Painting baseboards is an easy DIY project that can completely transform the look of a room. Freshly painted baseboards look crisp and clean, and pull together your home’s decor. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to properly prepare and paint baseboards to get professional-looking results.
Planning Your Baseboard Paint Project
Before starting your baseboard painting project, take some time to plan out the details. This planning will help the project go smoothly and efficiently.
Choose Paint Color
The first step is selecting a paint color. When choosing a color:
- Decide if you want your baseboards to blend into the wall or be a contrasting color. Painting them the same color as your walls will create a seamless look. Choosing a contrasting color will make them stand out.
- Sample paint colors on the baseboards before fully committing to a color. Paint a few large swatches and view at different times of day before finalizing your selection.
- Opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish, which will be easy to clean and more durable than flat paint.
- Consider undertones. Gray, greige, and tan are popular baseboard color options because they are neutral and complement most wall colors.
Purchase Supplies
Once you’ve settled on a paint color, purchase the necessary supplies:
- Paint – Choose a high quality latex acrylic paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish. Buy enough paint to cover all your baseboards with 2-3 coats.
- Paint primer – Priming ensures better adhesion and coverage. Use an all-purpose primer made for trim.
- Paintbrushes – Angled sash brushes are ideal for cutting in along edges. wider bristle brushes work well for broader surfaces. Buy quality brushes for smooth application.
- Paint roller and roller cover – Use a roller with an extender handle for easily painting longer stretches. Choose a short nap wool roller cover.
- Paint tray – Use a tray with ridges to smoothly roll your paint roller. Consider disposable options for easy cleanup.
- Painter’s tape – Mask off adjacent walls with painter’s tape for crisp paint lines.
- Sandpaper – Lightly sand baseboards prior to painting to help the paint adhere.
- Drop cloths – Protect your floors from drips and spills with canvas drop cloths.
- Painters 5-in-1 tool – This multi-purpose tool helps pry off outlet covers and scrape paint drips.
- Ladder – Have a sturdy step ladder available to reach higher areas.
Schedule Time
Set aside enough time for each step- prep, priming, painting, and drying time between coats. Rushing the process can lead to messy results. Painting your baseboards could take 2-3 days depending on the size of your home and whether you’ll be painting the walls near the baseboards too.
Preparing Baseboards for Painting
Proper prep work ensures your painted baseboards will have a smooth flawless finish.
Clean the Baseboards
Thoroughly clean your baseboards prior to painting. Remove any dust, dirt, grease, wax, or cobwebs. Vacuum them first, then wipe down with a microfiber cloth and mild soap and water solution if needed. Let them fully dry before priming or painting.
Remove Outlet and Switch Plate Covers
Use a painters 5-in-1 tool to pry off any outlet and switch plate covers. Set the screws aside in a safe place so you can easily find them when it’s time to put the plates back on.
Fill Any Holes and Imperfections
Examine your baseboards for any holes, gouges, or imperfections. Fill these in with wood filler and let dry completely. Sand smooth.
Lightly Sand Baseboards
Gently sand your baseboards with fine grit sandpaper. This helps remove any gloss or sheen and allows the paint to properly adhere. Be careful not to press too hard or you may damage the wood. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth when finished.
Use Painter’s Tape
Apply painter’s tape where the baseboards meet the walls and floor. This protects the surfaces adjacent to the baseboards from getting paint on them. Press the tape edges down firmly to keep them straight.
Remove Vent Covers
If your baseboards have ventilation slats, use a screwdriver to detach the covers. Set vent covers and screws aside so you can easily reattach them later.
Priming the Baseboards
Priming is a key step that leads to better paint coverage. Take time to properly prime before painting.
Apply Primer to Entire Baseboard Surface
Stir your primer thoroughly before using, then pour some into a paint tray. Dip your angled sash brush into the primer and paint a section of baseboard. Apply using smooth, even strokes from top to bottom. Work in 3-4 foot sections.
Work Around Obstacles
For obstacles like radiators or furniture legs, carefully cut in along the edges with primer using your angled sash brush. Once the edges are primed, you can roll primer on the surrounding baseboards.
Prime All Sides
Make sure to brush primer onto all sides of your baseboards – the front, top, bottom, and sides. primer prevents the wood from absorbing paint unevenly.
Let Primer Dry
Allow primer to fully dry before adding your first coat of paint. Drying times vary based on humidity. Refer to the primer instructions. Proper drying leads to smooth paint application.
Painting the Baseboards
Once your primed baseboards are fully dry, you’re ready for the fun part – painting! Follow these tips for flawless results:
Use Painter’s Tape on Floors
Apply new pieces of painter’s tape along the top edge of your flooring. This will catch any paint drips from the baseboards.
Apply First Coat of Paint
Pour paint into your tray. Dip in your angled sash brush, then paint a section of baseboard using smooth, overlapping strokes. Paint all sides like you did when priming. Let the first coat dry fully before adding a second coat.
Roll On Paint Between Cut Lines
Once you’ve cut-in along edges with brush strokes, use your paint roller to quickly apply paint to the centers of your baseboards between the cut-in edges. Roll lightly to avoid leaving streaks.
Inspect for Missed Spots
Thoroughly inspect your first coat of paint as you work to look for any spots you may have missed. Reach these areas by gently rolling or brushing on additional paint.
Apply Second Coat
Follow the same painting techniques for your second coat of paint. The second coat provides added protection and makes the color more vivid. Let the paint dry fully before doing any reassembly.
Clean Up Spills and Drips
Use your 5-in-1 tool to gently scrape off any fresh paint drips or spills on your floors or walls. Try dampening your fingertip and rubbing to remove dried drips. Avoid scraping too harshly.
Reattach Vent Covers and Outlet Plates
Once your baseboard paint is completely dry, carefully reattach any outlet plate covers, switch plates, and vent covers using your original hardware.
Tips for Smooth Painted Baseboards
Follow these tips as you prep, prime, and paint for the best looking baseboards:
- Work slowly and focus on quality results rather than speed. Rushing leads to drips and splatters.
- Maintain wet paint edges as you go by brushing back into edges as needed. This prevents lap marks.
- Keep paintbrushes and rollers loaded with paint to minimize visible brush strokes. Avoid overbrushing.
- Paint sections in logical order so you don’t block yourself in or have to tiptoe over wet paint.
- Load paint generously on the roller and apply using light pressure for even application.
- Periodically wash out brushes and rollers to remove dried paint buildup.
- Remember that lighting changes paint colors. Verify your paint choice on the baseboards in both natural and artificial light.
- Ventilate the room well as you work by opening windows. Let painted baseboards dry thoroughly before closing up the room.
With the right prep work, priming, painting approach, and clean up, you can achieve beautifully painted baseboards that look like they were professionally done. Just take your time and follow these tips. Your freshly painted baseboards will lend a crisp, pulled-together look to any room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Baseboards
How do I get a smooth paint finish on baseboards?
Use a high-quality primer suited for trim and wood. Lightly sand baseboards first for better paint adhesion. Maintain a wet edge when painting and avoid applying too much pressure. Use good quality angled sash paintbrushes made for trim and detail work.
What sheen of paint is best for baseboards?
A satin or semi-gloss sheen is ideal for baseboards. The subtle sheen is easy to wipe clean but not too shiny. Flat paint absorbs more and is difficult to clean. Avoid high-gloss on baseboards which magnifies imperfections.
Should I tape off baseboards before painting nearby walls?
Yes, always mask off baseboards with painter’s tape before painting adjacent walls. Taping off the baseboards creates a crisp, straight painted edge along the top. Remove the tape immediately after painting the walls before the paint fully dries.
Should I remove baseboards before painting a room?
Removing baseboards before painting makes it easier to paint the wall edges behind them, but is not mandatory. You can tape off baseboards and carefully cut in along the edges. Just be prepared to touch up behind baseboards later if needed.
How do I get painter’s tape lines straight on baseboards?
Lightly scoring the tape edge with a utility knife before pressing it down helps create a very straight edge. Also, apply tape in sections rather than one long piece, joining sections tightly in corners as you go. Using leveling tools helps keep tape straight.
How long does it take for baseboard paint to dry?
With good ventilation, baseboard paint will be dry to the touch in 1-2 hours. Wait at least 24 hours between paint coats. Let painted baseboards dry for 48 hours before removing painter’s tape or replacing furniture. Cool temperatures or high humidity prolongs drying time.
What color should I paint my baseboards?
Popular baseboard colors are white, light gray, tan, and light ivory or greige tones. For a seamless look, match your baseboard color to the wall color. For contrast, choose a lighter or darker shade of your wall color. Gray pairs well with all wall colors.
How do I fix paint drips on freshly painted baseboards?
Use a 5-in-1 painters tool to gently scrape off wet paint drips before they dry. For dried drips, lightly scrape then rub the area with a damp cloth or fingertip to remove paint. Avoid aggressive scraping which could damage the finish.
Conclusion
Painting your baseboards breathes new life into a space and makes it look crisp and pulled together. Follow the steps here for preparing, priming, and painting your baseboards like a pro. Take your time prepping so your paint adheres smoothly. Apply two coats of high-quality paint using proper brushwork and rolling techniques for flawless results. Newly painted baseboards can make any room look bright, fresh, and polished. With some time and care, you can achieve beautiful, professional-looking results.