It looks SO much better now!
Yes, we have lived here almost 4 years with our baseboards looking like this!! It's weird how you just get used to something looking a certain way and then suddenly you realize how bad it looks.
First off, we live in a really old beach rental and our landlord couldn't care less about what we do to it. Which we love. But the reverse side to that is he doesn't care what condition its in. And since we have SUPER cheap rent, we just do whatever we can ourselves to improve it.
To start off, my husband caulked the whole space, and I can't even begin to tell you how much of an improvement this was alone. I hadn't realized how many gaping holes there were. We had some rotting on our back door too, and he fixed that.
I then filled in any holes and cat scratch marks with wood filler, sanded it down, and then painted over with a semi-gloss trim paint. The satisfaction when I saw everything get covered up was amazing.
It's amazing how much of a difference this has made to our space. It looks so much more put together, clean, and overall just nicer. Kicking ourselves that we didn't do this sooner!
It’s incredible how something as simple as a baseboard makeover can completely transform a room. For years, I just lived with our tired, dingy baseboards, thinking it was just 'part of living in an old rental.' But once you decide to tackle it, you realize what a huge impact these small details have on the overall feel of your home. If you’re like me, and you’re looking at your own worn-out baseboards or even just thinking about sprucing up an older space, let me tell you, it's absolutely worth the effort! Before diving in, make sure you have the right tools and materials. I found that investing a little in quality products makes a big difference. For caulk, I recommend something like DAP or Alex Flex – they’re flexible, easy to work with, and last a long time, which is crucial for sealing those stubborn gaps between the trim and the wall. Don’t forget to pick up some good wood filler for any dents or cat scratches (trust me, they happen!). For paint, we opted for a semi-gloss trim paint by PPG Glidden, which we picked up easily at Home Depot. The semi-gloss finish is great because it’s durable and super easy to clean, which is a must-have for high-traffic areas. The first step, and honestly, one of the most satisfying, is the caulking. My husband tackled this, and it made an instant, dramatic improvement. You'd be surprised how many tiny gaps and holes can accumulate over the years, making everything look unfinished. Applying a smooth, even bead of caulk along all seams and corners not only seals them but also creates a seamless, polished look. Use a wet finger or a caulking tool to smooth it out for a professional finish. After that, it’s all about sanding down any rough spots and filling in those deeper imperfections with wood filler. Let the filler dry completely, then sand it smooth — this creates the perfect canvas for painting. When it comes to painting, preparation is key. We took the time to tape off the walls above the baseboards meticulously. This ensures crisp, clean lines and protects your freshly painted walls. Apply at least two thin coats of your chosen paint. I prefer using a good quality angled brush for the edges and a small foam roller for the flat surfaces to get a super smooth, even finish with no brush marks. It’s also a great opportunity to touch up any nearby wall scuffs or marks, just like we did for our walls, making the whole area look revitalized. Beyond just baseboards, these simple DIY fixes can transform so many aspects of an older home or rental. Think about those tired doorways, window frames, or even built-in shelving. This same process of cleaning, caulking, filling, and painting can refresh almost any trim element. For anyone with an older basement, for instance, these small improvements can dramatically enhance the space's appearance without requiring a full renovation. It’s all about focusing on the details that often get overlooked. The best part? These projects are incredibly renter-friendly and budget-conscious. You’re not making any structural changes, just enhancing what’s already there. And the sense of accomplishment you get from seeing such a stark 'before and after' is truly unmatched. It completely changes the vibe of the room, making it feel cleaner, brighter, and more intentional. Don't put it off like we did for four years – grab your supplies from Home Depot, and give your space the glow-up it deserves!
I hope you used the right paint! No shade at all to you or this post or project, but our home is a “badly flipped home” and the people before used the wrong paint. Every door and piece of trim is bubbling and peeling now😭