How to Repaint Baseboards

What you'll need

• Angled trim brush (2.5 inch)
• Fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit)
• Wood filler
• Painter's tape
• Drop cloth
• TSP cleaner or damp cloth

The steps

1. 1

   Clean baseboards with TSP or a damp cloth

   Wipe down all baseboards with a cloth dampened with TSP solution or warm soapy water. Remove dust, dirt, grease, and scuff marks. Pay extra attention to kitchen and bathroom baseboards where grease and moisture accumulate. Paint does not adhere to dirty surfaces. Let the baseboards dry completely before sanding.

2. 2

   Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper

   Sand all baseboards lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. You are not stripping paint. You are creating a slightly rough surface for the new paint to grip. Sand in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth or damp rag.

3. 3

   Fill dents and holes with wood filler

   Press wood filler into any dents, nail holes, gouges, or cracks with a putty knife. Overfill slightly because the filler shrinks as it dries. Let it dry per the label, usually 15 to 30 minutes, then sand flush with 220-grit sandpaper. This step makes the biggest visual difference in the finished result.

4. 4

   Tape floor and wall edges

   Run painter's tape along the floor where it meets the baseboard and along the wall where the baseboard meets the wall. Press the tape edges down firmly with a putty knife to prevent paint from bleeding underneath. Lay a drop cloth along the floor to catch drips.

5. 5

   Apply primer if bare wood is exposed

   If sanding or filling exposed bare wood, apply a coat of primer to those spots. Bare wood absorbs paint unevenly and causes flashing, visible dull spots where the wood soaked up the paint. Primer seals the wood and gives the topcoat an even base. If all surfaces are already painted and in decent condition, skip this step.

6. 6

   Apply a thin first coat of semi-gloss paint

   Load your angled trim brush about one-third of the way up the bristles. Apply paint in long, smooth strokes following the length of the baseboard. Start at one end and work to the other without stopping. Keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks. One thin coat. Do not try to get full coverage on the first pass.

7. 7

   Let dry 4 hours and apply a second coat

   Wait at least 4 hours between coats, or follow the label instructions. The first coat should be completely dry and not tacky to the touch. Apply the second coat the same way: thin, smooth, and in one direction. Two thin coats give a smoother, more durable finish than one thick coat.

Frequently asked questions

Why use semi-gloss paint on baseboards?

Semi-gloss is durable and wipeable. Baseboards get kicked, scuffed, bumped by vacuum cleaners, and splashed by mopping. Semi-gloss resists these impacts better than flat or eggshell finishes. It also cleans easily with a damp cloth, which matters in kitchens and bathrooms where baseboards get dirty fast.

Do I have to remove baseboards to paint them?

No. Painting baseboards in place is faster and avoids the risk of cracking drywall or damaging the baseboard during removal. Use painter's tape on the wall and floor edges and an angled trim brush for clean lines. Removing baseboards only makes sense if you are also replacing flooring or doing major wall repairs.

How long does baseboard paint take to cure fully?

Latex semi-gloss paint is dry to the touch in 1 to 2 hours and ready for a second coat in 4 hours. Full cure takes 2 to 4 weeks. During that curing period, the paint is soft and vulnerable to scuffs and marks. Avoid pushing furniture against freshly painted baseboards and be gentle when vacuuming near them.

Can I use a roller on baseboards?

A small foam roller works on wide, flat baseboards and can be faster than a brush for long runs. Use a 4-inch foam roller for the flat face and switch to an angled brush for the top edge and any profiles or grooves. The roller gives a smoother finish on flat surfaces, but the brush handles detail work better.