intimidating for me. I live in an older house with lots of "issues," so it has seemed like a daunting task. With these instructions and photographs of the process, I feel more knowledgeable and ready to tackle this project. ... thank you