How to Paint a Baseboard

Painting a baseboard can be done with the proper preparation and patience. Paint with a steady hand, and work with small sections of the baseboard at one time. Take care of the baseboards last after all the walls are finished.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Protect the wall and floor using painters tape, a cut-in shield or a piece of cardboard. Just remember that any of these can still leak or allow paint to run onto the wall or floor.

2. Use a paint brush with a good amount of paint to brush a line just below the top of the baseboard. The line of paint should be between 1 to 3 feet long.

3. Run your brush across the same line, working the paint up a little closer to the top of the baseboard.

4. Finish the top of the baseboard section by running the brush smoothly across the top of the baseboard. Look for any paint that has run onto the wall and wipe off immediately with a damp rag.

5. Continue by working at the bottom of the baseboard, in the same 1 to 3 foot sections. Paint a line just above the bottom of the board.

6. Brush carefully lower than the line you just painted to fill to the bottom of the baseboard, cutting in to the floor to cover without painting the floor. Again, clean up any accidents immediately.

7. Finish the baseboard by painting the middle area with long, large brush strokes, and repeat Steps 2 through 6 until you have painted the entire baseboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Using painter's tape can help protect floors and walls, but it isn't a guarantee. Try not to brush too much paint over the tape to avoid leaks.