How to Paint Baseboards Like a Professional

Vacuum along the carpet and the tops of the baseboards. Caulk any gaps -- even the hairline ones where the baseboard meets the wall and in the corners.

Tape off the carpet using masking tape. Butt the tape up against the baseboards then tuck it down in the gap between carpet and trim. If you are working along hardwood or vinyl, use blue tape and firmly lay a tight tape line along the floor.

Prime unfinished or stained and varnished wood so the paint goes on better. Brush on two coats of paint. Let paint dry overnight.

Tape very carefully with painter's tape along the tops of the baseboard, paying special attention to the corners. Now you are ready to paint your walls. Don't remove any of the tape until the wall paint has dried. If you have been careful about taping, you should have razor-straight lines without any bleed-through.