Have you noticed your painted trim isn’t looking so good? Maybe it’s along the baseboards where the vacuum bumps them, or around the doors where hands, shoes, and pets make contact. It’s frustrating, especially when you expected the finish to last for years. Many Omaha homeowners experience this, not because they did anything wrong, but because trim takes more accidental nicks than almost any other painted surface in the home.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting trim, doors, and woodwork throughout Omaha since 1996. We’ve seen nearly every cause of chipped paint imaginable, from poor prep work to using the wrong product type. Trim is one of those areas that looks simple to paint but requires careful steps behind the scenes for lasting results.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly why trim paint chips so easily and what you or your painter can do to prevent it. By the end, you’ll know the key differences between basic wall paint and professional-grade trim products, plus why prep work before painting woodwork matters just as much as the paint itself.
When trim starts chipping, it’s almost always tied to one of three things: poor prep, the wrong paint, or everyday wear.
Paint is only as strong as what it’s attached to. If the surface underneath isn’t properly cleaned, sanded, and primed, even the best paint will fail.
Here’s how prep can make or break trim paint:
A painter who skips these steps might finish the project quickly, but the paint won’t stay intact for long. Omaha homeowners with older homes often see this because older trim has layers of paint or varnish that require more attention.
Wall paint and trim paint aren’t the same. Trim needs a harder, more durable finish because it takes constant impact and contact. Using a wall paint or low-grade enamel will almost guarantee chipping.
Here’s what separates trim paint from wall paint:
For example, Benjamin Moore Command is one of our preferred products for trim and woodwork. It’s a waterborne acrylic urethane enamel that dries quickly and cures to a durable, scuff-resistant finish. It’s designed for high-traffic areas like doors, baseboards, and windows, exactly where paint tends to chip first.
Unlike typical latex paints, Command forms a stronger bond and has superior flexibility to handle seasonal wood movement (something Omaha homeowners deal with constantly). Some painters use this product for painting cabinets.
Even perfect prep and premium paint can’t stop physical abuse. Trim sits at floor level where furniture legs scrape it, kids kick balls near it, and vacuums bump against it. Door frames take extra punishment from swinging doors and moving boxes.
That’s why durability is key. A higher-quality paint isn’t just about looks; it’s about withstanding the reality of how trim is used.
If you’ve ever wondered why professional painters spend so much time sanding, taping, or cleaning before painting, here’s the answer: prep is what makes paint last.
When it comes to trim, prep is everything. It creates a strong base for adhesion and ensures the paint bonds correctly rather than just sitting on top.
Here’s what thorough prep includes for trim painting:
Trim is cleaned to remove dust, oils, and residues. Painters often use a degreasing cleaner or mild detergent before sanding.
Sanding creates a slightly rough texture for the new paint to grip. Even if the old paint looks fine, sanding helps the new coat stick better. For older trim, this may involve multiple grits to smooth out brush strokes or fill imperfections.
Any nail holes, dents, or gaps are filled and sanded flush. Then, painters reapply caulk where trim meets walls. Skipping this step can leave uneven lines and visible cracks.
Priming is especially important if there are bare spots or if the old finish was oil-based. A bonding primer helps ensure new paint adheres properly and prevents stains from bleeding through.
Once the prep is complete, trim paint is applied carefully using a brush or sprayer. Each coat is allowed to dry fully before the next is added to achieve an even, strong finish.
When these steps are skipped or rushed, it’s not surprising that paint starts chipping months later. That’s why many homeowners who hire budget painters notice problems sooner — they often save time by cutting corners in prep.
Woodwork paint has changed a lot over the years. Many older homes in Omaha still have trim painted with oil-based paint, which was once the gold standard for durability. While oil-based paints hold up well, they’re harder to work with, take longer to dry, and release more fumes.
Today, products like Benjamin Moore Command or Advance give that same hard finish without the strong odor or extended drying times. Command, in particular, is a fast-drying, waterborne enamel that performs like industrial paint. It’s designed to cure quickly and stand up to cleaning, friction, and temperature changes, all of which can affect trim longevity.
When comparing paints, look for these qualities:
That’s where high-end paints show their value. While they cost more upfront, they save time and frustration later. Cheap paints may seem fine at first, but tend to chip, scuff, or yellow faster, leading to another repaint sooner.
Trim chipping can also happen because of Omaha’s weather. Wood expands and contracts with humidity and temperature swings, especially during Nebraska’s humid summers and dry winters. When wood swells or shrinks, low-quality paint can crack or flake off.
Paints like Benjamin Moore Command handle this better because they have a bit of flexibility built in. They move slightly with the wood instead of breaking. This flexibility is key for long-lasting results in a place with real seasonal extremes like Omaha.
If your trim already has chips, you can fix it, but how you do it matters.
Here’s what helps extend the life of your trim paint:
Trim paint chips easily when prep is skipped, the wrong paint is used, or the product can’t handle Omaha’s seasonal changes. The good news is that these issues can be fixed and prevented.
By understanding the importance of cleaning, sanding, priming, and using durable paint made for woodwork, you can enjoy trim that stays beautiful longer. Paints like Benjamin Moore Command make a huge difference because they combine toughness with flexibility.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped Omaha homeowners protect their trim and woodwork since 1996, using high-quality products and proper prep techniques for lasting results.
If your trim is chipping or peeling, it may be time to refresh it the right way. Click the button below to get a quote.
If you are not ready to talk with a project consultant, explore our interior painting pricing calculator to see what to expect before your next project.