How to Paint Baseboards Like A Pro

Paint baseboards

Painting baseboards may look like a minor detail in a home, but it can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of a room. Fresh painting on baseboards can double the beauty of your walls. This helps give a polished and professional look to your home.  This detailed article will explain all the practical steps to paint baseboards efficiently without professional assistance. 

How to Paint Baseboards?

Baseboards are the skirting boards that run along the bottom of walls. They protect the walls from damage and add a decorative touch to your home. Over time, baseboards can become dirty and disturb the overall aesthetics of the house. Therefore, it is necessary to paint them to give a refreshed look to them. 

Baseboard painting in Singapore is a DIY task that only needs basic understanding and attention to detail. Painting baseboards is easier if you follow PS Painting Singapore’s detailed painting guide. It is important to note that PS Painting Service Singapore has a decades long experience in HDB painting, exterior painting, condo painting, wall painting, and room painting of offices and homes. 

Materials and Tools Needed

Before you begin, keep the following materials and tools at hand:

  • Paint 
  • Primer 
  • Painter’s tape
  • Drop cloths or old sheets
  • Sandpaper 
  • Paintbrushes 
  • Paint tray and liners
  • Putty knife and wood filler 
  • Cleaning supplies 
  • Utility knife or razor blade

Step-by-Step Guide to Paint Baseboards

1. Preparation

Preparation is the key to a successful finish of any project. Clean the baseboard surface and remove dust and dirt. You can also use detergent if necessary. Clean the area with a wet cloth and let the surface dry completely.

how to Paint baseboards

2. Protect the Surrounding Area

Protect the floor and nearby fixtures with drop cloths or sheets. You can also use painter’s tape to cover the areas of the wall and floor that should be saved from the splatters. Carefully apply the painter’s tape to avoid paint seeping through the unwanted areas. 

3. Repair and Smooth the Surface

Check the baseboard surface for imperfections and fill the cracks or gaps with a putty knife or wood filler. When the filler dries, sand the surface to prepare it for painting. Use both kinds of sandpapers to create a smooth surface. Clean the surface with a wet cloth.

4. Apply Primer 

A primer is an optional coat applied before the main coat to prepare any surface for the main coat. If your baseboard has stains, apply a primer for the paint to stick better. Use a brush to apply the primer. Let the primer dry before you move on to the next step. 

5. Choose the Right Paint

Select the right paint that suits painting the baseboards. Latex paints are usually preferred because of their quick drying time. The enamel paint also provides a hard and durable finish. An angled sash brush is generally used for painting baseboards for better control and even coverage. 

6. Paint the Baseboards

Put the paint in a paint tray to dip the brush easily. It is important to work in small sections to ensure a smooth finish. Follow the grain of the wood and apply smooth strokes. Do not overload the paintbrush, and apply thin coats. 

7. Allow Proper Drying Time

Let the paint dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Almost all types of paint dry in a few hours. Inspect the baseboard for any missed spots or imperfections in painting. Touch up the areas and sand the rough areas to make them smooth. 

8. Apply a Second Coat

Apply the second coat to reinforce the painting on the surface. This ensures smooth and professional coverage. Allow ample drying time for the paint to adhere properly. 

Painting baseboards

9. Remove Painter’s Tape

When you complete the painting, and the paint is dry, remove the painter’s tape carefully so as not to peel off the newly painted surface. It is recommended to peel off the tape at 45 degrees.  Moreover, remove the covering from the floor and fixtures. 

Check for any imperfections and use a small brush to fix them. When the paint is completely dry and there are no imperfections, clean the painted surface and enjoy a refreshed baseboard in your home. 

Conclusion

Painting baseboards like a professional is an achievable DIY task with the right preparation tools and materials. Taking the time and letting the coats dry properly is the key to the painting process. This can add a refreshing look to your home. Follow the instructions carefully and enjoy a smooth and professional finish.  

Frequently Asked Questions

It is better to paint baseboards every two to three years to maintain their refreshed look and enjoy their coherence with your wall painting.
Painter’s tape is used to protect the areas you want to keep unpainted. This masks the surfaces and hides them from paint splatters.
It is recommended to leave the baseboard in its place and apply the paint. However, in some situations, you may need to remove the baseboard from its place.