How to Hide Spots in Your Home Baseboard

Baseboards can take quite a beating. Wood trim is largely forgotten about and if you don't clean them regularly, you may end up with spots as well as nicks and scratches on your baseboards. These problem areas can be even more visible if you have recently redone your flooring. If the spots have permeated the original stain and clear coat, the boards will need to be refinished to completely hide the damage.

Prybar
Hammer
Wood soap
Sponge
Sandpaper
Wood putty
Putty knife
Tack cloth
Wood stain
Polyurethane
Paint brushes

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the wood with wood soap and a sponge. If the stain has not penetrated the surface of the wood, this will remove it.
- 2
  Remove the baseboard with a prybar and hammer. Gently pry the wood away from the wall. Do not over-torque or you will crack the wood.
- 3
  Sand over the stain with a fine-grit sandpaper. Extend out the edges an inch on either side to blend in your fix later.
- 4
  Use wood putty and a putty knife to fill in cracks or holes. Match the color of the putty to the color of the wood. Scrape off any excess as you work. Let this set according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 5
  Sand the putty with fine-grit sandpaper. The surface of the patched areas should be flush with the rest of the wood.
- 6
  Apply wood stain with a paint brush over the patched area. Blend it in with the rest of the wood. Let this dry for up to six hours. If more stain is needed, sand the area lightly and re-stain. Sand it one more time.
- 7
  Apply clear polyurethane with a paint brush over the area. Let this dry for four hours. Sand the surface lightly and apply a second coat.

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