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If you’re looking for durability or outdoor use, opt for enamel paint. Enamel paint is typically oil- or lacquer-based, so it dries hard and it’s ideal for exposure to the elements. Latex paint is water-based and has more flexibility when it dries so it won’t hold up as well to changes in temperature or exposure to wind, sun, or rain.

After painting, air out the painted area for at least 48 to 72 hours by opening windows and using fans, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The process helps disperse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the paint emits, reducing their concentration indoors. However, in some cases, especially with oil-based paints, airing out for extended periods may be necessary. Monitor air quality and continue ventilation until paint fumes dissipate significantly.

In most cases, you have to sand crown molding before painting. This is due to the nature and design of molding. It’s not a flat wall, so uneven surfaces will be immediately noticeable once that paint dries. Sanding down the surface smooths everything out, leading to a satisfactory result. If the trim is already smooth, such as with new crown molding, you can give it a light sand with 120-grit sandpaper.

While you can do either, it’s easier to paint your baseboards before your walls. Painting baseboards first lets you tape off the trim instead of the walls. Also, it’s easier to cover up any mistakes on the walls since you’ll eventually paint them.