Use careful prep and a few simple tricks to stop paint from seeping under baseboards and ruining carpet.

Start by tucking the carpet pile down away from the baseboard using the flat edge of a putty knife so the fibers do not act like a wick; work a straight edge between the carpet and the baseboard along the entire run before you apply any tape. When you tape, float the tape slightly above the carpet edge by pressing only the top half of the tape onto the baseboard so the lower edge of the tape does not press into the fiber and create a channel for paint. For longer jobs lay a strip of construction paper or wax paper along the baseboard on top of the carpet and press the top edge of the paper under the tape so any seepage lands on the paper instead of the carpet; the paper acts as a sacrificial barrier that is easy to remove. Use painters tape rated for delicate surfaces and avoid pressing the tape hard against the baseboard at the carpet line, because excessive pressure can force paint beneath the tape through the pile. When cutting in at the baseboard use a high-quality angled sash brush and paint away from the carpet with smooth strokes, wiping the brush on the trim rather than the carpet if you must rest it. Finally, check small sections after the first coat by lifting the tape or paper to catch any wet seepage before it dries and correct immediately by blotting with a damp cloth.

Common mistakes include leaving the carpet fibers proud so they wick paint which you fix by firmly tucking the pile down with a putty knife before taping; pressing the tape too hard at the carpet edge which you avoid by only seating the top half of the tape; and relying only on tape for long runs which you prevent by adding a layer of construction or wax paper under the tape so any seepage is captured and removed before it reaches fibers.

BigHomeProjects.com connects homeowners and contractors around projects like baseboard painting and carpet protection. We help homeowners find trusted local contractors and we help contractors find work, and we host a discussion community where users share tips, ask questions, and swap proven techniques for avoiding costly paint seepage.

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