Trims and baseboards do well with semi-gloss paints because they are less reflective, easy to clean, and have good stain resistance. There are other factors to consider the best paint brand for trim and baseboards, as you will find out below.
High gloss paints are also a good option for trim and baseboard finishes because they are resistant to wear and tear, they are durable and budget-friendly. Painting trims and baseboards is a concern for new homeowners because the little enhancement can improve the overall look of a house.
If you have just moved to a new house and can’t stop staring at the baseboards and trims, maybe it’s time to improve their appearance by investing in a new paint brand. Baseboards and trims also come in designs that you might want to change over the years. However, we want to avoid focusing on renovations because of the high costs incurred that come with it.
So, let us recommend to you the best paint brand for trim and baseboards and its alternatives.
Best Paint Brand for Trim and Baseboards – Comparison Table
| Best paint brand for trim and baseboard | Brand | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| BEHR Premium Plus 1 gal. | Behr | Check Price Here |
| DUTCH BOY Interior Latex Paint | Dutch Boy professional | Check Price Here |
| Prestige Interior Paint and Primer in One | Prestige Lifetime | Check Price Here |
| Valspar Pristine Exterior Paint/primer | Valspar | Check Price Here |
| PPG PAINTS Latex Paint | PPG Paints | Check Price Here |
| Majic Paints Diamond Hard Acrylic Enamel High Gloss Paint | Majic Paints | Check Price Here |
| Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite | Rust-Oleum | Check Price Here |
BEHR Premium Plus 1 gal.
The best paint brand for trim and backboards is the Behr Premium Plus. Behr formulated their Premium Plus paint for indoor use. The white color can complement any home décor, and the enamel paint will air dry to a hard, leaving behind a glossy finish. Enamel paints are available in two types: the alkyd dries slow and will need retouching, and the water-based type that dries faster and has a low odor. Oil-based enamel paints like the Behr Premium Plus 1 gal. are best used on trims and baseboards in high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
When used, Behr will retain a shiny finish even if you have to wash the surface constantly. The paint has not incorporated volatile organic compounds, and we can conclude that it is safe for the interior trim and baseboard DIY project.
Pros
- Contains both the paint and primer
- Does not contain volatile organic compounds
- Can be used in the high moisture areas
- Leaves behind a pure white glossy finish
Cons
- May need more than one coat for good coverage
DUTCH BOY Interior Latex Paint
Latex paints are generally water-based, and some offer different finishes ranging from flat to a high gloss finish. Some latex paints contain enamel which helps to make the surface hard and less porous, and that is what you get with the Dutch Boy interior latex paint. Homeowners will, therefore, need to apply only one coat of painting and enjoy a durable and washable finish.
Dutch Boy interior latex paint is most suitable on trims and baseboards in the living rooms and bedrooms. A cause for concern with latex paint is whether it is VOC-free. Most latex paints will provide a good durable finish. However, they will release fumes during the drying process and even after it is dried. Most Dutch Boys formulated color paints contain VOC, especially after tinting; however, the white interior latex paint is low on VOC, thus good for indoor use.
Pros
- Provides a gloss enamel finish
- Can be cleaned
- Good for areas with less moisture
- One coat provides full coverage
Cons
- The colored variant contains VOC
- Can only be used on the inside
Prestige Interior Paint and Primer in One
Prestige Interior paint and primer will cover up to 250-400 sq. ft. per gallon. You can use it for interior semi-gloss painting because of its white hue. You can also use the Prestige Interior paint and primer in the family, media, bedroom, living rooms, and hallways. Once applied to your trims and baseboards, you can use water and soap when cleaning. The paint is durable and will leave behind a semi-gloss finish.
Acrylic paints are normally used for decorative purposes. They are good for finishes but can be high on VOC after tinting. While the Prestige Interior paint will afford you a semi-gloss finish, the cure time is especially long. So, you will have to stay away from your home for at least four hours. The Prestige brand offers both exterior and interior semi-gloss paints. Thus, you can use the Prestige Exterior Semi-gloss white if you need to work on your patio.
Pros
- Both the interior and exterior semi-gloss paints are available in white
- The coverage per gallon is huge
- Has incorporated both primer and paint
- The paint is low on VOC
Cons
- Takes a long time to cure
- Takes a lot of coats
Valspar Pristine Exterior Paint/primer
Exterior and interior paints have different properties. On the one hand, interior paints can withstand scrubbing and resist staining so that you can clean them. On the other hand, exterior paints are made to resist fading and mildew. So, depending on where the trim and baseboard are located, you will want to use suitable paint. Valspar Pristine is formulated for outside use. Most modern homes have incorporated rims and baseboards on specific exterior areas of their homes that could benefit from Valspar Pristine Exterior paint and primer.
The paint formulation ensures that the rims and baseboards don’t experience any organic growth. Additionally, the final finish offers a steely smoothness that will effectively resist dirt and stains. You can expect this paint to resist cracking and peeling thanks to its durable properties.
Pros
- Fights against algae and other organic growths
- The paint resists dirt and stains
- Does not crack or peel
- Has incorporated both primer and paint
Cons
- The paint is not resistant to dirt
PPG PAINTS Latex Paint
The PPG latex paint offers a semi-gloss finish, making it suitable for interior trims and baseboards. Latex paints such as PPG are known to have greater durability. They tend to retain color better and so will look good for the longest time possible. Not only that, but latex paints also have crack-resistant properties. Additionally, you can use them for any kind of painting project because of their versatility. The paint is available in different finishes ranging from flat to high gloss.
Some latex paints contain enamel that leaves behind a dry, hard and less porous surface. Latex paints are water-based and will come in big gallons. As such, you can typically find latex paints being used for commercial purposes or big projects.
Pros
- The paint is multipurpose
- Perfect for commercial use
- Retains color better
- It is resistant to cracking and peeling
Cons
- Takes a lot of time to dry
Rust-Oleum Gloss White
Rust-Oleum weighs 32 fluid ounces, and the paint has been formulated for exterior use. It is corrosion and weather resistant and can be used on different surfaces, including masonry, metal, wood, and concrete. The oil-based formula will leave behind a fresh shine on your surfaces. Also, the coverage is of superb quality and will last for a long time.
Rust-oleum is highly resistant to abrasion, chipping, and fading and has excellent rust prevention qualities.
Pros
- Can withstand the UV rays
- Offers a superior coverage
- It is resistant to chipping, peeling, and cracking
- The Paint is perfect for outdoor use
Cons
- The paints are thick and don’t spread well
Majic Paints Diamond Hard High Gloss Paint
Majic Paints is an all-purpose gloss white paint and odorless when used. The paint is easy to apply, non-flammable, and will effectively resist rust to protect your property or equipment. Apart from the glossy finish, the paint has superior color retention properties. It is also resilient to scratch and scuff marks and will retain a high-quality appearance over the years.
Pros
- The water-based formula promotes safety
- It is easy to apply
- Retains color and resists rust
- It is a non-flammable water-based formulation
Cons
- The paint is expensive
Rust-Oleum Zinsser PermaWhite Exterior Satin
Rust-Oleum Zinsser Perma White is a self-priming formulation thus doesn’t require sanding before use. The 31.5fl. Oz. will cover up to 100 sq. feet, and you can expect the area to retain its color for a long time. The paint brand will also resist dirt, moisture, mildew, and mold. The formulation is for exterior usage because it has incorporated mildewcide that helps prevent mold growth and mildew on the paint film.
Pros
- Offers a durable finish
- The self-priming paint adheres to surfaces without priming
- It is fade resistant
- Resists dirt and moisture
Cons
- The paint is thin, thus needs more coat
Factors to note when selecting the paint brand for trim and baseboards
Use a Primer
Most of the paint brands for trim and baseboards discussed above contain primer, but you will have to use a primer first for those that don’t have one. The latter seals the original paint. It helps hide joints and seams and prevents bleeding from knots, among other natural blemishes and coloring found in wood.
Most importantly, you should get a paint that matches the primer to bond and fuse into each other.
Available time and drying time
Paints have a very strong smell, and it is almost impossible to sleep in a room painted 5 hours earlier. So, if you don’t have anywhere to crash for two nights as the paint on your rims and baseboard dries up, we recommend that you use acrylic paints. Acrylic paints have little smell and can dry up quickly. They are also less toxic because they are water-based. Better yet, you can easily clean acrylic paint from your painting tools with water.
If you have a spare sleeping area rims and baseboard dries up, you can use oil paint. Oil paint releases a strong, toxic smell. As such, you will require plenty of ventilation if you paint your house with oil paint. You will also need a specific product to clean the tools used. On the flip side, oil paint is durable, has a superb finish, and can achieve a good covering.
Another option is the alkyd paints. This type has incorporated thinners made from either alcohol or mineral spirits. It is sometimes referred to as oil-based paint, even though it does not contain any oil. When used, it is just as resistant as oil. It doesn’t have a strong smell and dries in a fairly short time — at least an hour or less. Not only is it easy for you to wash off alkyd paints, but it is also less toxic compared to other paint types.
VOC levels
For the low luster and the semi-gloss finish paints, the VOC levels are capped at 380g/I per liter. For the flat finishes, the cap has been set at 250grams per liter.
Durability and finish
One advantage of semi-gloss paints is that the more gloss there is, the easier it is to clean up messes like fingerprints and smudges. Enamel paint is known to have the hardest finish. It is incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of abuse. However, the eggshell finish is the easiest to clean. You can use an eggshell finish on rims and baseboards in all areas of your house.
FAQ’s
Which is the best paint for baseboards?
The best paint for baseboards is semi-gloss or high-gloss paint.
Which is the best paint for interior wood trim?
The best paint for interior wood trim is semi-gloss paint or satin paint. The latter is more contemporary and wipe-able.
Conclusion
Now that you know the paint brand for trim and baseboards based best on your available time and desired finish, always be sure to research the VOC levels of the paints that you use. Invest in a primer if it isn’t incorporated in the paint, and if you are looking for a professional-looking trim and baseboard, use the oil-based paint. If you want to get a professional finish and stay in your house as the paint completely dries up, the alkyd paint will suffice. Still, if you are working with limited time and want your trim and baseboard painted quickly, then the water-based paints will suffice, and you can settle with either the semi-gloss or satin paints.
