How to Paint Baseboards: 8 Tools for Painting Baseboards

Baseboards are pieces of interior trim that cover the gap between the wall and the floor. They help protect the base of the wall from getting kicked, scuffed by shoes, or damaged by a vacuum cleaner. They are typically made of either wood or vinyl. When purchasing new baseboards from a hardware store or lumber yard, you will have the option of choosing untreated or pre-primed baseboards. Beyond their functional purpose, baseboards add an aesthetic touch to any room.

Gather the following tools and materials before painting baseboards.

1. 1. Paintbrush: A paintbrush is an essential tool for painting trim. A short, angled brush is ideal for painting trim. The angled bristles assist with painting corners and edges tidily.
2. 2. Painting tray: You’ll need a clean paint tray for pouring paint. Ensure the tray is free of dust and dry paint remnants to avoid discoloring the new paint.
3. 3. Painter’s tape: Taping helps you create crisp lines and edges and prevents the paint from bleeding into unwanted spaces. This specialty tape has a weaker adhesive than conventional masking tape, which means it won’t leave behind any tape residue, peel off the paint it’s covering, or damage drywall.
4. 4. Sandpaper: If your trim is worn, you’ll need 80-grit sandpaper and a sanding block to even out the surface. A sanding sponge will also help smooth out the primer coat before adding the final layer of paint.
5. 5. Spackle: You'll need a spackling compound to fill in nails holes and dents.
6. 6. Caulk: Caulk helps seal the gaps between the trim and the wall. A caulk gun can make caulking more efficient.
7. 7. Primer: Priming your baseboards can help ensure a smooth application and sleek finish for your paint job. Select a dedicated primer that works with your water or oil-based paint.
8. 8. Paint: The type of paint you choose can affect the finish of your trim. When working with oil-based or latex paint, you’ll need to know how it applies when it’s wet, and how it will look when dry. Try painting a sample piece of trim first if you aren’t sure of how the finished project will look. Semi-gloss paint is a popular choice for painting trim because it is durable and easy to clean.

If you're installing new baseboards, consider painting the baseboards beforehand, keeping in mind that you will likely have to touch up dents and scuff marks made during installation. If your baseboards are already installed, follow these instructions for painting them on the wall.

1. 1. Prepare the painting area. Prepare the painting area by clearing out any furniture or obstacles. Line your floors with drop cloths or tarps to protect it from paint splatters and accidents.
2. 2. Use your tape. Use painter’s tape to tape off the top of the baseboard and any edges adjacent to the area you’re painting. To paint baseboards with carpeted floors, use a putty knife along the bottom edge of the baseboard to wedge tape beneath the trim, so there’s a clear separation of areas.
3. 3. Fill in the gaps. Use a spackling compound to fill in any nail holes or crevices. If necessary, use a caulk gun to seal off the gaps where the trim meets the wall. Sand down the trim after you fill the holes to ensure your painting surface is even.
4. 4. Clean the baseboards. Wipe down the painting area with a rag or damp cloth to eliminate any dust or grime. You can use dish soap and warm water to clean off heavily soiled areas. Make sure the baseboards are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
5. 5. Prime the baseboards. Apply a layer of primer in long, straight lines, following the length of the baseboards. Gently lift your brush after each stroke to prevent splotches from forming. If your baseboards are already painted, gently sand the painted surface to help your paint adhere better.
6. 6. Sand again. Once the primer dries, use a sanding sponge to gently sand it down to remove the remaining brush strokes. Wipe down the trim with a damp cloth.
7. 7. Paint the baseboards. Pour your paint into the paint tray, and dip about an inch of your brush into the paint. Wipe off the excess paint on the edge of the tray, and apply your first coat to a section of the baseboard with multiple short strokes. Then use one long brush stroke to eliminate your smaller brush marks. After the paint dries, add a second coat. Repeat the process for each section of the baseboard you’re painting.
8. 8. Remove the tape. Once your paint fully dries, peel off the painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle. You can also use the putty knife to score along the wall, gently slicing the tape for easier peeling. Be gentle when removing the tape to avoid pulling off the new paint.
9. 9. Clean up. When your painting project is finished and no further coats of paint need to be applied, wash out your brushes and paint trays. If you used oil-based paint, you'll need to clean your brushes out with mineral spirits. Brushes used to apply latex or water-based paints can be cleaned by simply using warm water and dish soap.

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the MasterClass Annual Membership and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Corey Damen Jenkins and Kelly Wearstler. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.