Final touches are necessary for a clean and neat finish in your home. Baseboards and trims need a fresh look. Are you wondering which paint finish is best for baseboards and trim? We've asked the experts, and they gave us informative answers.
Naturally, trim and baseboards in a house should be painted. The ideal paint finish is a semi-gloss or a gloss paint sheen. Avoid using a satin finish!
Why is it so important to use a semi-gloss or gloss paint finish? Continue reading to discover the benefits of using a gloss or semi-gloss paint finish.
The Perfect Paint Finish For Baseboards And Trims
You don't have to be a designer to have a perfectly finished interior. All you have to know are the ground rules to get the look you want for your home.
A good finish is compulsory for trims and baseboards. Using a semi-gloss paint finish is the ideal choice. A gloss finish works as well because it reflects light and helps baseboards and trim pop.
A semi-gloss or gloss can handle scrubbing, moisture, and high traffic better than a satin finish. A finish that is easy to clean and durable is what trims and baseboards need.
Have a look at this gloss paint finish on Amazon
Deciding On The Right Paint Finish
Picking the trim or baseboard color finish should not be guesswork. To eliminate indecision when choosing a trim or baseboard paint finish, use these tips to help you make a choice.
- Durability to withstand traffic, especially in entryways and mud rooms.
- Ability to hide bumps and dents from footwear, furniture, or vacuum cleaners.
- Visibility in rooms with less furniture.
- The amount of sheen in the finish. The shine should mask marks, dents, and grease.
- The finish on baseboards and trims shouldn't conflict with the walls.
How To Pick The Right Paint For Trim And Baseboards
Baseboards and trim are all over a home's interior. Homeowners know that they sometimes overlook them. When looking for a paint color for baseboards and trim, maintain a balanced color palette.
Here are some things that should play a key role in picking the right color.
- Your taste is important. It's your home, and the color you desire is not something to be ignored.
- Remember to complement your walls as you're making your choice.
- Paint the trim before the walls
- Use a bold color as a contrast. The trim and baseboards stand out like a ribbon all around the house.
Baseboard and Trim Color Ideas
Making decisions can be overwhelming, even when choosing a paint color. To minimize the headache of what color to use for your trim and baseboards, use the following suggestions.
One Color
Most homeowners love plain-colored walls for their living space. Therefore, you don't have to pick a contrasting color for the trim and baseboards.
You can paint the walls, trim, and baseboards the same color. In this scenario, your furniture will be the focal point in your home.
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White/Off-White
White or off-white goes well with any color. Your baseboards and trim will stand out when painted white. Pale or dark shades never conflict with white because it's a neutral color. You could reverse and have the walls a standard white with contrasting trim and baseboard colors.
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Same Color Palette
Use a color wheel to get a color for your trim and baseboards close to the walls. Ensure that you have some contrast to give your walls some depth. Create a distinct difference and contrast.
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Take a look at this video to learn more about why these suggestions are ideal.
Can Baseboards and Trim Be Different Colors?
Baseboards and trim can be in different colors. However, don't get carried away! A drastic contrast in your color palette might produce a chaotic look. Designers advise keeping the trim and the walls in the same color palette.
Are Trims And Baseboards Necessary?
Yes, baseboards and trim are necessary. Baseboards and trim are not only for aesthetics but to protect the drywall and cover unevenness where the walls and ceilings connect.
Can You Install Prepainted Baseboards & Trim?
Ideally, you should paint trim and baseboards before installing them if the walls are already painted. You can still paint the trim or baseboards after installing them.
However, paint carefully for a neat look. Apply two coats of paint finish on the trim or baseboards.
How To Apply Paint Finish To Baseboards And Trim
To paint any surface you'll need a paintbrush or a roller. You could also use a paint sprayer.
Applying a fresh coat of paint finish or refreshing an existing one can be a breeze or a nightmare. Baseboards and trim aren't wide surfaces, and a quality paint brush or small roller will work well.
A soft 2 or 2 1/2 inch angled paintbrush won't leave brush marks on installed baseboards and trim. Prepare the surfaces thoroughly and never skip the recommended steps.
Have a look at this angled trim paint brush on Amazon
Use a small roller to apply paint finish on installed trim and baseboards for a smooth and even finish. The best roller for the application of paint finish should be made of microfiber.
Have a look at these microfiber rollers on Amazon
Having picked the tool of choice, you can start applying the paint finish. The application of paint finish is easy.
The tools required:
- Masking tape
- 2 or 2 1/2 inch paintbrush or small roller
- Sandpaper
The process:
- Start by applying the masking tape to protect the walls.
- Sand the baseboards or trim to remove the old paint finish.
- Vacuum and wipe the dust with a wet rag and let it dry.
- Apply the paint finish. Use a few strokes for a more even coat. Allow it to completely dry.
Watch this video tutorial on how to make painting a breeze.
Is Paint Finish Different From A Polyurethane Finish?
A paint finish differs from a polyurethane finish. A paint finish is a paint that has a sheen. You can use a paint finish with more or less sheen for different results. It has color!
On the other hand, a polyurethane finish is clear, and the level of sheen differs. You can use a polyurethane finish on trim or baseboards if they are painted with ordinary paint.
Applying Polyurethane Finish To Trim And Baseboards
You can apply a polyurethane finish the same way you apply a paint finish on trim and baseboards. Always allow the polyurethane to dry in between coats.
For a smooth finish, use quality paintbrushes or rollers. Remember to apply the finish in the direction of the grain.
Should Trim And Baseboards Match The Ceiling?
They should match, but they don't have to be the same color. Matching the ceiling to your trim and baseboards brings the living space together.
It also visually enlarges the living space. Ensure that the ceiling is painted matte or flat to avoid reflecting color and amplifying imperfections.
Can Baseboards Match The Flooring?
Yes, they can, but this isn't a fixed rule in home decor. The choice of flooring could be the determining factor. The color of the flooring will also play a part.
Hardwood baseboards fit hardwood floors, but they cost a pretty penny. Use simple stained wood for the baseboards to cut down on costs.
What Size Should The Baseboards Be?
Baseboards are supposed to be proportional to the walls. Designers suggest a three- to five-inch baseboard for an eight-foot wall. A five- to seven-inch baseboard will fit a ten-foot wall.
Higher baseboards are dramatic, and they can have elaborate designs. Whichever baseboards you pick for your interior, be sure you create a visually balanced effect.
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Are Baseboards And Trim Only Made Of Wood?
The answer is no. Traditionally, baseboards were made of wood. Hardwood has been the preferred wood used for baseboards and trim.
However, you can find trim and baseboards made of softwood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Trim can be made from other materials besides wood or plaster. You can purchase synthetic trim, such as PVC, which can be molded into interesting forms and shapes.
Bottom Line
Semi-gloss and gloss paint finishes are the best for baseboard and trim. You can also use a polyurethane finish. The shine reflects light, and the finish is durable.
Work with a color palette that unifies your living space. Darker hues and shades can create a flowing picture. Avoid experimenting with too many colors.
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