Best Trim Paints for a Brush-Smooth Finish

Nothing ruins an interior painting job faster than visible brush marks on your trim. After 17 years of painting across the Tri-Cities, I have tested dozens of trim paints and found the ones that actually deliver on the promise of a smooth, professional finish. Here is what works, what does not, and why the right product makes all the difference.

The Holy Grail: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel

If I had to pick one trim paint for the rest of my career, it would be Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. This product has fundamentally changed how we approach trim work at Rock's Painting.

What Makes It Special

Emerald Urethane is a water-based alkyd hybrid. That means it cleans up with water like any latex paint, but it flows, levels, and hardens like the oil-based enamels painters used for decades before environmental regulations changed formulations. The urethane component gives it exceptional durability and a smooth, almost self-leveling finish.

When you apply it with a quality brush, the product actually relaxes and levels out. Brush strokes that would be permanent in standard latex paints simply melt away as the Emerald Urethane cures. The result is a finish that rivals spray applications without the setup, masking, and overspray concerns.

Real-World Performance

We use Emerald Urethane on baseboards, door frames, window casings, crown molding, and doors throughout homes in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. The feedback from homeowners is consistently positive. They notice the smooth finish and often comment that it looks like the trim was sprayed.

Dry time is reasonable at about four hours to recoat. Full cure takes longer, around 30 days to reach maximum hardness, so we advise clients to be gentle with doors and high-touch areas for the first few weeks. This is typical for urethane-modified paints.

The Honest Downsides

Emerald Urethane is not cheap. Expect to pay significantly more than standard trim paints. But for trim work where finish quality matters, the investment pays off in visible results. It also has a strong odor during application, more so than typical latex. Ventilation is important.

The Runner-Up: PPG Breakthrough

PPG Breakthrough is another exceptional choice for trim, and it has some advantages over Emerald Urethane that make it the better option in certain situations.

Faster Dry Time

Breakthrough dries to recoat in about 30 minutes under normal conditions. For production work where you need to apply two coats on the same day, this speed is invaluable. It is the fastest-drying professional-grade trim paint I have used.

Excellent Adhesion Without Primer

Breakthrough bonds tenaciously to previously painted surfaces, even glossy finishes, without requiring a separate primer coat. For repaint work on existing trim in good condition, this saves significant time and cost.

The Trade-Off

While Breakthrough levels well and produces a smooth finish, it does not quite match the glass-like quality of Emerald Urethane on close inspection. The difference is subtle and most homeowners would never notice, but for perfectionists or high-end work, Emerald Urethane edges it out.

Brush Selection Matters

Even the best paint cannot overcome a poor brush. For trim work with these products, invest in quality synthetic brushes designed for smooth finishes. Nylon-polyester blends work well. Look for brushes marketed for enamel or all-paint applications.

Avoid natural bristle brushes with water-based paints. They absorb water and lose their shape, leading to poor application and visible brush marks. Save those for true oil-based products if you ever use them.

Application Tips for a Smooth Finish

• Do not overwork the paint. Apply with smooth, steady strokes and then leave it alone. These products are designed to self-level. Going back over wet paint creates more problems than it solves.
• Load the brush properly. Dip about one-third of the bristle length into the paint, then tap gently against the inside of the can. You want the brush loaded but not dripping.
• Work in sections. On a door, paint one panel at a time. On baseboards, work in three to four foot sections. This prevents lap marks from paint drying before you finish.
• Maintain a wet edge. Always brush into the previously painted area while it is still wet. This eliminates visible lines between sections.
• Check lighting as you go. Side lighting reveals imperfections. Set up a work light at an angle to catch problems before the paint dries.

When to Spray Instead

Spraying is still the gold standard for absolute smoothness on doors and cabinetry. If you are painting a large number of doors, pre-hung doors before installation, or doing cabinet refinishing, a spray setup is worth the investment and extra preparation time.

But for trim in place, such as baseboards on carpet or hardwood, window casing next to glass, or crown molding at ceiling height, brushwork with quality leveling paint produces excellent results with far less masking and cleanup.

Our Approach at Rock's Painting

For trim work across the Tri-Cities, we typically use Emerald Urethane as our standard. Clients consistently notice and appreciate the smooth finish. For cabinet work, we often spray PPG Breakthrough or Sherwin-Williams Gallery Series, depending on the project.

With over 250 projects completed, we have learned that quality products and proper technique produce results that homeowners notice and appreciate. If you have trim that needs refreshing, we would be happy to provide a free estimate and discuss the best approach for your specific situation.