how to repair baseboard trim

^{Trim Repair: How to Fix and Revive Trim}

1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Soften old paint along the edges of trim and stained baseboards with alcohol. ...
2. Scrape and sand badly damaged areas. Scrape away badly weathered finish. A carbide paint scraper removes the old finish much faster than sandpaper.
3. Roughen the finish and fill small holes. Rub the wood with an abrasive pad to create a slightly roughened surface for the new finish. ...
4. Apply stain to hide dings and scratches. Hide scratches, chips and worn away finish with a fresh dose of stain. ...
5. Apply the fresh finish. Restore the shine with a fresh coat of polyurethane. Wipe on poly gives you a faster, smoother finish with less mess than brush-on poly.

How much does it cost to replace Baseboard trim?

The overall cost for a 20×20 room is between $450-$700 for pro installation. Baseboard trim costs $5.75 to $9.00 per linear foot for the materials, installation supplies and hiring a trim carpenter or handyman to do the work.

How to carefully remove Baseboard trim?

The Easiest Way to Remove Baseboards and Other Trim – Step-by-Step

• Tools you need to remove baseboards
• You may also need:
• Instructions. Using your utility knife with the blade extended about 1/2 an inch or less, carefully cut down into the existing caulking at the top of the baseboard.

How to refinish wooden baseboard trim?

Trim Repair: How to Fix and Revive Trim

1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Soften old paint along the edges of trim and stained baseboards with alcohol. ...
2. Scrape and sand badly damaged areas. Scrape away badly weathered finish. ...
3. Roughen the finish and fill small holes. ...
4. Apply stain to hide dings and scratches. ...
5. Apply the fresh finish. ...

How to cope Baseboard trim with a miter saw?

Step 4: Coping the Miter

• Rest the coping saw blade on your thumbnail to make the first cuts.
• Make relief cuts at any tight corners or angles
• Be careful when cutting sharp or exposed tips or points to avoid breaking
• Keep the coping saw angled backward at a 30-degree angle
• It is better to leave a bit of wood at the edge than to cut into the profile. ...

How do you fix baseboards without replacing them?

0:466:31The Holy Grail of Baseboard Repair!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTwo any kind of wood glue will work for this and then you're gonna need some wood filler i like thisMoreTwo any kind of wood glue will work for this and then you're gonna need some wood filler i like this stuff from the home depot it comes in a squeeze tube it's elmer.

How do you repair damaged wood trim?

Trim Repair: How to Fix and Revive TrimStep 1: Start with a thorough cleaning. Photo 1: Remove old paint spots. ... Step 2: Scrape and sand badly damaged areas. Photo 2: Scrape eroded areas. ... Step 3: Roughen the finish and fill small holes. ... Step 4: Apply stain to hide dings and scratches. ... Step 5: Apply the fresh finish.

How do you fix rotted baseboards?

0:397:09How To Repair Water Damaged Baseboard and PREVENT ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart tearing the drywall. Paper up here if you start getting into damaging this section up hereMoreStart tearing the drywall. Paper up here if you start getting into damaging this section up here then you've got a paint repair to do up top before you know it you're repainting the bathroom.

How do you paint a damaged baseboard?

Steps:Step 1: Remove loose paint. Use your putty knife to gently scrape away any loose paint. ... Step 2: Patch the damaged areas. We used DAP Alex Plus Spackling to do all the repair work on our baseboards. ... Step 3: Caulk if needed. ... Step 4: Paint.

Can wood trim be repaired?

If you're working with wood trim or crown molding, you can refinish it to repair scratches and shallow dents. Simply sand down your trim to remove the current stain and to smooth out the damaged areas.

How do you use wood filler on baseboards?

Start at the edge of the damaged area, pressing the wood filler into the depression. Overfill slightly to allow for the fact that the filler shrinks as it dries. Once you have applied as much filler as necessary, smooth over the filled area with a clean part of a putty knife.

Why are my baseboards rotting?

If the flooring material below or the wall behind a wood baseboard becomes wet, the baseboard may begin to rot. If this happens – and if the rotten part composes less than half of the baseboard – it is necessary to cut the rotted part out of the baseboard and replace it with a new piece of baseboard.

How much do new baseboards cost?

When you consider materials and labor, it typically costs $5.70 to $8.95 per linear foot to install baseboards. If you need your existing baseboards removed, expect to add another $50 to $100 per hour in labor costs. For a home with a 144-foot perimeter, the average cost to replace baseboards is $1,280.

What does water damage look like on baseboards?

Stains from water damage on baseboards are apparent when the baseboards are white. No matter how clean the water is, any place that it touches the baseboard will become stained. Additionally, the area just above your baseboard could also become stained from exposure to water.

Can you touch up baseboards?

1:002:43How To Paint or Touch Up your baseboards without a lot of prepYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBetween your wall and the top of your baseboard. So you can easily just paint right on there andMoreBetween your wall and the top of your baseboard. So you can easily just paint right on there and touch up any scuffs.

Should you caulk baseboards?

Caulk on both the top and bottom edge of the baseboards closes the gaps to keep the bugs out. It's more effective, cheaper, easier, and safer than hassling with insecticide sprays and powders to protect your walls.

Can you use spackle on baseboards?

0:536:03How to Use Caulk and Spackle on Wood Trim and Molding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTreatment. So you can do this to patch old woodwork like your old baseboards. Or trim around doors.MoreTreatment. So you can do this to patch old woodwork like your old baseboards. Or trim around doors. If it's looking kind of shabby.

How do you fill gouges in wood trim?

0:112:07How to Fix Gouges & Dents on Doors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'm going to start by scooping out a bit of rezident. Something about the size of a golf ball.MoreAnd I'm going to start by scooping out a bit of rezident. Something about the size of a golf ball. This is the hardener I'll lay down a bead about an inch long. And then blend the two together.

How do you fill in dents in wood trim?

0:192:14How to Repair Hammer Dents in Wood Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the heat source. And warm up the knife a little bit you don't want to get the knife too hotMoreTake the heat source. And warm up the knife a little bit you don't want to get the knife too hot just enough to allow the moisture to soak into the wood and pop that dent. Out.

What is the best wood filler for large gaps?

Best Wood Filler For Large Holes and GapsBest Overall Wood Filler – DAP 543 Series 00543 Qt Natural Plastic Wood-X.Best Long Lasting Wood Gap Filler – Gorks Goodfilla.Best Exterior Wood Filler for Large Holes – Pc Products Epoxy Wood Filler.Best Water Based Filler – Elmers Carpenters Wood Filler.More items...•

How do you fix chewed wood trim on a dog?

You can use an epoxy wood filler to repair the gouges as well. For this you can use something like LePage Wood Filler. You can pick out different tints as well to better match your wood trim. Then you can go in with your sand paper and sand it until it's smooth.

How do I repair baseboards?

How To Repair and Caulk Baseboards Step-by-Step. Step 1 – Begin by scraping off the old caulk. I love this caulk scraper because it won’t gouge the wall or tile. Scrape or sand any excess texture off to create a smooth surface. Step 2- (Optional) Tape off the wall. I like to tape the front of the baseboard over the edge.

How do I caulk a baseboard?

One trick to caulking is to cut the tip of the caulking gun at an angle. I use bone cutting scissors that have a notch out of them to cut the tube. Some guns come with a handy hole that cuts the tip. Step 4 – Lay the Caulk. As you are caulking, hold the gun so that the tip is completely flush with the baseboard.

What is the best caulk for baseboards?

Pay attention to whether the caulk you are using is intended for interior or exterior as well as whether it is paintable. Crack and shrink resistant caulk is a very good idea. If your gap is larger than ¼ inch: Cracks larger than ¼ of an inch may take more passes. The process is essentially the same as smaller gaps. However, make sure you fill deeper in the gap (not flush with the surface). Allow the deeper caulk to dry completely before caulking a surface bead.

How to smooth caulk with index finger?

With a bit of practice, smoothing caulk with your index finger is a breeze. Put on some latex gloves and make sure they are tight fitting around your finger (no ridges or ripples). Use your index finger at an angle with light, but consistent pressure. If you aren't confident using your hands, a wedge tool helps.

How to repair a swollen paint surface?

If you find yourself having a hard time getting it smooth or the fuzziness doesn't go away after sanding, skim the top of the damaged area with very thin layer of wood putty and feather it out, then sand smooth.

Can I use oil based primer on MDF?

MDF likes to suck up paint too , so I'd use an oil based primer before finish coating. It's possible that the paint might raise the surface a tiny bit and make it rough after priming, so lightly sand with 200 grit sandpaper after the primer is fully cured.

Can you paint a chipped baseboard?

Painting a chipped baseboard may be the “poor man’s” way of hiding damage, but replacing a section of baseboard can be difficult, especially if you can’t find a molding to match. So, for best results, use an all-purpose joint compound (the mud that’s used to hang drywall), to fill in the chipped section of your baseboard.

Can you repair baseboards yourself?

Repair Damaged Baseboards Yourself Instead of Replacing Them. No matter how careful you are, baseboards are bound to get chipped and damaged by furniture legs or errant feet. Instead of finding and installing a replacement board, you can repair them yourself much more simply.

How do I renew a stained wood baseboard?

The first step in renewing your woodwork and stained baseboards is cleaning it to remove grease and grime and create a contaminant-free surface for the new finish. Wash the woodwork with a TSP substitute.

How do I clean paint off wood trim?

Scrub with a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. Then rinse with a spo nge and clear water and wipe off the wood with a dry rag. If there’s paint slopped onto the edges of your trim or spattered on the surface, now’s the time to clean it off.

How to fix scratches on wood?

Hide scratches, chips and worn away finish with a fresh dose of stain. Then wipe the woodwork with a clean rag to remove the excess stain. Let the stain dry overnight. Completely refinishing the area may be the only way to make flawless repairs to badly damaged doors, windows and moldings.

How to lighten a stain?

You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain. Wipe the bleached wood with a sponge and clear water. Then neutralize the oxalic acid by applying a solution of 3 tablespoons of borax to 1 gallon of water with a sponge. Finally, rinse the bleached wood with water again and let it dry overnight.

How to get rid of a sand stain on a carpet?

Mix the oxalic acid in a plastic container. Add 1 oz. of oxalic acid powder (about 2 tablespoons) to 1 cup of hot water and stir it until the powder dissolves. Then brush the solution onto the stain with a disposable sponge brush and let it work for 20 minutes. You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain.

How to get rid of excess polyurethane on wood?

Fold a cotton rag to create a pad. Then dip an edge of the pad into a container of wipe-on polyurethane and press it against the side to wring out the excess. Wipe the polyurethane onto the wood in long strokes in the direction of the wood grain as you would if you were using a brush.

Is it better to wipe on polyurethane or brush on polyurethane?

The final step in your trim renewal project is to apply a fresh coat of finish. Wipe-on polyurethane is a good choice because it’s fast and easy to apply. You simply wipe it on with a soft rag and let it dry.

1. Scrape and Sand Scratched or Chipped Wooden Baseboards

Even if the rest of your house is pristine, scratched or chipped baseboards can make it look old and worn out.

2. Caulk Baseboard Gaps

Gaps at the top or bottom of baseboards are not uncommon, but they are unsightly.

3. Clean Stains With Warm Water, Vinegar, and Liquid Soap

Carrying out regular cleaning of baseboards will help remove stains and scuff.

4. Fill the Gouges With Wood Filler

Wood filler is easy to use and can quickly improve the appearance of your baseboards. Choose the type of wood filler to use based on the type of finish on your baseboard:

5. Fix the Lower Gap With Shoe Molding

The gap between the baseboard and floor can be just as unsightly as the gap above. While you can caulk this area, it is not as easy as fixing the crack above.

6. Use a Kneaded Rubber Eraser or Alcohol on Vacuum Scuff

Do the bumpers on your vacuum cleaner often leave scuff on the baseboard or shoe molding?

7. Sand Chipped Area Before Applying Primer and Paint

If the damage on your trim is superficial, such as chipped paint, you can quickly fix this by: