Knowledge Builders

what do you paint first walls or baseboards

by Oscar Rau Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Pros usually follow a certain order when painting a room. They paint the trim first, then the ceiling, then the walls. That's because it's easier (and faster) to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls. And you certainly don't want to tape them both off!May 6, 2022

Full Answer

Should baseboards be same color as walls?

The straight answer to this is yes, you can use the same wall color and paint you used for the baseboard. However, there are paints that are exclusive for baseboards so you might want to try that out as well.

What is a good color for a baseboard?

The top choices for are the three white trim colors mentioned today:

  • White Dove by Benjamin Moore
  • Decorators White by Benjamin Moore
  • White by Benjamin Moore

Do you paint baseboards the same color as walls?

Yes! Painting walls and trim in the same color is a popular trend. Whether you choose a light neutral color or a dark jewel tone, it is more than okay to paint your walls, baseboards, window and door trim, doors, crown moulding, and even your ceilings all the same color.

What paint is best for trim and baseboards?

The same goes for exterior trim. Semigloss paint gives you a smoother surface than lower-sheen finishes and has a degree of shine, providing a visual contrast. “Semigloss finishes are usually easy to clean, so they’ll continue to look good for years,” says test engineer Rico de Paz, Consumer Reports’ resident paint pro.

What is the best way to paint a wall?

How long does it take to paint baseboards?

How to make a paint finish smooth?

How to avoid paint stains on door handles?

How to get paint off of a wall?

What to keep in mind when buying paint?

What is the best way to protect a floor?

See 2 more

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How to protect paint from second paint color?

Whichever surface you paint first, you’ll want to protect it from the second paint color you go to use by covering it with the gentle tape. Make sure that the tape’s edges are flat against the wall so paint can’t seep beneath it.

What happens if you paint trim first?

If you paint the trim first, you run the risk of the wall color splattering and having to touch it up again. On the other hand, if you paint the wall first, then the trim paint could bleed over and force you to go back and fix the wall color. The hotly debated issue doesn’t seem to have a definitive answer….

Is it hard to paint clean lines?

As mentioned above, painting isn’t hard, but it is time-consuming.

Is it possible to be halfway done painting a room?

You may be only halfway done, but the room already feels brighter or more cozy. It’s all to do with the size of your canvas; newly painted trim might be noticeable, but it won’t have quite the same impact as a coat of wall paint.

Is it better to paint the wall first or second?

Painting the wall first is easier and efficient, especially for inexperienced painters. This particular order allows do-it-yourselfers to be slightly sloppier when painting the walls without the job itself looking sloppy.

Can you cut in over flat walls?

Some also find it easier to cut in over the flat, wide walls than having to cut in on the more narrow (and often curved and creased) trim. If you have a steady hand and the time to dedicate to slowly painting the edges and corners, this might be the method for you.

Why use primer on baseboard?

Benefits include: More likely to get the best looking results. The paint will look closer to your intended look. The layer of paint will be more durable, with the benefits of a primer to stabilize it on the baseboard. Helps even out the color and texture of the paint on the baseboard.

Who is doing the painting?

Who you have help from may determine if you paint trim or walls first. Caulking, taping, and getting the lines right may require the work of a professional – or your best assistant.

DO YOU HAVE TO PAINT PRIMED BASEBOARDS?

The short answer is no; you do not need to paint primed baseboards. You don’t need to paint your baseboards at all. If you primed the baseboards yourself, you may like the look and choose to leave it as is. If the baseboards came primed (all MDF baseboards come primed), you might like the look, but odds are you don’t. Most home centers (e.g., Home Depot, Lowes) do not sell pre-painted baseboards, and you need to plan on adding paint top coats.

Can I paint pre primed trim?

Dull or Plain Look: Most interior trim primers are not designed to act like paint, and you need to consider painting pre primed wood or MDF trim. The job of MDF or wood trim primer is to adhere to the surface and fill up the pores with that first so that the paint can do its job. Pre-primed baseboard moulding has a flat, or matte look that could clash with your wall and floors. Paints have sheens and gloss (e.g., semi-gloss) to create a professional look with your finish coats.

Is it cheaper to prime baseboards or paint?

Assuming you use all your paint, priming can end up cheaper. Primer is less expensive than paint. Using a primer for the first coat or two means you will use less paint. Priming is part of the process professionals use. However, at the end of the day, the decision to prime your baseboards before painting is up to you, ...

Can you paint baseboards before painting?

You may be able to skip priming before painting when it comes to baseboards, but you may appreciate the look when adding the extra step. Remember, you will only paint and install your baseboards once, but they will stay on your wall for a very long time.

Can you paint trim and walls separately?

Your color combination: Yes, it is more efficient to compartmentalize painting and paint trim and the walls separately. However, it is a good idea to stop and check your work and look at a sample of your finished product from time to time. Try painting a section of the wall or using a fully painted piece of scrap trim.

How long does it take to paint a 15x15 bedroom?

A bedroom (15×15) with the main door trim, closet door trim, skirting boards, and two window trims should take about 2 hours to prep and prime and then 2-4 hours to paint. For an amateur, you may take anywhere from 4-6 hours to paint a bedroom. Painting your living room may not be as time-consuming.

What is the purpose of paint on walls?

Paints protect your wall against moisture and wear and tear.

Why is baseboard important?

Depending on your home, the baseboard plays an important role: Protects the wall against spills, structural and physical damage.

How much does it cost to paint trim?

Cost to Paint the Trim. Most professional painters charge you by the hour, which may be $20 to $75 per hour. As such, painting trim for a 1,500-square-foot home can cost you $500 to $1,500, excluding the porch. The porch adds $500 to $2,000 to the final amount.

What does trim do in a painting?

Painting tips and tricks. Rather than just ornamentation, trims often give the room balance, character, and proportion. It also plays into your perception and makes the room appear larger.

How many shades of white are there in Benjamin Moore?

Did you know that both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have more than 100 shades of white among them? While white is a classic color for trims, the right white makes all the difference between elegance and gauche.

What color is used in crown molding?

Dark gray – with blue undertones, brings a sense of tranquility, primarily when used in the crown molding and wainscoting.

What is the difference between painting walls and trim?

The walls are broad and flat and usually are painted with a roller. The trim is narrow; you need to use a brush. Not only that, the two surfaces usually receive different colors.

Can you cut in paint with tape?

If you're the type of painter who doesn't bother with tape and prefers to freehand that nice, clean edge, you'll find it's easier to cut in when you can spread out your brush over a nice, broad area (the wall) and use just the edge to cut in along the fine line of the trim.

Is it better to paint walls or trim?

Walls are faster to paint and require less skill and care than trim-work. Walls are primarily rolled, while the trim is exclusively brushed and can look bad if someone slops the paint on, muddling the details, and leaving permanent brush strokes.

Is wall color better than trim color?

Wall color has a bigger impact than trim color. If it turns out that you don't like the wall color, there's a good chance you'll change the trim color, too. Thre is no sense in painting both surfaces twice.

Why do you need glossy paint on baseboards?

But most experts recommend going in for a glossy finish for baseboards. This is because it could be more resistant to handling scuffing.

How long does it take to repaint baseboards?

The good thing is that it does not take too much time. If everything is planned properly, the entire job can be completed in a day, or maximum, in two days.

How long does it take for baseboard paint to dry?

Once the first coat has been completed, allow the baseboards at least 24 hours for drying. If the weather is too cold or rainy, give a couple of hours more for the paint to dry completely. Once the paint has been completely cured, go for the second coat.

What is TSP in a baseboard?

You must learn to use the TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) as per the product instructions. Once you are done with it, ensure that the baseboards are thoroughly wiped using a sponge.

What do you need to take care of when you paint your house?

When we give a new coat of paint to our home, we need to take care of our windows, and also other places such as baseboards, door casing, crown molding.

Can you paint baseboards on the wall?

The paint may also get onto the wall. However, even today, most people prefer painting baseboards when they are fixed in the walls.

Do painted baseboards add sparkle?

This is because the painted baseboards will certainly add more sparkle to the entire space and there will quite a bit of newness to the entire room. We are happy to share some of the important tips that may go a long way in answering the question of how to paint baseboards. Contents [ Show]

Why do most homes have white trim?

Of course, the largest majority of homes have white painted trim and baseboards because it is classic and goes with any wall color. However, as you saw in the photos above, trim and baseboards can make a beautiful statement in a more saturated color.

Can you use painter's tape to paint a room?

However, if you are new to painting, then you will most likely want to use painter’s tape for each part of the process! You can find the 5 steps to painting a room detailed in this tutorial along with all the materials needed.

Is it easier to paint trim or baseboards?

Personally, I find it easier to paint trim and baseboards first. This way, I can get away with not taping the walls and any over paint is easily covered once the wall paint goes up. I think this option is easier because cutting in on a wall is easier than painting the top of a baseboard without tape.

Can I paint wood trim in the basement?

If you’re ready to take the step in your own home, you can see how I painted my wood trim in the basement in this tutorial. It is a very simple process, but will take time. So if you’re tackling an entire house, I recommend breaking it down into manageable chunks.

Do you paint walls first or trim?

One of the biggest questions I get is the order in which to paint. Do you paint walls first or trim? Well, the answer is simple. It really doesn’t matter . Either way, you are going to need to take care to avoid overpainting either the wall or the baseboard trim.

Can you change trim colors by room?

If you decide to change your interior trim colors by room, you’ll want to find that perfect transition point to switch colors. A lot of times that is a doorway, but with open concept houses becoming the norm in new builds, it can be difficult to find that transition point.

Should I Paint My Baseboard Trim?

We all have our preferences on wood trim. Some absolutely love the warmth it brings. Some consider it dated and distracting. Others view it from a natural standpoint. (i.e.: How could you paint over that beautiful wood grain????? Said in disbelief and disgust.)

When Doing Renovations Should You Paint or Caulk Baseboards First?

It depends. If your renovation will not allow for any spray painting to be performed after the boards are installed, then you will need to paint the baseboards prior to cutting and installation. Most do-it-yourselfers will end up painting the boards on a couple of saw horses outside or in the garage and then install them.

Why spray paint boards in place?

This process makes for a nicer finish because of using a sprayer as well because the boards are painted in place so any issues can be dealt with right on the spot.

How Do You Seal Baseboard Gaps?

Whether you are caulking the top edge of a baseboard or need to fill gaps where the baseboards join (the mitered joints), I would recommend you use a paintable caulking.

How long does it take to paint caulking?

Personally, I have painted caulking within 10 to 20 minutes of applying it. Depending on how wide the bead is, you might want to let it set up a bit so you don’t have brush marks in the caulking. That is my only cautionary warning.

Do you put caulking around baseboards?

Even newer home builders (that are proud of their builds) will put a fine bead of caulking on the top side of baseboards and around casings. This just creates a really nice finished look. I moved into a new home a few years ago and some of the casings weren’t caulked so I ended up doing it myself.

Do you spray paint baseboards before you paint?

Over the years, baseboards were always painted before they were cut and installed when it came to new homes. Now the trend is to install all of the baseboards and casings and spray paint them in place before any flooring or painting is done on the walls.

Should you caulk baseboards before painting?

There you go, caulking should be done first. Of course, then the question comes up regarding how hard it is to paint baseboards while they are attached to a wall versus laying them out on a workbench to be painted. If installing baseboards was always the exact same process, then it would be easier to know what to do. Let’s go over a few different scenarios and talk about what to do first. Here we go!

What is the best way to paint a wall?

The paint roller is perfect for painting the wall, as it helps to optimize the paint coverage and gives the final finish a uniform appearance. Nevertheless, you should also paint around baseboards and corners of the walls, where rollers are not the best option.

How long does it take to paint baseboards?

It is best to paint the baseboards first, then the ceiling, and finally the walls. When you paint the wooden baseboards, let them dry for 24 hours, then cover them with tape. Then, you can start painting the ceiling without fear of staining. When you finish with the ceiling, you can move on to the wall.

How to make a paint finish smooth?

For an ultra-smooth finish, always apply at least two coats of paint, and then apply a fine-grained sanding sponge after each coat of paint. These sponges will get into rough spots where sandpaper cannot reach and leave a uniform appearance. After each sanding, remove the excess and then clean with an antagonistic cloth to remove dust.

How to avoid paint stains on door handles?

To avoid paint stains on door handles, window frames, and more, it is best to cover the edges with tape. You can place the adhesive strips a week beforehand . Furthermore, do not let the paint dry before you remove them, just do it when you finish painting.

How to get paint off of a wall?

Tip 1: Carefully Clean the Walls. If you paint on dirty surfaces, or oil, the paint may peel off as it dries. Therefore, remove dust, dirt and grease stains with water, a little mild dishwashing liquid, and a sponge. Rinse with clean water to remove soap residue.

What to keep in mind when buying paint?

Some things to keep in mind when making your list include cleaning products, paint, adhesive tape, rollers, and brushes.

What is the best way to protect a floor?

To protect your floor, it is better to use cotton cloths (like old sheets) rather than plastic protectors. Plastic is slippery, and you could fall if you put a ladder on the plastic.

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