How to caulk and paint baseboards

How to clean baseboards

Before you begin the actual DIY, you need to clean your area. If you leave any dust, grime or dirt in the space, you may just seal it with your caulk or paint. Plus, it can lead to a bad seal or paint job, negating all your hard work.

To clean your baseboards, follow these steps:

1. Dust the baseboards with a wet rag, taking extra time in the corners.
2. Scrub any stubborn dirt and grime with a sponge and soap.
3. Vacuum any remaining debris.
4. Wipe down and dry the baseboards.

You may consider wearing knee pads or placing a pillow or folded towel under your knees for added support and comfort.

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How to caulk baseboards

A good rule of thumb is to caulk before painting to create a smooth, even finish. In addition to covering any unsightly gaps or cracks between the wall and the baseboards, caulk also provides an extra layer of protection to keep pests, dirt and dust from getting trapped between the baseboard and the wall.

When caulking baseboards, it’s important to remember that slow and steady wins the race.

“Don't rush, and use a steady hand,” Sanders said. “The hardest part is making it look professional, and professionals don't skimp or skip steps to make the process go faster.”

Too fast and you may end up with an uneven line, and too slow and you might end up with clumps. Caulk at a steady pace, taking deep breaths and practicing patience for the best end result.

1. Choose the right caulk

According to Sanders, different types of caulk should be used for different settings. For example, in your bathroom or garage, you want to use silicone caulk, which repels moisture better than other materials. Throughout the rest of your home, a latex caulk should be fine.

If you want extra protection and flexibility, opt for a latex-acrylic caulk with added silicone. This type of caulk is easily paintable, repels moisture and is flexible enough to withstand movement in your foundation without cracking. Plus, these come in many colors, which makes it easier to match to your wall and baseboard color.

2. Get your supplies

To do the job right, you’ll also want the following supplies:

• Caulk scraper ($5 to $15)
• Caulk gun ($4 to $15)
• Painter’s tape ($7 to $10)
• Drop cloth ($2 to $10)
• Caulking applicator tool ($5 to $10 — optional)

Consider latex-acrylic caulk with silicone: It’s moisture-repellent, flexible and easy to paint.

3. Caulk your baseboards

When it’s time to actually caulk your baseboards, make sure to protect your floor from paint or debris first.

1. Prepare the space. Take time to lay out a drop cloth to protect your floor from any loose caulk (or paint). You can also lay a strip of painter’s tape about one-eighth of an inch away from the baseboards to help create a straighter caulk line.
2. Remove any old caulking. Using a caulk scraper, remove any old caulk from the area. If the caulk doesn’t come up right away, moisten it with rubbing alcohol and wait an hour or two, then try again.
3. Cut the caulk gun open. Using a utility knife, cut the end of your caulk tube at a 45-degree angle, leaving a small opening. This angle will help you tuck your caulk tube into the nooks and crannies along your baseboards. Don’t cut too big a hole, though — this leads to less control over your caulk.
4. Run caulk along the baseboards. Starting in a corner, gently squeeze your caulk gun and run it carefully along the edge of your baseboard. Do your best to create one long uninterrupted line from corner to corner.
5. Smooth and shape the caulk. To make sure the line is even, it’s important to smooth out your caulk line. Using either a wet finger or your caulk applicator tool, run along the top of the caulk to remove any excess. Whichever option you choose, clean your applicator often to ensure a smooth finish.
6. Remove any painter’s tape. Before the caulk starts to cure, remove your painter’s tape if you used it.
7. Allow the caulk to dry and cure. Give your caulk at least 24 hours to rest before moving on to painting.

How to paint baseboards

From furniture scuffs and dings to dust and dirt, baseboards take a lot of beatings over the years. Painting them is a great way to bring them back to life and make your space look brand new.

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If you’re new to painting, here are some tips for getting the best finish:

• Stir your paint bucket — or take it back to the store and ask them to shake it — before you start painting.
• Always overlap your strokes for a smoother end result. Experts call this a “wet edge.”
• Only paint on a clean surface to give the paint the chance to form a strong bond.
• Take your time, and don’t skip the prep work.

1. Choose the right paint

Most stores sell trim-specific paint that’s easy to clean and that can withstand the rough and tumble your baseboards will take over the years. Usually, this is a semi-gloss, oil-based paint ($15 to $25 per quart), but you can ask a home improvement employee for their recommendation.

To figure out how much paint to buy, consider this: A 10-by-10 room usually has around 10 square feet of baseboards to paint, and one quart of paint usually covers about 100 square feet.

2. Get your supplies

Painting supplies don’t have to be super pricey, but having a dedicated tray, brush and roll of tape is helpful.

• Small angled paintbrush ($2 to $10)
• Plastic drop cloth ($2 to $10)
• Paint tray ($2 to $10)
• Painter’s tape ($3 to $6)
• Wood filler ($8 to $12)

3. Paint your baseboards

Once the area is cleaned and caulked and you’ve chosen your paint color and procured your supplies, it’s time to get to painting.

• Prepare your space. Tape off above your caulk line and where your floor meets your baseboards. Lay a drop cloth down — while there are ways to get paint off your floors, none are easy. Protecting the area is the best way to avoid any extra work.
• Fill any holes. If you have any nail holes or gouges in your wood, fill them with wood filler. If needed, sand the wood filler before painting.
• Prime the baseboards (if needed). If you’re painting raw wood or unprimed baseboards, add a layer of primer. If your baseboards have been painted previously and are in good condition, you can skip this step. Let the primer cure based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Paint the baseboards. Once the primer is dry, start painting the area. Take care not to overcoat the brush, always using less paint than you think you need. This will help avoid paint drips and uneven finishes.
• Apply multiple coats (if necessary). If a second coat is necessary, wait for the first coat to dry fully before adding more paint. If the first coat is slightly bumpy, run a sander along the finished product before painting.
• Let the paint dry, and remove the painter’s tape. Unlike caulk, wait until the paint is completely dry before removing the painter’s tape. If the paint still feels wet or “gummy,” give it more time before removing it. Usually, this takes about an hour, but in some cases it could take upward of 24 hours.