If you’re planning crown molding and trim painting for your Orlando home, you’re wondering whether to do it yourself or call the pros. Maybe you installed beautiful trim and crown molding in your Winter Park bungalow. Or the molding in your Dr. Phillips home looks dingy. Either way, you want that crisp, clean finish that makes rooms look amazing.
Here’s what you need to know. Painting crown molding costs $1 to $4 per linear foot with pros in Orlando. DIY projects run $130 to $440 in supplies plus your time. The catch? Getting a quality finish takes the right method. This is especially true in Florida’s humidity.
We’ve helped hundreds of Central Florida homeowners since 2012. We know what separates good paint jobs from great ones. Whether you’re refreshing existing paint or finishing new molding, this guide shows you what to do.
Should You Paint Crown Molding Before or After Installation?
This question confuses homeowners more than anything else. You’ll find different answers online. Even some DIYers get it wrong.
The pro answer is clear: paint after you install. Here’s why this matters for your project.
When you paint before installing, you create problems. Every nail hole and corner joint needs touch-ups later. These spots almost always show. You’re putting fresh paint over dried paint. Some areas end up with three or four coats. Others only have two. This creates uneven color that catches the light incorrectly.
Handling painted molding during installation causes chips and scratches. Edges and corners get dinged up. What seemed faster becomes double work when you’re fixing damage everywhere.
The one exception is a base coat. You can seal bare wood or MDF before you install. Working with a base coat on a flat surface beats balancing on a ladder. Just know you’ll still need to smooth it lightly, seal all gaps, and add finish coats after install.
For the best look, follow this order:
- Install your crown molding completely
- Fill all holes with wood filler
- Seal every gap for a seamless look
- Seal the full surface
- Add two thin finish coats
This gives you smooth, seamless results. Your molding looks built-in, not stuck on. If you’re planning a new crown molding installation in Orlando, our team handles both steps. Everything flows perfectly.
Choosing the Right Paint and Finish for Orlando’s Climate
Orlando’s humidity isn’t just uncomfortable on summer days. It’s one of the biggest challenges when painting trim in Central Florida. Our average humidity tops 60% even on sunny days. That moisture affects drying time and how long paint lasts.
Best Paint Types for Crown Molding and Trim Painting
Water-based paints are the top choice for Orlando molding projects. Modern formulas handle our climate well.
Water-based paint is flexible. It moves as your home expands with temperature changes. It also lets moisture escape instead of bubbling under the surface. This matters a lot in Florida.
Drying time is another big plus. You wait 2 to 4 hours between coats. Oil-based paint takes 16 to 24 hours. In humid weather, a shorter drying time means less dust and bugs stick to wet paint. You finish a weekend painting project instead of spending a whole week.
Cleanup is easy with soap and water. There’s barely any smell. When you’re painting in summer with the AC on and windows shut, low odor helps a lot.
Oil-based paint still works for high-traffic areas and doors. It gets super hard and durable. Brush marks disappear as it dries. But for most molding in Orlando homes, water-based paints work better.
Many pros like water-based alkyd paint. Products like Benjamin Moore Advance are designed specifically for interior trim and give you that hard finish like oil paint. But you get all the good parts of latex, too. They cost more, but they last 10 years or longer.
Semi-Gloss, Satin, or High-Gloss?
Paint stores have lots of sheen options. For trim and crown molding, you have three good choices.
Semi-gloss is what most people use. You’ll see it in most Orlando homes. It has a nice shine that shows off detailed trim and molding features. It creates contrast against flat walls. The gloss makes trim pop. That’s what crown molding should do.
Semi-gloss works great in humidity. It blocks moisture better than flat paint. This stops mold and mildew. It’s also tough and easy to clean. This matters for the trim that gets touched and bumped.
Soft-sheen finishes are getting more popular for modern looks. They have a soft, gentle shine. Many homeowners in Windermere and Winter Garden pick this style. They want molding to blend in, not stand out. A low-luster finish also hides imperfections better. Brush marks don’t show as much.
The downside? It’s a bit less durable. Cleaning takes more effort. But quality paints with subtle shine still work well.
High gloss creates a fancy, formal look. It shines like a mirror. It’s the toughest finish and easiest to clean. But it shows every flaw. Every tiny bump shows under high gloss. Unless you want traditional elegance and perfect prep, high gloss is too much for most molding.
For most Orlando homes, semi-gloss is the sweet spot.
Top Paint Color Options for Trim
Picking the right trim color matters as much as the finish. Here are the most popular choices for trim and molding in Orlando:
White trim is the classic choice. It goes with any wall color. It makes rooms feel bigger and brighter. Most homeowners stick with white for good reason.
Matching trim to walls creates a modern, seamless look. This works great in contemporary homes. It makes ornate molding less obvious.
Matching trim to the ceiling is less common but can work. It makes ceilings feel higher. Just make sure the color selection makes sense with your walls and complementary colors in the room.
Whatever color you pick, test it first. Paint a small section and look at it in a different light. Morning light and evening light can change how colors look.
Essential Tools and Materials You Need
Getting a good finish starts with the right tools. Cheap brushes and low-grade paint always show in the final work. Spend money where it counts.
Must-Have Tools:
- Angled sash brush (2 to 2.5 inches) – This is your key tool. Purdy or Wooster makes great brushes for crown molding, baseboard, and all trim work
- Mini roller kit with microfiber covers – For bigger flat areas and doors
- Painter’s tape – 3M ScotchBlue or FrogTape works best
- Canvas drop cloths – They’re reusable and stay put better than plastic
- Sandpaper and sanding block – You need 150, 180, 220, and 320 grit
- Dripless caulking gun – Makes sealing gaps easier
- 5-in-1 painter’s tool – For scraping and opening cans
- Sturdy ladder – Safety first when reaching molding
Materials Needed:
- Quality trim paint (1 gallon covers 350-400 square feet)
- Base coat (for bare wood or MDF)
- Paintable latex gap filler
- Wood filler for holes, corners, and joints
- TSP cleaner
- Paint additive like Floetrol
One pro tip: add Floetrol to latex paint. This makes paint application easier, paint works longer, and cuts brush marks by 70-80%. You get that smooth look even without years of practice.
Our carpentry team keeps all these pro-grade tools ready. That’s why our work looks clean compared to typical DIY jobs.
Now that you have your tools and materials ready, let’s walk through the complete crown molding and trim painting process. Follow these steps carefully for professional-looking results.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crown Molding and Trim Painting Process
Let’s break this down into easy steps. Remember, prep work is 60 to 70 percent of the job. Don’t rush these early steps.
Phase 1: Preparation (The Most Important Part)
Step 1: Set up your work area. Move furniture from the walls. Lay down canvas drop cloths. Make sure you have good light. Molding work means lots of ladder time. Clear enough space to move safely.
Step 2: Clean everything well. Dust settles on molding like crazy. This is especially true in Orlando homes with AC running. Vacuum first. Then wipe down with a damp cloth or TSP solution. Let it dry fully. This takes about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Fix imperfections. Fill nail holes and cracks with wood filler. This takes 20 to 40 minutes. Then wait 1 to 2 hours for it to dry before moving on.
Step 4: Smooth the surface. Start with 150-grit sandpaper for rough spots. Then use 180 or 220-grit for everything. Use your sanding block to keep pressure even. This takes 45 to 90 minutes based on how much trim you’re doing. But you can’t skip it. This step gives paint something to grip. It removes the shiny surface from old paint.
Step 5: Clean again. Vacuum up dust from smoothing. Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth. Let it dry for 15 minutes before priming.
Phase 2: Priming and Painting Prep
Step 6: Start the priming and painting process. Apply primer if you’re working with bare wood or MDF. Or if you’re changing colors a lot. Primer takes 1 to 2 hours to put on. It needs 2 to 4 hours of drying time. Overnight is better in humid Orlando weather.
Step 7: Smooth the base coat lightly with 220 or 320-grit paper. This evens out any rough grain or bumps. Takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 8: Seal all gaps. This is one of the key steps for clean results. Run a thin line of paintable gap filler along every seam. Where trim meets wall or ceiling, smooth it with a wet finger or sealing tool. This takes 30 to 60 minutes. It needs 1 to 4 hours to dry.
Good sealing makes the trim look built-in instead of tacked on. It’s what separates amateur work from pro work.
Phase 3: The Painting Process
Step 9: Put on your first coat. Load your brush about one-third full. Use long, smooth strokes. Keep pressure steady. Work from top to bottom. Keep a wet edge so you don’t get lap marks. This takes 2 to 4 hours based on room size. You need 2 to 4 hours drying time before the next coat.
Step 10: Light smoothing between coats. After the first coat dries, lightly go over it with 320-grit paper. This removes dust bits or bumps. It helps the next coat stick perfectly. Takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
Step 11: Apply the second coat. Two thin coats beat one thick coat every time. Thick paint drips. It creates more work when you have to fix problems. The second coat goes faster. About 2 to 3 hours. Then another 2 to 4 hours drying time.
Step 12: Remove painter’s tape while the paint is still a bit sticky. Not fully dry. This stops you from pulling off dried paint with the tape.
Step 13: Let it cure. The paint feels dry after a few hours. But a full cure takes 7 to 30 days, based on the product you used. Don’t touch the trim too much during this time.
If you’re also updating walls and ceilings as part of a bigger refresh, our interior painting services can handle the whole project. Everything looks good together.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Painter
This is the big choice every homeowner faces. Can you DIY and save money? Or should you call a pro?
Let’s look at real costs for Orlando homeowners:
| Factor | DIY | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $130-$440 in supplies | $1-$4 per linear foot ($200-$800 for average room) |
| Time | 8-25 hours over 2-3 days | 1-2 days total (1-5 days for the whole home) |
| Skill | Moderate to high needed | Expert knowledge included |
| Quality | Varies by experience | Clean finish guaranteed |
| Tools | Buy or rent | All pro tools included |
| Climate Know-How | Research needed | Experts understand Orlando’s humidity |
| Physical Work | Lots of ladder work, overhead painting | Team handles everything |
| Mistake Risk | Learning curve can cost money | Experience stops common problems |
| Guarantee | None | Service guarantee included |
When DIY Makes Sense
Do it yourself if you:
- Have painting experience and feel confident
- Enjoy home projects and have time
- Feel comfortable on ladders for hours
- Only have one or two rooms to do
- Want full creative control
- Have a tight budget and flexible timeline
When to Call a Professional
Hire a painter if you:
- Want guaranteed results without learning as you go
- Have a full home’s worth of work
- Need it done for selling or showing your home
- Don’t have trim work experience
- Want to skip the physical demands of overhead work
- Value your weekends and free time
- Need work done with other home remodeling projects
The honest truth? Painting trim looks easy, but it needs specific methods. You want to avoid visible brush marks, drips, and uneven coverage. Professional painters have done hundreds of rooms. They know exactly how to work with Orlando’s humidity.
One homeowner said it perfectly: “I spent three weekends on my living room. It still didn’t look as good as when TJ Handyman did my bedroom in six hours.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We’ve seen every trim work mistake over our 12 years. Here are the most common problems and how to stop them:
Skipping surface prep. This is the number one DIY mistake. Dirty or shiny surfaces lead to peeling paint. Always clean, smooth, and repair before you paint.
Using cheap brushes. A $3 brush leaves bristle marks. It creates uneven coverage. Spend money on a quality angled sash brush. You’ll see the difference right away.
Putting paint on too thick. One thick coat seems faster than two thin ones. But it leads to drips. It dries unevenly. Always use thin, even coats.
Not keeping a wet edge. If you let one section dry before doing the next part, you’ll see lap marks where they meet. Work in sections you can manage. Keep the edge wet.
Painting in bad weather. Orlando’s humidity means timing matters. Don’t paint when humidity tops 85 percent. Or when temps drop below 50°F or go above 90°F. October through March offers the best weather in Central Florida.
Pulling tape at the wrong time. Remove too early and you risk smudging wet paint. Wait too long, and dried paint comes off with tape. Remove it when the paint is dry to the touch but not fully cured.
Poor gap sealing. Gaps between trim and walls and ceilings look bad. They waste the point of crown molding. Take time to seal every seam right.
Forgetting to smooth between coats. Even the best paint gets a bit rough as it dries. Light smoothing between coats creates that glass-smooth look.
Our trim painting services team avoids these problems. We’ve learned through experience what works in Orlando homes and what doesn’t.
Best Time to Paint in Orlando: When to Schedule Your Project
Florida’s weather creates special challenges. Here’s what you need to know about timing your molding work in Orlando.
Winter (October through March) is perfect. This is prime season in Central Florida. Humidity drops. Temps stay nice. You’ll have fewer weather problems. Paint dries evenly and sticks well during these months.
Spring (Late March through April) works if you start early. Finish before the summer heat and humidity arrive. Watch for pollen season. It can mess with wet paint if you work with windows open.
Summer and Fall (June through November) are tough. Hurricane season, high humidity, afternoon storms, and extreme heat all work against quality work. If you must paint, then work early morning when the humidity is lowest. Run the AC to control the inside air. Use dehumidifiers if needed.
Indoor painting projects are possible year-round since you control the space. But you’ll still get better results during cooler, drier months.
What Crown Molding Work Costs in Orlando
Let’s talk real numbers so you can plan your budget.
Professional costs in Orlando:
- Painting crown molding: $1 to $4 per linear foot (average $2 to $2.50 per foot)
- Average single room (all trim): $200 to $600
- Full home interior (2,500 square feet): $500 to $4,000
- Cost factors: ceiling height (above 8 feet costs 25% more), fancy vs. simple designs, number of rooms, and current condition
DIY costs:
- Paint and sealer: $50 to $110
- Brushes and tools: $40 to $100
- Supplies (gap filler, sandpaper, drop cloths, tape): $40 to $230
- Total DIY investment: $130 to $440 plus 8 to 25 hours
Combined install and painting:
- Crown molding installation: $4 to $15 per linear foot
- Add painting: $1 to $3.50 per linear foot
- Complete job (install plus paint): $5 to $18 per linear foot
When planning your budget, remember that quality materials matter in Florida’s weather. Cheap paint saves $20 per gallon. But it might need redoing in 3 years instead of 8 to 10 years with premium products.
We give free estimates with no pressure. Give us a call at 321-424-8590. We’ll look at your specific job and give you clear pricing.
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Why Orlando Homeowners Choose Professional Crown Molding Painters
We’ve served Central Florida from Lake Nona to Windermere for over a decade. Our residential and commercial painting experience means we understand what both homeowners and property managers need.
We know Orlando’s weather challenges. Florida’s humidity affects every part of painting. We pick products made for moisture resistance. We time work for the best conditions. We use methods that stop mold, mildew, and sticking problems common in humid weather.
We deliver expert results fast. What takes most homeowners three weekends, our experienced team finishes in one to two days. You get your home back quickly without losing quality.
We use top materials. The paint brands we pick are chosen for durability in Florida’s tough weather. We don’t cut corners with budget products that fail early.
We’re your neighbors. As a family-owned business started in 2012, we’ve built our name on treating every Orlando home like our own. We show up on time. We communicate clearly. We protect your furniture and floors. We clean up well when we’re done.
We handle details others miss. Perfect sealing. Good surface prep. Smooth, mark-free finish. These details separate okay work from great work. They’re exactly what we deliver on every job.
Whether you’re refreshing one room or updating a whole home, we make it easy and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Molding and Trim Painting
Should I paint crown molding before or after installation?
Always paint after installation. When you paint before installing, every nail hole, seam, and corner joint needs touch-ups afterward. These spots almost always show because you’re applying fresh paint over already-dried paint. Paint after your molding is fully installed, sealed, and prepped for the best results.
What’s the best paint finish for crown molding – semi-gloss or satin?
Semi-gloss is the industry standard and works best in Orlando’s humid climate. It provides excellent moisture resistance, shows off molding details beautifully, and cleans easily. A soft-sheen finish works well for modern homes where you want a softer look, but it’s slightly less durable. Avoid flat or matte finishes on trim.
How much does it cost to paint crown molding in Orlando?
Professional painting costs $1 to $4 per linear foot in Orlando, with most jobs averaging $2 to $2.50 per foot. An average room (all trim) runs $200 to $600. A full 2,500 square foot home costs $500 to $4,000. DIY materials cost $130 to $440 plus 8 to 25 hours of your time.
Can I paint crown molding myself, or should I hire a professional?
You can DIY if you have painting experience, feel comfortable on ladders for hours, and have time for a 2-3 day project. Hire a professional if you want guaranteed results, need it done quickly, or don’t have experience painting trim. Pros finish in 1-2 days and know how to handle Orlando’s humidity challenges.
How long does it take to paint crown molding?
DIY: 2-3 days for one room (including drying time), or 1-2 weeks for a full home. Professional: 1-2 days for most homes. The actual painting is quick, but proper prep work and drying between coats takes time. Never rush the process, or you’ll get poor results.
What’s the best time of year to paint trim in Orlando?
October through March is ideal. Winter months in Central Florida offer lower humidity, comfortable temperatures, and fewer weather problems. Paint dries evenly and adheres properly. Avoid June through November (hurricane season, high humidity, frequent storms). Indoor projects work year-round with AC control.
Do I need to prime crown molding before painting?
Apply a base coat if you’re painting bare wood, MDF, or changing from dark to light colors. You can skip this step if you’re repainting trim in a similar color and the existing paint is in good shape. Always seal for the best adhesion and coverage, especially in Florida’s humid climate.
How do I prevent brush marks when painting trim?
Use these pro techniques: (1) Buy a quality angled sash brush – cheap brushes leave visible marks, (2) Add Floetrol to latex paint – reduces brush marks by 70-80%, (3) Use long, smooth strokes with light pressure, (4) Don’t overwork the paint – apply and leave it alone, (5) Apply two thin coats instead of one thick coat.
Should crown molding be the same color as the walls or the ceiling?
Most common: White or the same color as the other trim. This creates a classic contrast against the walls. Less common: Match ceiling – makes ceilings feel higher but can look dated. Growing trend: Match walls – creates a seamless, modern look. Test your chosen color on a small section first to see how it looks in different lighting.
How long should I wait between coats when painting molding?
Latex paint: Wait 2 to 4 hours between coats. In Orlando’s humidity, allow the full 4 hours or even overnight for best results. Oil-based paint: Wait 16 to 24 hours between coats. Paint feels dry to the touch after 1-2 hours, but it needs the full drying time for proper adhesion. When you paint the trim, rushing between coats causes problems.
Ready to Transform Your Orlando Home?
Crown molding and trim painting dramatically improve how your home looks. It creates that polished, finished look that makes rooms feel complete. Whether you DIY or hire pros, the key is good prep, quality materials, and careful attention to detail.
If you’re ready to see what pro work looks like, we’d love to help. Our team has transformed hundreds of Orlando homes. We’re ready to bring that same skill to your project.
Here’s what happens next:
- Call us at 321-424-8590 or visit tjhandymanservicesllc.com
- We’ll schedule a time that works for you
- You get a detailed, clear estimate
- Our pro team finishes the work efficiently
- You enjoy beautiful molding for years
We serve homeowners throughout Orlando, Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, and all nearby Central Florida communities. Whether you need crown molding painting services for one room or a whole home, TJ Handyman Services delivers the quality you deserve.
Don’t settle for molding that looks outdated or DIY work that falls short. Let our family-owned team show you what professional crown molding work should look like.
Call 321-424-8590 today for your free estimate, or visit tjhandymanservicesllc.com to learn more about all our services.
