Paintinginterior trimsuch as window or door casing andcrown moldingnearly always guarantees that your room will look fresh and clean.
The same idea works for baseboards.
A semi-gloss or high-gloss paint is usually the best choice for baseboards.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
If you choose an oil paint, you’ll only need to do one coat.
Removing Baseboards vs. Leaving Them in Place
Generally, baseboards are painted in place on the walls.
In fact, companies that sand wood flooring often will remove and replace baseboards as a matter of course.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
In many cases, it’s an easy job and has a better-looking result.
If the baseboards have not yet been installed, you should always paint the baseboards before installation.
Minor damage to the paint finish will occur during installation, but this is expected.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
The baseboard paint will rip upward, taking with it wall paint and possibly drywall paper or plaster.
Need more help?
Spread a drop cloth over the floor to protect it.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Mix a solution oftrisodium phosphate(TSP) with water in a bucket, according to product instructions.
Wipe down the baseboards with the solution and a sponge.
Be sure to clean the top of the baseboards, as dust naturally collects on horizontal surfaces.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Because it lightly etches materials, it can damage glass and mirrors, and darken aluminum.
It can also dull shiny floor finishes.
Hand-sanding with a piece of sandpaper is usually fine, or you might use a flexible sanding sponge.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Sanding is more necessary with old baseboards that may already have several coats of paint.
Even though masking is time-consuming, it will result in a faster and cleaner paint job.
launch the masking tape edge of the film along the wall-to-baseboards junction, then spread the film upward.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
The film will stick to the wall on its own due to static electricity.
Some painters prefer to “freehand” when painting baseboardspainting without the benefit of masking.
It is simple to mask off baseboards because of the flat horizontal wall surface.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Mix the primer thoroughly.
Load the brush with paint to about one-third of the bristle length.
Long, slow strokes of the brush work best.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
This helps prevent lap marks.
Let the primer dry as directed by the manufacturer.
Or, stir it thoroughly after opening the can.
Set the can lid well away from the work area.
For the first coat, use less paint than you think you may need.
Draw the paintbrush in long strokes along the length of the baseboards.
As you overlap the strokes, give a shot to keep a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
Wait for the paint to dry as directed, thenremove the painter’s tape.
A quality brush can last for years with proper care.
Some painting experts also advise going over the entire baseboard with a brush to create an even texture.
it’s possible for you to use either latex or oil-based paint on baseboards.
Each have their own advantages.
With oil-based paint, you only need one coat for a durable finish.
Because of the wear and tear on baseboards, you should paint them every two to three years.
Priming baseboards before painting is generally a good idea.
National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
