Baseboards are a small but impactful detail in any home, and painting them can completely refresh the look of your space. Whether their finish has worn off, the color doesn’t match your walls or furniture, or you simply want a more polished appearance, painting baseboards is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through painting baseboards, covering everything from choosing the right paint and tools to tips for a smooth, professional finish. We’ll also answer common questions, like whether to use a brush or roller and if sanding is necessary, so you can achieve perfect results with confidence.
How to Paint a Baseboard
You might want to paint your baseboards if their coating has peeled off or if their color doesn’t match your furniture or wall color. You may also not have found the exact baseboard color you’re looking for. In any case, painting your baseboards can help them blend perfectly with your home’s décor.
Painting baseboards might seem like a small and subtle touch, but it can completely transform the atmosphere of your home. It enhances the color harmony between your walls, doors, and furniture, leaving a beautifully cohesive effect. Think about how even the color of a small picture frame can enrich your interior décor—by painting your baseboards, you’ll achieve an even greater sense of harmony and be amazed by the difference.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Baseboards?
You can paint baseboards with any general-purpose paint. However, fast-drying water-based paints are usually a better choice.
Here are some types of paint you can use for baseboards:
- General-purpose acrylic paints
- Oil-based paints
- Enamel paints
- Wall paints
- Spray paints
What’s the Easiest Way to Paint Baseboards?
When painting baseboards, it’s crucial to prevent paint from getting on the wall or floor. That’s why you should cover the edges of the wall and floor with painter’s tape. Although this step may take some time, it will make the painting process faster and result in a cleaner finish.
Using fast-drying semi-matte acrylic paint is the easiest way to paint baseboards. This type of paint allows you to apply it smoothly and evenly without leaving visible brush marks.
Is It Better to Paint Baseboards with a Brush or Roller?
If your baseboards are thin, using a brush is a good choice. Use a high-quality brush with soft bristles — a 3-inch brush will be sufficient. If your baseboards are thicker, you can paint them quickly with a small roller. Make sure the roller is high quality and has a short nap for a smooth finish.
What Is the Best Tool to Paint Baseboards?
- Painter’s tape
- 3-inch brush
- Small short-nap roller
- General-purpose acrylic paint
How Do You Paint Baseboards Step by Step?
When painting baseboards, you can place a knee pad or a towel under your knees to protect them. You don’t need to remove the baseboards, which prevents damage to the wall or paint. For a standard 150-square-meter home, about 2 liters of paint are enough to apply two coats on all the baseboards. You can paint wooden baseboards with general-purpose acrylic paint as follows:
- Repair any cracks or broken areas on the baseboards with wood filler and let it dry, then sand the surface smooth.
- If the baseboards are dusty or dirty, wipe them with a damp cloth or a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Apply painter’s tape along the top edge where the baseboard meets the wall and along the bottom edge where it touches the floor to prevent paint from getting on the wall or floor.
- Apply the first coat horizontally using a brush or roller. Use a brush for any raised details to make painting easier, but a roller will generally speed up the process.
- Let the first coat dry for 4–5 hours.
- Apply the second coat to finish painting.
- Once the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape to reveal clean edges. “For more information, read this: When to remove painter’s tape?”
Tip: After painting all the baseboards, you can optionally apply a water-based acrylic varnish 24 hours later. This will make them more resistant to scratches.
Do I Have to Sand My Baseboards Before Painting?
Yes, sanding helps paint adhere better to baseboards. However, sanding baseboards on the floor can be difficult and may risk damaging the wall or floor. Instead of sanding, you can apply a bonding primer about 5 hours before painting. This will help the paint stick to the baseboards more effectively. “You might also like this related article: Painting over dark paint.”
How Many Coats of Paint Do Baseboards Need?
Baseboards generally require two coats of paint. Make sure each coat is fully dry before applying the next one. If your baseboards are a dark color and you plan to paint them a lighter shade, apply one coat of primer; otherwise, you may need to apply additional coats of paint.
