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Painting 101: Which to Paint First, Walls or Baseboards?

Introduction

Do you want to know the best way to go about painting baseboards and walls? There is no need to look any further! Al’s Painting in Eau Claire can help. We’ve acquired several vital tips and procedures over the years to achieve a professional-looking finish on any interior painting work.

“Do you paint baseboards or walls first?” is a common topic among homeowners, and the decision can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a room. In this article, we’ll provide you with our expert tips on how to paint baseboards and walls, including which order to do them in. Following this advice will allow you to accomplish a beautiful and long-lasting paint job that will make your property appear at its finest. So, whether you’re an experienced painter or a novice, let us guide you through the process and assist you in achieving a professional-looking finish that you’ll be glad to show off to your friends and family.

Advantages of Painting Baseboards First

Saves Time and Effort

One of the most significant benefits of painting baseboards first is that it will save you time and work. You won’t have to worry about getting paint on the walls if you paint the baseboards first. This means you don’t have to be as careful when painting the baseboards, which might speed up the process.

Avoids Drips and Splatters

Another benefit of painting the baseboards first is that you can eliminate drips and splatters. You’re less likely to drip or spatter paint on the walls if you paint the baseboards first. This can assist you in achieving a neater, more professional-looking finish.

Easier to Cover Up Mistakes

The baseboards should be painted first since any faults are easier to hide when they are painted initially. You can quickly cover up any paint spills on the walls and baseboards by going back over them with wall paint. Long-term, this can save you time and effort.

Disadvantages of Painting Baseboards First

Hard to Match the Wall Color

One of the biggest disadvantages of painting baseboards first is that it can be hard to match the wall color. When you’re painting the baseboards first, you don’t have the wall color to compare them to. This can make it difficult to get the baseboard color just right.

Hard to Paint Along Edges

Another disadvantage of painting the baseboards first is that it can be hard to paint along the edges. When you’re painting the baseboards first, you have to be very careful not to get paint on the walls. This can make it difficult to get a clean, even line along the edges. (1)

May Need to Touch Up Later

You might need to touch up the paint after painting the baseboards. This is due to the fact that painting the walls makes it easy to unintentionally get paint on the baseboards. This can necessitate touch-ups when the wall paint has dried out.

Advantages of Painting Walls First

Better Coverage and Finish

The possibility of improved coverage and finish is among the major benefits of painting walls first. You may be more thorough with the coverage and make sure there are no missed spots if you paint the walls first. This may produce a finish that appears more polished.

Easier to Cut In Around Baseboards

Painting the walls first has the added benefit of making it simpler to trim around baseboards. You can use a paintbrush to draw a straight, uniform line along the baseboards after painting the walls. This may speed up and simplify the entire painting process.

Easy to Cover Up Mistakes with Paint

It’s easier to cover up any mistakes when you paint the walls first. You can quickly cover up any paint that you unintentionally get on the baseboards by going back over it with baseboard paint. Long-term, this can save you time and effort.

Disadvantages of Painting Walls First

Risk of Damaging the Baseboards

The risk of ruining the baseboards is one of the most significant disadvantages of painting the walls first. When painting the walls, your paintbrush or roller may accidentally brush up against the baseboards. This can cause scratches or nicks that are difficult to repair.

May Need to Be Careful Around Baseboards

When painting the walls first, be cautious around the baseboards. You must be careful not to get paint on the baseboards, which may be a hard and time-consuming task. This can lengthen and complicate the whole painting process.

More Time and Effort are Needed

Compared to painting the baseboards first, painting the walls first takes more time and work. This is due to the fact that you must be more attentive and patient to make sure the paint applies properly and stays off the baseboards. Before beginning to paint the baseboards, you might also need to wait for the walls to dry.

Tips for Painting Baseboards and Walls

Whatever method you use, there are several crucial things to remember while painting baseboards and walls. Here are some pointers to assist you in getting the best outcomes possible:

1. Preparation is Key

It is critical to adequately prepare the surfaces before beginning to paint. This may entail repairing any cracks or holes, sanding off rough areas, and carefully cleaning the surfaces. You can help guarantee that the paint adheres well and that the finish is smooth and even by taking the time to properly prepare the surfaces. (2)

2. Use Quality Paint and Tools

The paint and tools you employ can have a significant impact on the final results. Choose high-quality paint that is suitable for the surface you are painting, whether it is wood or drywall. In order to get a smooth, even finish, you should also invest in high-quality brushes and rollers.

3. Paint with a Steady Hand

When painting baseboards or walls, have a firm hand and apply the paint evenly. Use long, smooth strokes instead of short, choppy ones, and avoid using too much pressure with the brush or roller. This can help prevent streaks and drips and provide a more even finish.

4. Don’t Rush the Process

Finally, don’t speed through the painting process. Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. Rushing the process can result in a less professional-looking finish and may necessitate additional touch-ups or repairs later on.

Conclusion

While painting baseboards and walls can be a time-consuming and challenging task, with the right advice and techniques, you can produce a polished result that will improve the aesthetic of your house. By following our advice, you may prevent common mistakes and produce outcomes you’ll be proud to display.

Always start painting the trim before moving up to the walls while painting the baseboards and walls. This will save you time in the long run and keep paint from getting on your freshly painted walls. Additionally, it is advised to paint each surface individually for the best effects if you were considering painting both surfaces at once. Achieving a professional look in your interior painting involves careful planning and execution, just as with living room painting projects. Once you have a plan for painting baseboards and walls, further refine your technique with these bedroom painting tips.

At our professional painting service, we not only provide expert guidance on the order of painting but also offer useful tips onhow to properly wash paint brushes and rollers, ensuring their longevity and optimal performance.

Finally, if you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to begin with your interior painting project, don’t be afraid to contact a professional painter such as Al’s Painting in Eau Claire. We can assist you in selecting the proper paint colors, offer advice on procedures and supplies, and even complete the job for you. Take a look at this link to learn more: https://alspaintingeauclaire.com/interior-painting

So what are you waiting for? Grab your paintbrushes and get started on your next painting project today. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

References:

(1) https://www.bobvila.com/articles/paint-walls-or-trim-first/#:~:text=If%20you%20paint%20the%C2%A0trim%20first%2C%20you%20can%E2%80%99t,to%20do%20it%20once%20is%20a%20big%20pro.


(2) https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/10-simple-steps-interior-paint-prep/#:~:text=You%20must%20remove%20any%20foreign%20substance%20that%27s%20on%20the%20surface%20you%20want%20to%20paint.%20If%20you%20skip%20this%20step%2C%20the%20paint%20will%20not%20adhere%20properly%20to%20the%20surface%20and%20will%20likely%20peel%20off

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General Question

Frequently Asked Questions

Painting the trim first is often easier because it is more time-consuming and requires more precise labor than painting the walls. You may avoid getting paint on your freshly painted walls by painting the trim first, which will save you time and irritation in the long run.

While painting walls and baseboards at the same time is possible, it is not recommended. It might be difficult to keep a steady hand and prevent getting paint on the wrong surface, resulting in a less professional-looking finish. To guarantee the greatest potential outcome, treat each surface independently.

While it is feasible to paint both the walls and the baseboards at the same time, it is not normally advised. Allowing the walls to dry completely before painting the baseboards can help you create a more professional-looking finish.

Yes, you can cut it in (use a brush to paint the edges and corners of a room) one day and roll it the next. In reality, this is a frequent painting method since it allows them to focus on the more fine process of cutting in rather than covering huge areas with a roller. To eliminate undesired streaks or lines, allow the cut-in areas to dry completely before rolling over them.

While it is feasible to avoid painting the baseboards, it is generally not advised. Over time, baseboards can get scuffed, scratched, and unclean, and painting them can help preserve them from wear and tear. Furthermore, painted baseboards can lend a finishing touch to a room, making it appear more polished.

It's recommended to apply high-quality latex paint to baseboards and walls. This paint is simple to clean, dries rapidly, and resists fading and breaking. Consider applying a semi-gloss or satin finish to your baseboards to help them withstand scuffs and scratches and make them easier to clean.

Yes, sanding the baseboards before painting is generally a good idea. Sanding smooths out any flaws in the wood and provides a better surface for the paint to adhere to. After sanding, wipe down the baseboards to remove any dust or dirt.

Yes, you can use the same paint on the walls and the baseboards. Keep in mind, however, that different surfaces may necessitate different types of paint (for example, a different sheen or finish). Before beginning your job, it's always a good idea to consult with a paint professional or do some studying.

It's preferable to paint the ceiling first, then the walls and baseboards. This will keep paint dripping and splattering off your freshly painted walls and baseboards. After the ceiling has dried, you can begin painting the walls and baseboards.

It's preferable to paint the ceiling first, then the walls and baseboards. This will keep paint dripping and splattering off your freshly painted walls and baseboards. After the ceiling has dried, you can begin painting the walls and baseboards.