How to Paint Interior Trim and Baseboards
Get crisp, professional-looking trim and baseboards with clean lines, no brush marks, and zero bleed-through.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Room
Move furniture away from walls or cover it with drop cloths. Vacuum the floor thoroughly, especially along baseboards, so dust does not stick to wet paint. Lay drop cloths along the full perimeter where you will be working.
Clean the Trim
Baseboards and trim collect years of dust, grease, and grime. Wash them with a degreaser or TSP substitute diluted in warm water. Scrub with a sponge, then rinse with a clean damp cloth. Let everything dry completely before proceeding.
Sand the Surface
Lightly sand all trim and baseboards with 120-grit sandpaper. You are not trying to remove the old paint — just scuff it up so the new coat has something to grip. Pay attention to any glossy areas. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth after.
Fill Holes and Gaps
Fill nail holes and dings with wood filler. Smooth it with a putty knife and let it dry. Then, run a thin bead of painter's caulk along the seam between the trim and the wall, and between the baseboard and the floor. Smooth the caulk with a damp finger or caulk tool.
Tape with Precision
Apply high-quality painter's tape along the top edge of the baseboard (where it meets the wall) and along the floor if you are not painting the floor trim. For door and window trim, tape the wall edge. Press the tape firmly with a putty knife edge to seal it completely.
Prime if Needed
If the trim is bare wood, stained, or you are switching from a dark color to white, apply a coat of primer first. Use a brush for detailed areas and a foam roller for flat sections. Let it dry fully, then do a very light sand with 220-grit and wipe clean.
Cut In with a Brush
Dip your angled sash brush about one-third of the way into the paint. Cut in along the top edge of baseboards, the inner edges of door trim, and any corners. Use long, smooth strokes and avoid over-brushing. A quality brush makes a massive difference in the final look.
Roll the Flat Surfaces
For the broad, flat faces of baseboards and door trim, use a 4-inch foam roller. Roll in one direction, overlapping each stroke slightly. Foam rollers lay down a very smooth, nearly brush-mark-free finish. Do not overload the roller — thin coats are better.
Apply a Second Coat
Let the first coat dry for 3-4 hours. Inspect for any thin spots, drips, or missed areas. Lightly sand any imperfections with 220-grit, wipe clean, and apply the second coat using the same brush-and-roll technique. Two thin coats look far better than one thick coat.
Remove Tape and Touch Up
Remove the painter's tape while the second coat is still slightly tacky — this gives the cleanest edge. Pull it back at a 45-degree angle, away from the trim. If any paint bled under, touch up the wall with the original wall color using a small brush.
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