Best Way to Remove Paint Off Wood Baseboards

Baseboard Removal

• The easiest way to strip baseboards is to take them off of the wall first. This can be done by using a trim bar (a small crowbar) and a hammer. Gently tap the trim bar behind the baseboard at each nail point and carefully pry the baseboard away from the wall until all of it has been removed.

Stripping

• There are a few ways to go about stripping the paint or stain off your baseboards. Using a stripping agent is the recommended method. There are many types of strippers available and most only need to be applied and scraped off using a plastic scraper. Using plastic as opposed to metal prevents marring the wood. Be sure to wear gloves when using a stripping agent, though, as some are highly caustic and may be harmful to your skin. It is also important to use the stripping agent in a well-ventilated area, since many types contain chemicals that release harmful vapors that should not be inhaled.

Sanding

• The final step involved is sanding down the baseboards. Invariably when stripping there will be a few spots of paint left that the stripper did not remove and these can easily be sanded off using a medium to fine grit sand paper. Also sanding the entire baseboard provides a smooth surface to stain or repaint.