One way to freshen up a room is to paint the baseboards. It is a fairly straightforward project, and it brightens up the entire room. You can choose either oil-based or latex paint, and most people go with a semi-gloss finish because it is easier to wash. Continue reading to learn how to paint your baseboards.
Should You Remove the Baseboards to Paint Them?
Under most circumstances, you can leave the baseboards on the walls to paint them. However, if you are replacing your flooring, you may want to use a pry bar to remove them. If you haven’t put the baseboards up yet, you should paint them before you install them. Otherwise, you should just leave them in place and tape the wall above them and the floor below to protect it from paint.
What Supplies Do You Need?
When you are ready to paint your baseboards, start by gathering your supplies. You will need the following:
- Drop cloth
- Painter’s tape
- Bucket with warm water
- Sponge
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Semi-gloss paint
- 1” or 2” brush
Prepare the Baseboards and the Area for Painting
The first thing that you should do is lay your drop cloth to protect your floors. You can use painter’s tape to keep it in place. Next, you will want to clean the baseboards with the bucket of warm water and the sponge. Once it is clean, let them dry.
Look for any dings or holes, and use the putty knife to fill them in with wood putty. This will ensure that your baseboards are smooth when you paint them. Once you finish, it is time to sand them. Gently sand the baseboards by hand. This step is particularly important if your baseboards already have a few coats of paint on them.
You can wipe the baseboards with the wet sponge to remove any debris and let them dry completely before moving on. You should also put your painter’s tape on the wall above the baseboard to protect it.
Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago – the country’s premier school of its kind.
