It is easy to paint baseboards with carpet if you take the proper precautions.To keep carpet safe, lay down masking or packing tape and slide it under your baseboard with a knife.If you want an added layer of protection, you can use a paint guard or metal sheet.If the wall is already painted, use painter's tape to protect it.You can have the perfect baseboards in no time if you paint carefully and slowly.
Step 1: There is a drop cloth on the wall.
If you are going to paint a section of your wall, lay a drop cloth along it.This will keep paint and wood dust out of your carpet.Pull the cloth on the edges until it rests over a section of your room.If you don't have a drop cloth you can use a plastic sheet.Move your drop cloth around the room as you work if you are in a larger room.
Step 2: Put painter's tape on the bottom of the wall.
You can use painter's tape to protect the bottom section of your wall.The corner of your room is where the baseboard starts.Press 2–3 inches of tape against the end of the wall to make it flush with the baseboards.If you want your tape to sit flush along the baseboards, pull it out 2–3 feet.To flatten it to the wall, press the end of the baseboard and run your hand along the tape.Wait until every wall in your room is taped off.
Step 3: Sand your baseboards if necessary.
To clean baseboards, use a damp cloth.Remove dirt and dust from the dirty areas.It should be dry for 1-2 hours.Sand the wood and make painting easier.If you want to see the previous layer of paint smoothing into the wood, use back-and-forth strokes on a small sheet of sandpaper to rub it lightly along a section of baseboard.After sanding, wipe the boards with a dry cloth.If your baseboards have not been painted in a while, you don't need to sand them down.When sanding the upper and lower sections of your baseboard, be careful.You don't want to mess with the walls.If you want to paint your baseboards, let them air dry for at least an hour.You don't want the wood to be wet.If you are sanding your baseboards, wear a dust mask.
Step 4: A layer of masking tape is needed.
There is a roll of masking tape with a width of 2–4 inches.Put the sticky side down on your carpet and the top 2 inch (1.3 cm) hanging on the bottom of your baseboard after you pull out a section 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) long.As you cover the carpet along the baseboards, repeat this process.Line up the strips so they are on the same line.As you put the tape down, don't press it into the carpet.If your tape gets caught in the nap of your carpet, it will be difficult to slide the top section of the tape under the board.
Step 5: Put the tape under the baseboard or quarter-round with a knife.
Put your knife between the board and the carpet by sticking it to the floor at a 15-degree angle.You can pull the tape from the bottom of the baseboard by pressing into the wall.Put your knife between the wall and the carpet in the room.When you are done, lightly press your tape down.The optional round portion is added to the bottom of some baseboards.It is a quarter of a piece of wood.The 2 inch (1.3 cm) of tape that was sitting on the bottom of your baseboard should be tucked under the board.drips will not be able to sneak under the tape and damage your carpet.
Step 6: If you want extra protection, use a paint guard.
If you want, you can use a paint guard or metal sheet.A paint guard or metal sheet will prevent dripping paint from falling on to your carpet by catching it before it falls from the baseboard.If you want to use a paint guard, put the long edge on the packing tape.You can put it under the wood by pressing it down into your carpet.If you want, you can use a metal sheet or straight edge instead of the paint guard.The slat from the window blind can be used with the round side facing up.Some painters don't use a paint guard because it can cause the paint at the bottom of the baseboard to dry awkwardly.Paint guards give extra protection to other painters.After painting each section, you have to clean the paint guard with a rag.
Step 7: Put the mixing stick into the paint tray.
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry your can open while standing on your drop cloth.Use a mixing stick to mix your paint.Put 4–2 gallon into your paint tray and use your brush to wipe the can clean.If you use oil-based paint, you have to wear a mask.The paint fumes can be overwhelming if you open the windows in the room you are painting.
Step 8: Put the angle brush in the tray.
It is easier to paint baseboards with a 2–3 in angle brush.You can use nylon or natural bristles.If you want the tip of your brush to be covered in paint, you have to dip it.The brush should be put into the dry section of the paint tray.You can use a flat brush if you want, but an angle brush will make it easier to reach the bottom of your baseboard, since you can hold it at 45 degrees.
Step 9: Before painting the top, begin with the middle of the baseboard.
Start painting the middle portion of your baseboards first, using back-and-forth strokes to cover each section.Once the majority of the paint on your brush has been applied, paint the portion directly above the tape.If you want to check the accuracy of your cut, hold your brush at a 45 degree angle and only brush the top in the direction of the brush's angle.Work in 1 foot (30 cm) increments when painting along the edge.
Step 10: The bottom of your baseboard needs to be painted.
After you have painted the top and middle of your board, dip your brush into the paint tray and tap it multiple times to remove any leftover paint.Then, tilt the brush so that the long end is facing the carpet.Carefully move your brush along the bottom of the baseboard after pressing it into the board.Hold the paint guard in place with your nondominant hand.You should only brush the section where you are holding the paint guard.Press the guard down into the carpet and slide it out.Move it to a different part of the baseboard and then slide it between the carpet and baseboards.After painting a section, wipe the paint guard with a rag.
Step 11: In 1 foot (30 cm) increment, work your way around the room.
Bring a paint guard with you as you paint the room.If you want your drop cloth to always be underneath the section that you are painting, you need to move it with you.Before painting the bottom, always work from the middle to the top.The best way to avoid drips is to cover each section in the middle.
Step 12: After the paint has dried, remove the tape.
Drop cloth and other painting materials should be removed once your baseboards are dry.Take the long side of masking tape and put it under the baseboard.Pull it out in sections to avoid rubbing the paint on the carpet.