Occasionally, minor updates to your living space can have the most significant effect. Just like refreshing your home’s
baseboards
For instance, most of the time we overlook them completely, but once that paint begins to peel away, they become extremely conspicuous. Although putting on a new layer of paint should be quick, you must first spend time taping off areas and preparing the surface to prevent the color from spreading where it’s not wanted.
TikTok offers a much simpler method for covering your baseboards without struggling with painter’s tape rolls. Although, I must say, peeling off painter’s tape post-project can be quite gratifying; however, you probably won’t notice its absence once you complete this room update in less than 60 minutes.
SUBSCRIBE to the Dengarden/Parade Home & Garden e-newsletter for your weekly fix of essential home tips, latest design trends, and exclusive buying offers.
In a brief five-second clip, @allisonskiffdotcom demonstrates how she paints the trim in her house with a new layer of black paint effortlessly, without using tape to mask off the surrounding areas.
Rather than using painter’s tape, she opts for a clear acrylic shield to keep the paint confined to the baseboards, guiding it smoothly down to the floor with her brush strokes. This method guarantees a crisp border for your painting job effortlessly.
I will say one thing: This method tends to work optimally in areas where there’s a small space between the baseboards and the floor, such as in this bathroom,” she explains. “However, if you have quarter-round trim installed in front of your baseboards, it could make the process more challenging due to limited clearance.
Related: DIY Enthusiast’s Tidy Painting Technique Completely Changes the Game
Although the baseboards at Allison’s place might be black (a rather brilliant idea since they conceal dust), these things do demand
regular dusting
To ensure transparency throughout the process. Honestly, the most effective method for keeping baseboards clean is to simply wipe them down periodically—no special techniques required. Just use a microfiber cloth or even a dryer sheet (they work surprisingly well) and glide it over the surface occasionally. For tougher dirt or marks, try using a slightly moistened cloth with a bit of
dish soap
It gets the job done. If you want to elevate it, throw in a bit of vinegar. The true key? Tackling it frequently enough that it doesn’t become tedious. Listen to a podcast, clean one room at a time, and voilà—spotless baseboards.
Related: Simple Trick for Speedy Fence Painting Is an Absolute Timesaver