With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. With three kids, Do What You Love and Find Your Purpose. To remove and replace a paint guard, press it down into the carpet and slowly slide it out. But painting baseboards might be trickyespecially if you have carpeted floors. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The first question to ask is: what went in first, the baseboards or carpet? Removing baseboards can be risky. Be sure to peel up the tape before the paint is dry, otherwise paint on the tape will bond to paint on the wall, creating problems when the tape is removed. Use smooth, even strokes to spread the paint on the trim. Sand the putty smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. You can use a metal sheet or any firm straight edge instead of a paint guard if youd like. Expert Interview. To ensure your carpet is free of paint drips, hire a local painter to do the job. Repeat this process until every wall in your room is taped off. Clean, fresh baseboards brighten your home. Anxiety about wrecking the flooring can get in the way of household DIY paint jobs. This paint dries fast, and works well for stained wood. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We proudly serve the greater DC metropolitan area, including Fairfax, Loudoun, Montgomery, Prince Georges, and Prince William counties. Next, as your brush now has less paint on it, move towards the base. Youre going to slide the top section of the tape under the board, and this will be hard to do if your tape is caught in the nap of your carpet. When painting along the carpet, block off a small, accessible section to start with (don't try to do it all at once). Now its time to paint. If youre using a paint guard, hold it in place with your nondominant hand. If you want a cohesive look, look for a trim color that blends well with the colors of your walls. One of these segments is painting the baseboard trim, a process that can be somewhat trickier if the room has wall-to-wall carpet. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You could use painters tape, but its more likely to get crumpled up since it wont stick to your carpet very well. Grab your paintbrush, tap your toes, hop around, then sing into the bristles like a mic, The baseboards are so bright, Ive gotta wear shades!. trim paint carpet baseboards painting diy baseboard painted sister stuff kitchen Open your paint can. Fill any holes or nicks in the trim with wood putty. Theres no rule about how many coats to put on, so if you think its necessary, apply a third. In addition, even a steady brush hand is likely to leave paint on the tips of the carpet fibers. Photo: JaniceRichard / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, 10 Common Painting Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid. When investing in a new look for your home interior, consider the benefits of hiring a professional house painter to do the job. Add painters tape and your preferred form of protection to cover the wall and carpet. With this method, youre less at risk of dripping paint (and a big mess). Let them dry completely. If you use a paint guard, you have to clean it with a rag after painting each section. October 1, 2019 Grab the end of the tape and slowly peel it back towards itself, keeping your hand close to the wall. Use the edge of the paint can to shear off excess paint. A hard, flat tool such as a putty knife might be helpful with this stage. Most of the time spent on this project involves setting up, then awaiting paint to dry. to look as clean as possible. Finallyits time to paint! That wall is stunning too. Only brush along the section where youre holding the paint guard. When laying the tape, tuck the edge of the tape underneath the edge of the baseboard with a putty knife. Some painters prefer to not use a paint guard since it can cause the paint at the bottom of the baseboard to dry awkwardly. Try to tuck the tape in under the baseboard trim if you can. This is more advisable when carpets are a small part of the foot print. 26 February 2021, https://www.familyhandyman.com/painting/tips/trim-painting-tips-for-smooth-and-perfect-results/, https://craftyjournal.com/easy-no-mess-way-to-paint-baseboards/, https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/g151/13-painting-secrets-the-pros-wont-tell-you/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-baseboards/. Allow the primer to dry. It cleans the wood and also takes the shine off so that the paint will adhere better to the wood.

This article was co-authored by Jeff Baldwin and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. All Rights Reserved. Detaching the baseboards without any damage to them or the wall is a slow process. Congratulations. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Do you put sticky side down? Wipe the dust off the trim with a clean, dry rag. Begin painting the trim in one corner of the room. To show some extra TLC to your carpetand be a little more cautious in the face of paint spillslay a drop cloth over the rest of the carpet. The tape tightly tucks into the crease. Because theyre so close to the floor, baseboards gather dirt, dust and scuff marks. By using our site, you agree to our. Lay a strip of painters tape, sticky side down, onto the carpet. Work slowly when painting along the edge, and work in 1 foot (30cm) increments. trim paint carpet baseboards painting diy baseboard painted sister stuff kitchen Andrew Grill. Gently tap against the bucket (or container holding the paint), to remove loose paint. painted stairs stairway stair staircase makeover wood railing spindles brown carpet paint painting dark walls trim railings gray brave curbly But fear not! Ready to amaze yourself? (Using a less full cut can is easier to maneuver than a large full can of paint). Pittsburgh Paints Breakthrough paint color L4. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you would rather not use the deglosser, you can clean the baseboards with. Place a second stripe of tape next to the first, overlapping by . Fill any small dings with a wood spackle. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We dive into some of the questions when determining wheth. Thats why its important to take preventative measures to protect your carpet. This compresses and protects the carpet for painting ease. If you're painting the baseboard a different color, apply primer to the entire baseboard. gardenstatelumber Vacuum or wipe dust away. You dont want to capture any moisture in the wood.

Dont press the tape into the carpet as you put it down. However, I have found that I prefer the painters tape since the paint dries faster on the painters tape than it does on packing tape. Allow it to dry. If they're really dirty, use a teaspoon solution. Quarter-round refers to the optional round portion that gets added to the bottom of some baseboards. Thanks for hanging out! You must open the windows if you use this product. Just because theyre below eye level doesnt mean you should overlook your baseboards. While jumping into any project can be tempting, prepping the area is important if you want your baseboard (and carpet!) If your baseboards are dinged or missing chunks of wood, do some quick surface restoration prior to painting. Doing this, a homeowner is very likely to end up with a combination of three unsightly problems. If. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Jeff Baldwin. The oak will bleed through the Breakthrough paint. Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting. Paint your walls and baseboard as normal.

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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Or if you want the baseboards to pop, go for a bold, new shade. Painting baseboards on the edge of the carpet is so easy with this painting technique! Answering the question, or doing some investigative work, helps conclude: Knowing how the carpets and baseboards were installed will help guide the baseboard painting process and decisions involved. While painting your baseboards is a doable DIY project, you can always opt to hire professional help. For more advanced installers, it could be an option to peel back the carpet for painting.

(If you have oak trim, you will need to apply a coat of oil-based primer first. As your brush gets a little drier, move up and angle your brush to cleanly sweep the upper edge. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the baseboards and eliminate any debris (the last thing you want is any chunks of dirt or dust infiltrating your new paint job). Other painters prefer paint guards since they provide extra protection. You can use a paint guard or metal sheet if you want an added layer of protection. baseboard baseboards vidalondon molding Luckily, by taking certain preventative measures, painting your baseboards is a doable DIY task, no matter what type of floor you have. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. % of people told us that this article helped them. Use it as a guide, not a perfect safety measure, and try to avoid hitting it with your brush when you paint. This board and batten cost me less than $100, and it makes such a nice statement in the space! Most DIYers are able to update their baseboard paint with a little preparation (dont all painting projects involve prep?!). Air dry. Use painters tape to protect the wall above your baseboard if it has already been painted. The putty knife makes it easy to line the underside of the baseboard with tape. A visual review of the miter and bevel settings and the different cuts for inside corners and outside corners. If you have finished all coats, its time to remove the tape. After about an hour the paint should be dry to the touch. Gathering supplies and preparing your work site is critical to success. Painting in place requires a gap. This will earn you a smoother, easier-to-paint baseboard surface, which will look better when finished. Dont overload your paintbrush (always use bristle brushes over foam brushes) and use quick horizontal strokes to avoid excess paint and paint drips. Wipe your paint guard with a clean rag after painting each section. With all DIY projects, youll need to gather your toolswhich, of course, in this case, will include paint. Taking steps to protect the carpet while you prep and paint the baseboard trim can prevent damage to the carpet. If the baseboards are installed without a gap at the bottom of the baseboard, painting in place is more difficult. Finally, in attempting to prevent the previous two problems, a painter may avoid painting too close to the carpet, leaving an uneven line of unpainted baseboard. How to Clean a Lululemon Yoga Mat(and Why), Gathering supplies and preparing your work site, Cardboard from a cereal box (optional as desired), Floetrol paint additive (optional: makes paint easier to work with). Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. This is safer than ripping the tape straight out. If you dont, the debris will end up finding its way onto your freshly painted baseboard and tarnish your work. The goal is to ensure the carpet is completely covered, because spatter happens . A little bit of effort results in a dazzling reward. Snug the tape close enough to the wall that theres an overlap between the tape and the wall. Genius. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Are you new to my blog? When painting near carpets, theres always that risk of making a mess. Vacuum the floor around your work area (to prevent dust and debris from getting onto the painted area). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. You dont want to go rogue here, believe me! Start in the middle of the baseboard and paint lengthwise, or with the grain of the wood. And now that the tape is ripped off, all you have left to do is, Crank up the Timbuk 3. If you have oak trim, you will need to apply an oil-based primer for your first coat, and then the Breakthrough paint. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. baseboard baseboards vidalondon molding We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Use a putty knife or all-in-one tool to remove any painters tape or materials touching the paint and baseboard and continue to a new section. Line up each strip so that its running along the carpet on the same line. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then, take your putty knife or 5-in-1 tool and push the tape overlap into the space between the carpet and the wall. Barrett is currently attending Bucks County Community College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in sports management. It has a habit of being in the way. Before painting, apply a strip of 2 or 3 inch blue painters tape on top of the carpet. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles, Photo: hikesterson / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images. To remove any dripping or loose paint from your brush, simply tap the brush against the paint bucket or use the sides to wipe it off.

This strip uses small nails to attach to the backing of the carpet, securing it in place. When painting, carpet can be tedious to work with. Using an angled 2-inch brush, apply paint to the tips of the brush. Do not use short pieces of tape, even if they are overlapping each other, as this will create seams where paint can seep through; instead, apply a single piece of tape to the whole length of a wall. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Log in. If your baseboards are visibly covered in dust, using a damp cloth is more effective. If your baseboards are brand new or havent been painted multiple times in the past, you dont need to sand them down. Nice tutorial! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Now you move to your next section of mopboard. Place painter's tape along the bottom of the wall immediately above the trim. For more than a decade Manor Works has proved itself to be a trustworthy and reliable painting contractor, and we provide the longest, most thorough satisfaction guarantee in the region. This is more advisable when carpets are a small part of the foot print in the home or when experienced professionals are performing the work. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. familyhandyman This widens the protected area of carpet. References.

Pull the painter's tape off the wall and the carpet. Warning: Painters tape isnt always perfect and paint can bleed through it on occasion. Residential Painter. Apply primer to any spots where you patched the trim with wood putty. Older Post How to Finish New Wood Trim in an Existing House, How to Give Wood Trimming a Facelift Without Removing It, How to Install Hardwood Flooring Trim Pieces, House Painting Info: How to Paint Inetrior Trim, Valspar Paint: Prepping Trim and Woodwork, How to clean a showerhead, according to an expert, How to Paint Over Previously Stained & Varnished Trim. Duct tape will rip up your carpet, so avoid it. To keep carpet safe, lay down masking or packing tape and slide it under your baseboard with a putty knife to prevent drips. I prefer FrogTape, but the blue painters tape works as well. Supplies needed to paint baseboard trim without painting the carpet: To begin, run the packing (or painters) tape next to the baseboard overlapping it so that there is some tape to stuff under the baseboard (make sure the tape is sticky side down). Only paint a small section of baseboard at a time maybe 12 or so. A little prep work can save your floor and make your baseboard painting adventure much mor, Ever painted baseboards with a brush only to find you were left with some ugly brush marks? Learning how to paint baseboards on carpet is like cracking a tough geode for brilliance. This post is sponsored byFiltersFast.com. One alternative is to use a slat from a window blind with the round side facing up. You know where you want your home aesthetic to goIm going to help you get there, The road to freshly painted baseboards is forked. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Have you ever scrubbed your home, only to be frustrated by baseboards that still look dirty? Going length wise (or in direction of the wood grain) run back and forth removing as much paint as possible with each stroke. Open the windows in the room that youre painting to prevent the paint fumes from overwhelming you. If small amounts of paint are brushed onto the tape, this is not a problem, but do not allow heavy drips, pools, or runs to sit on the tape as they can bleed around the edges of the tape and into the carpet. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I suggest two coats of paint (allowing the first coat of paint to dry completely before adding the second). Don't get paint on the floor! Using a putty knife, press onto the tape to move it under the baseboard. Copyright 2022 Manor Works | 22727 Tail Race Road, Aldie, VA 20105 | Privacy Policy |. For this, youll also need: Step-by-step guide to the paint in place strategy. Unfortunately, many of the baseboards are on carpet (which can be tricky to paint), but I have figured out how to paint baseboards on the carpet. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A quality painting contractor will prevent all three problems with a single step, and it is something that a homeowner can do as well. Be cautious that you arent taking any wall paint with you. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Here is a suggested approach to painting your baseboards in place around carpet. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How do I protect my carpet when painting baseboards? Read the paint can for the recommended dry time. You can use a plastic sheet instead of a drop cloth if you dont have one. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.

This is different than with wood floors. Just make sure you take your time in choosing paint colors so you dont have painters remorse. Clean the baseboards with soap and water. What other painting tricks do you have? Evaluate the condition of your floor moldings. Learn how your comment data is processed. You may choose to slice the side of a cereal box, unfold it, and use this wide thin cardboard as additional protection.