by Janice Suchoski

Created on: August 22, 2009

There are numerous idea books and articles for projects done with interior trim and molding, but what does one do with what already exists? Interior trim-work and molding are a part of every room and can make or break a decorating scheme. Total replacement is one option but the expense is high. If molding is in good shape and the style is neutral enough to blend with any decor, working over what is already there saves both time and money.

There are two camps of thought on trim; stained or painted. The type of molding you have determines whether or not stain is an option. Most modern moldings are hybrids of wood types which have been joined together, or synthetic ones not made of wood at all. If present moldings are already stained, chances are they would take stripping and re-staining well. However, make sure the stain is truly a genuine stain and not one of the products wiped on to look like stain. Removal of a small section with stripping agent will determine this.

If moldings are painted and you want stain, it is necessary to determine what type you have. Poking a sharp needle into trim helps determine if what is underneath is wood or synthetic. Wood is tougher and the needle will not go in easily. If wood, you need to find out if it is solid grained wood or pieced. Pieced moldings do not take stain evenly and replacement will be necessary for an even, rich look. Strip a section to determine what you have. Keep in mind, especially if your house is older, that moldings may have been replaced here and there by previous occupants and what is solid wood in one area may be different in another. You will not know until all trim is stripped.

Painted moldings offer interesting decorating options too. If older and thickly painted with multiple coats, moldings lose a lot of their shape and definition. Stripping will return them to sharper outlines and a better looking final painted result. A good primer coat and at least two coats of good quality washable paint can make moldings look fresh and clean. Semi-gloss or gloss enamel are good options.

Moldings and trim painted the same color as the room become understated and allow furniture and decor to take the spotlight. Trim painted a different color than walls makes it pop forward and be noticed. Light trim on a darker background looks fresh while darker trim on a lighter background becomes an accent point to other decor in the room. Because trim surrounds a room and outlines doorways, use restraint in color choice. It can have the effect of a painted clown and draw all attention in a space.

If existing molding is bland and is to be painted anyway, adding other new molding to it to expand width or change style is a good option when total replacement is not practical. Fill nail holes with filler, sand lightly and paint the newly redesigned trim for a fresh new look. Home center stores offer lots of choice in trim to add to or accent what you already have.

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