How to Finish Baseboard Trim Around a Door

Description

• Baseboard trim is a universal molding that is 2 1/4-inches wide and 1/2-inch thick. It has a pleasing roll that tapers from the widest side down to 1/8 inch. Sometimes referred to as ranch base, it's used throughout homes, not only as a baseboard, but also to trim around windows, architectural features, walls and doors. When baseboard is used in this manner, it ties everything together. There are two ways to install baseboard: with or without a finish. If your baseboard is finished before installation, all you need to do is putty the nail holes with a putty crayon. If the molding is installed without a finish, it's simple enough to apply yourself.

Preparation

• Apply wood putty to any nail holes using a putty knife. Apply putty to the mitered corners of the baseboard at the top if there is a small gap between the two adjoining pieces. When the putty is dry, lightly sand the baseboard using a folded piece of 100-grit sandpaper. Sand with short strokes, parallel with the grain of the wood, until it's smooth and free of putty. Sand one piece at a time, stopping where the two top corners meet. Fold the sandpaper into a sharp edge. Use the sharp edge to sand diagonally across the angled miter joint to smooth and remove putty. Do not sand perpendicular across the joint. Sanding over the joint creates cross-grain scratches on the adjoining piece of baseboard. Use the sharp, or folded, corner of the sandpaper to sand the putty from the mitered joint only.

Stain

• Place strips of masking tape around the outside perimeter of the baseboard trim to prevent accidental staining of the wall. Apply stain to the baseboard trim using a sponge brush. This type of brush allows you to apply stain without getting it everywhere. Dip the end of the sponge into an open can of stain. Starting at the top, horizontal piece, drag the sponge brush across the baseboard trim, moving parallel to the grain. Apply more stain to the sponge brush as needed, and continue dragging the brush over the trim until it's wet with stain. Wipe the stain off immediately, using a soft, dry cloth -- preferably cotton, such as an old T-shirt. Apply stain to both vertical pieces next, using the same method as the top piece, applying the stain parallel to the grain. Wipe off each piece with a dry cloth after staining it. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions printed on the can.

Lacquer

• Use aerosol lacquer to add the finishing touch to baseboard trim. Choose high gloss for a bright finish. Choose eggshell or dull for a less-imposing appearance. Most people use medium gloss for a contemporary look with just enough shine. Hold the can 8 inches from the surface of the baseboard. Tilt the can 15 degrees. Spray even bands of lacquer onto one piece at a time, tilting the can enough to cover one of the sides. Spray another band of lacquer, overlapping the first band by at least 1 inch, with the can tilted enough to cover the remaining side. If the coverage is lacking in the center, spray a quick band down the center. Do each piece the same way. Allow the lacquer to dry for at least 30 minutes. When the lacquer is dry, sand each piece of molding using a folded piece of 180-grit sandpaper. Sand it smooth until it feels silky to the touch. The baseboard will have a dull, whitish powder on it called lacquer dust; don't wipe it off. It aids in curing the next coat. Spray one or two more coats onto the baseboard to finish. You only need to sand after the first coat.