How to Repair and Repaint Baseboards

Baseboards are one of those things in your home that you don’t really notice—until they start looking worn out, chipped, or even cracked. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro to repair and repaint them. Trust me, after tackling a few baseboard projects myself, I can confidently say that with the right steps, anyone can handle this! It’s easier than you think, and the results? Instantly transformative. So grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before diving in, make sure you have everything you need. Trust me, having the right tools on hand makes a world of difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Wood filler or spackle
• Putty knife
• Painter’s tape
• Primer (if needed)
• Paint (baseboard-specific if possible)
• Paintbrush (angled works best for edges)
• Damp cloth or sponge
• Caulking (optional)

💡 Pro tip: If your baseboards have deep gouges or cracks, I recommend using wood filler. If it’s just minor dings or dents, spackle will do the trick.

2. Inspect the Baseboards

Now that you’ve got everything ready, take a good look at your baseboards. Are there any deep scratches? Chips? Peeling paint? Or are they just looking dull? Identifying the problem spots will help you know where to focus most of your efforts.

I remember the first time I did this, I thought my baseboards were just a bit dirty, but once I got down on my knees and really looked, I noticed so many nicks and scratches I hadn’t even seen from a standing position. Take your time inspecting them. The more attention you give to detail here, the better the final result will be.

3. Clean the Baseboards

This step might seem basic, but trust me, it’s crucial. You’ll want to wipe down the baseboards with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dust, dirt, or grime. If you skip this step, the paint won’t adhere properly, and you’ll end up with a lumpy finish. A bit of warm soapy water works wonders for getting rid of stubborn dirt.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t just clean the visible areas. Make sure you wipe along the tops and sides where dust loves to settle.

4. Sand Down Rough Areas

Once your baseboards are clean and dry, it’s time to sand down any rough spots. I usually start with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth out imperfections. Focus on areas where the paint has chipped or bubbled, or where the wood has been scratched. Then, I like to go over the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper to make sure everything is smooth to the touch.

I’ll be honest, sanding used to feel like a chore to me, but after my first baseboard project, I learned how much it improves the final look. I once skipped sanding and regretted it—the fresh paint highlighted every bump and flaw. So trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

5. Fill in Cracks and Holes

Now it’s time to tackle any cracks, holes, or deep scratches. Using wood filler or spackle, apply a small amount with a putty knife, pressing it into the damaged areas. Be sure to overfill the holes slightly, as the filler will shrink a bit as it dries. Don’t worry if it looks messy at first—you’ll sand it smooth later.

I remember when I first used wood filler, I thought I was applying too much, but after sanding, it came out smooth as glass. So don’t be afraid to overfill just a little!

💡 Pro tip: For larger cracks or gaps between the baseboards and the wall, you can use caulking. It gives a clean, seamless finish once painted over.

6. Sand Again for a Smooth Finish

Once the filler is completely dry (usually 20-30 minutes for most products, but check the label), sand down the areas you patched. You want the filled spots to be as smooth as possible and level with the surrounding baseboard. Fine-grit sandpaper is best for this step.

Trust me, smoothness is key. I once rushed this part and ended up with visible patches that caught the light in all the wrong ways. Now, I make sure everything feels perfectly smooth before moving on to painting.

7. Tape Off the Area

To avoid getting paint on your walls or floor, apply painter’s tape along the top edge of the baseboard and on the floor. This simple step will save you so much cleanup time later. I always tape with a bit of an overlap onto the floor, and press it down firmly to make sure no paint seeps under.

💡 Pro tip: If your baseboards are near carpet, tuck the painter’s tape under the carpet edge. This will protect it from getting paint stains.

8. Prime (If Necessary)

If you’re working with bare wood or if the baseboards have any significant repairs, priming is a must. Primer helps the paint stick better and ensures a more even finish. If your baseboards are already painted and in decent shape, you can usually skip this step.

When I first repainted my baseboards, I skipped the primer because I was in a hurry. Big mistake! The paint didn’t adhere as well, and I ended up having to redo the whole thing a few months later. So now, I always prime when in doubt.

9. Paint the Baseboards

Here comes the most satisfying part—painting! Use a good-quality, angled brush to get those crisp edges. If your baseboards are white, I recommend sticking with a semi-gloss or satin finish for a nice shine and easy cleaning. Start at one end of the room and work your way around, using long, smooth strokes.

💡 Pro tip: Two thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Let the first coat dry fully before applying the second.

The first time I did this, I only did one thick coat, and it looked streaky and uneven. Now I always go for two coats, sanding lightly between them for a perfectly smooth finish.

10. Remove the Tape and Admire Your Work!

After the final coat of paint has dried (give it a few hours to be safe), carefully peel away the painter’s tape. If you did everything right, you should have beautifully clean lines and fresh-looking baseboards. Step back and admire your work—you’ve just given your room a whole new look with a relatively simple repair!

Repairing and repainting baseboards might seem like a small project, but it makes a big impact on the overall appearance of your home. Plus, doing it yourself feels incredibly rewarding. You don’t need to be a professional painter to get great results—just take your time, follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

And remember, it’s all about the details. Sanding, filling, taping—these little steps are what make the difference between a quick fix and a high-quality, long-lasting repair. So don’t rush it, and most importantly, have fun with it. You’ve got this!