Freshly painted baseboards frame your room, making your wall color look richer and giving your home that crisp, “just updated” feel that everyone notices. A quick baseboard refresh with quality paint is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your space without a full remodel. Here are some tips for baseboard painting to help get you started.
What Kind of Paint to Use on Baseboards
Baseboards take a beating from vacuums, kids, and pets, so the paint you choose matters.
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Finish: Semi-gloss or high-gloss works best on trim and baseboards because it’s more durable and easier to wipe clean than flat or matte paint.
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Formula: Today, most homeowners opt for a water-based (acrylic/latex) trim enamel because it dries faster and cleans up with soap and water, while still holding up well in busy rooms.
- Primer: If your baseboards are bare wood or previously painted with oil-based paint, use a bonding or all-purpose primer first, so your new coat adheres and lasts.
Choosing Baseboard Paint Colors
Baseboard paint colors can subtly support your design or make a bold design statement.
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Classic white: A soft, neutral white trim against a colored wall is timeless and keeps rooms feeling bright and clean.
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Soft contrast: Pair warm walls with creamy off-white or light beige baseboards, or cool walls with cool whites and pale grays for a polished, designer look.
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Monochromatic: For a modern, cocoon-like vibe, paint walls and baseboards the same color, just in a different sheen. Many designers now use deeper greens, charcoals, or rich neutrals this way for dramatic spaces.
- Dark trim: Darker baseboards in charcoal, deep navy, or mocha add character and help conceal scuffs in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and family rooms.
Prep Work Is the Secret to Clean Lines
Great baseboard paint jobs are won or lost in the prep. Rushing this step often results in chipping, a rough texture, or wavy edges.
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Clear and protect the area: Move furniture away from the walls, then lay down drop cloths to protect your floors.
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Clean and repair: Baseboards collect dust and grime. Vacuum along the trim, then wipe it with a mild cleaning solution so the paint can adhere properly. Fill nail holes and gaps with wood filler or caulk, let it dry, and sand smooth.
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Sand lightly: A quick pass with fine-grit sandpaper knocks down old brush marks and gives the surface a bit of “tooth” so the new paint grips.
- Tape carefully: Use painter’s tape along the top edge where the baseboard meets the wall and along the floor. Press the tape down firmly for crisp lines, especially over tile or hardwood.
Step-by-Step: How to Paint Baseboards
Once your prep is done, the actual painting feels easy.
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Prime if needed: If your baseboards are bare, stained, or glossy, brush on a quality primer and let it dry completely.
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Cut in the top edge: Use a 2–2½ inch angled sash brush and work in long, smooth strokes along the top of the baseboard. This line is the one your eye sees first, so take your time here.
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Fill in the face: After the top edge, paint the wider face of the baseboard in the direction of the wood grain. Avoid overloading the brush, which can cause drips; it’s better to apply two thinner coats than one heavy one.
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Check for drips and touch up: Step back and look along the trim for sags or missed spots while the paint is still wet. Gently smooth them out with your brush.
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Let it dry and remove tape: Allow the paint to dry fully before removing the tape. Peel the tape back on itself at a 45-degree angle for the cleanest edge.
Shop Benjamin Moore Paint Near Montclair, NJ
If you’re unsure which baseboard paint colors or finishes work best with your walls, floors, and window coverings, stop by Red Star Paint in Montclair, NJ. Our team can help you choose the right Benjamin Moore products, suggest beautiful schemes for your trim, and make sure your upcoming “how to paint baseboards” project looks like it was done by a pro. Connect with us today.