Look closely at the baseboards in your home's most heavily-trafficked rooms. Most likely, you see scuff marks from shoes, dust buildup, and stains that leave them looking dingy.
What You Need To Paint Baseboards
Just like following a recipe, you can gather the supplies you need for this project before starting:
- Painter's tape
- Drop cloths
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Primer
- Paint
- 2-inch angled brush
- 4-inch foam roller
We recommend using quality brushes, which deliver cleaner lines and last longer. And for the best color selections, finishes, and durability, nothing compares to Benjamin Moore Paint.
Clean and Prep Your Baseboards
Paint won't stick to dirt and dust, so vacuum and then wipe down the baseboards with a damp cloth. Once they're clean and dry, check for holes and dents, and fill those imperfections with wood filler. After the filler dries (30 minutes), sand those spots smooth and keep going until the entire baseboard is lightly sanded. That gives paint something to grab onto.
Clean up the sanding dust, then run painter's tape along the wall just above the baseboard line and along the floor below. Straight, secure lines separate amateurs from pros, so press the edges down firmly.
Next, spread drop cloths underneath the baseboard to protect your floor.
Prime Before You Repaint Baseboards
Never neglect to prime baseboards before painting; this step seals the surface and makes topcoats look even. Load your angled brush and cut in along the top edge, then switch to your foam roller for the wider sections. Most jobs need just one primer coat, but dramatic color changes may require two.
Let the primer dry for the time listed on the can; it's usually two to four hours.
How To Paint Baseboards for a Smooth Finish
Baseboards get knocked into and collect dirt and dust, so we recommend semi-gloss or satin finishes for this project; they're more durable and easier to clean than flat paints. Dip your angled brush about an inch into the paint, then brush along the top where the baseboard meets the wall. Work three-foot sections at a time so that the edges stay wet. Follow up with your foam roller on the flat areas to minimize brush marks.
Remember, thin coats are better than thick ones. Two light layers cover better and look smoother than a heavy glob. But let the first coat dry for at least two hours before starting the second. You can check your Benjamin Moore Paint label for that exact timing.
Wrap Up Your Baseboard Painting Project
When the final coat feels dry to the touch, peel off the painter's tape slowly at a 45-degree angle; go easy to avoid pulling up any fresh paint. Take another look at the baseboards and dab a bit of paint into any missed spots or where the tape pulled up paint. Finally, give the paint 24 hours to set. And to keep your newly painted or repainted baseboards looking their best, wipe them down monthly with a barely damp cloth.
Find Everything to Paint and Repaint Baseboards at Complete Paint & Supplies
Stop by Complete Paint & Supplies for Benjamin Moore Paint and Primers and the right tools to tackle this project. We know which products work best for trim and can answer all of your questions. We feature Benjamin Moore interior/exterior paint, paint supplies, and equipment. Stop by or contact us for information in Service Areas: Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, and Cheboygan, MI.