How to Paint Baseboards Like a Professional

When you are painting the baseboards a different color than the walls, one of the most challenging aspects is getting a nice straight line between the baseboard and the wall. Most people will tell you to paint the walls first; then do your trim and baseboards. However, most professional painters know the secret: do the trim first. This works especially well for baseboards. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Caulk and caulking gun
• Paint and painting tools
• Blue tape

1. Paint your baseboards the day before you put a drop of paint on your walls. First, vacuum along the carpet and the tops of the baseboards. Then, caulk any gaps--even the hairline ones where the baseboard meets the wall and in the corners.

2. Using masking tape (the cheap tan kind works for this) to tape off the carpet. Butt the tape up against the baseboards; then tuck it down in the gap between carpet and trim. If you are working along hardwood or vinyl, use blue tape and firmly lay a tight tapeline along the floor.

3. If the wood is unfinished or stained and varnished, prime it so it won't scratch and scuff easily. Then do however many coats of paint necessary to make it look good; usually, this will take 2 coats.

4. Let this dry. Overnight is best. Use blue tape to tape very carefully along the tops of the baseboard, paying special attention to the corners. Now you are ready to paint your walls. Don't remove any of the tape until the paint is totally dry. If you have been careful about taping, you should have razor-straight lines. Plus, there shouldn't be any bleed-through.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to do this in one day, buy the "quick release" blue tape that works better on fresh paint.

[cherdons]

on 2/22/2008 Thanks for the tips, Carina! I would not have thought about caulking... I need to paint the baseboards - they are starting to look ratty from the frequent vacuuming, thanks to the German Shedder Dawg!

Cheryl