How to Paint Trim and Baseboards Neatly

Crisp, clean trim makes a whole room look finished. It just takes a bit of patience.

1. Paint trim last. The usual order is ceiling, walls, then trim. It's easier to cut a clean line on trim than on a wall.
2. Clean it well. Baseboards collect dust and grime. Wipe them down and let them dry.
3. Scuff-sand. A light sanding helps new paint grip old, shiny trim.
4. Fill and caulk. Fill nail holes and caulk gaps between trim and wall for a seamless look.
5. Use the right paint. Semi-gloss is the standard, because it's tough and easy to clean. We recommend a Behr semi-gloss.
6. Use a small angled brush. A 1½- to 2-inch brush fits trim perfectly.
7. Protect the floor. Tape the floor, or slide a wide putty knife along the bottom edge as a shield while you paint.
8. Use long, smooth strokes. Brush along the length of the board. Thin coats look better than one heavy coat, which drips and sags.
9. Get comfortable. A kneeling pad makes baseboards much easier.

Bottom line: Clean, sand, caulk, and paint thin, smooth coats.

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