Does painted white trim always look/feel tacky and dusty?

We had stained builder-grade trim, which I mostly replaced with primed pine or MDF, and then painted over in some spots (like newel posts, windowsills, etc.) I dont know if I'm expecting too much, or maybe I'm just used to stained trim instead? But the painted trim just looks and feels.....amateur. I sanded it down wherever I could. I used good quality paint and primer, designed for trim. But I just feel like it always feels a little tacky (the "sticky" kind of tacky and also the "yuck, that doesn't look high-end" kind) and looks dirty so much faster than white trim does at anyone else's house. The silicone at the top of the baseboards also looks dusty and dingy. I know it might be because I'm staring at mine more. But could it be the sheen (semi-gloss)? Did I do a bad job? Are my expectations too high? submitted by /u/gomiNOMI [link] [comments]

May 23, 2025 - 02:44

We had stained builder-grade trim, which I mostly replaced with primed pine or MDF, and then painted over in some spots (like newel posts, windowsills, etc.)

I dont know if I'm expecting too much, or maybe I'm just used to stained trim instead? But the painted trim just looks and feels.....amateur.

I sanded it down wherever I could. I used good quality paint and primer, designed for trim. But I just feel like it always feels a little tacky (the "sticky" kind of tacky and also the "yuck, that doesn't look high-end" kind) and looks dirty so much faster than white trim does at anyone else's house. The silicone at the top of the baseboards also looks dusty and dingy.

I know it might be because I'm staring at mine more. But could it be the sheen (semi-gloss)? Did I do a bad job? Are my expectations too high?

submitted by /u/gomiNOMI
[link] [comments]