How To Paint Baseboards Like A Pro

Few things in life are as satisfying as a job well done. And when it comes to home improvements, painting your baseboards is one of the simplest ways to add some flair and increase the value of your home. But unless you’re a professional painter, the thought of tackling this project yourself may seem daunting. Fear not! With a little bit of preparation and some simple tips, you can pain your baseboards like a pro in no time. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

What Are The Baseboards?

Baseboards are the boards that run along the bottom of your walls, and they serve both an aesthetic and functional purpose. In addition to adding a finishing touch to your room’s décor, baseboards help protect your walls from furniture and other items that may come into contact with them.

Whether your home is new or old, painting baseboards is a quick and easy way to freshen up your space. Newer homes often have unpainted or poorly finished baseboards, while older homes may simply need a new coat of paint. In either case, a little bit of elbow grease can go a long way. By painting your baseboards, you can help keep them looking their best for years to come.

Tools And Materials Needed For Painting Baseboards

Before you get started, it’s important to gather the right tools and materials for the job. For painting baseboards, you’ll need:

Brush For Paint

The type of paintbrush you’ll need will depend on the type of paint you’re using. For latex paint, use a synthetic bristle brush. For oil-based paint, use a natural bristle brush.

Tray & Roller

You’ll also need a painting tray and roller for applying the paint to your baseboards. If you’re using latex paint, choose a tray with a lip on one side to avoid dripping. Or, you can opt for a paint roller with its tray.

Painter’s Tape

To avoid making a mess, be sure to use painter’s tape to cover any areas that you don’t want to paint, such as the floor or walls. It prevents the paint from seeping through and ruining your work.

Grit Sandpaper

You’ll need medium-fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of your baseboards before painting. This will help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. A sanding sponge works well for applying primer coating or paints to tight spaces.

Spackle Compound

If there are any cracks or holes in your baseboards, you’ll need a spackle to fill them in before painting. This will help create a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Caulk Filler

If there are any gaps between your baseboards and the wall, you’ll need to apply a bead of caulk to seal them before painting. This will help prevent paint from seeping through and creating a mess.

High-Quality Primer

You’ll need a primer to ensure that your paint job has a professional-looking finish. For latex paint, use a latex-based primer. For oil-based paint, use an oil-based primer. It gives the paint something to grip onto and will help it last longer.

Paint Color

Choose a paint color that compliments the rest of your room’s décor. If you’re unsure, ask for a sample at your local hardware store so you can test it out before committing to a gallon. Select the type of paint based on the look you want to achieve. For semi-gloss paint, use enamel paint. For a satin finish, use latex paint. For a matte finish, use acrylic paint.

How To Paint Baseboards

Installing new baseboards or painting existing ones is a quick and easy way to update the look of your home. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right tools, you can have beautifully painted baseboards in no time. Here’s how:

Prepare The Area

Before you get started, be sure to prep the area by covering the floors and walls with painter’s tape. This will help avoid making a mess. Next, use a vacuum cleaner with an angled brush attachment to remove all the sanding dust or dirt from the surface of the baseboards. If there are any cracks or holes, use spackle to fill them in.

Use Of Tape

Next, apply painter’s tape to the wall above the baseboards. This will help avoid getting paint on the walls. Tape any other areas that you don’t want to paint, such as the floor or door frames. You can also use plastic sheeting as covering the wall-to-wall carpet.

Fill The Gaps

If there are any gaps between the baseboards and the wall, use caulk to fill them in. You can use spackling compounds for larger gaps. These sealing holes give the paint something to grip on and will help prevent paint from seeping through.

Wipe Down The Baseboards

Once the gaps are filled, use a drop cloth to wipe down the baseboards and remove any dust or dirt. Allow them to dry completely before proceeding.  

Prime The Surface

Next, it’s time to prime the baseboards. This is an important step as it provides a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. It also helps the paint last longer. You can apply a primer in straight strokes with a brush or a zig-zag pattern with a roller. Each stroke should be light and even. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to painting.

Sanding Twice

Once the primer is dry, use medium-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the baseboards. This will create a smooth finish. Be sure to wipe down the baseboards with a damp cloth again to remove any dust created by sanding.

Baseboard Painting

Now, it’s time to paint baseboards perfectly. You can use a paint brush or roller to apply the paint in light, even strokes. Be sure to go with the grain of the wood. If you’re using multiple colors, be sure to allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. You can apply paint by pouring it into a tray and using a roller, or you can directly pour the paint on the baseboards and use paint brushes.

Removing Tape

Once the paint is dry, remove the painter’s tape from the wall. Be careful not to pull off any paint with it. Peel off the tape slowly and at a 45-degree angle. Use a putty knife to remove any paint that may have seeped under the tape.

Clean Up All Things

When the painting project is done, clean up any paint over the surface, brushes, or rollers. You can also put away any drop cloths or tarps. Clean your brushes with paint thinner and water. Wash your rollers in hot soapy water.

Get Started On Your Project

Now that you know how to paint baseboards, it’s time to start your project. With a little time and effort, you can have beautifully painted baseboards that add character and style to your home. Make your project easy with our team of professional painters. We can help you select the perfect colors and get the job done quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more!