How to Sand Wood Trim and Baseboards for a Smooth Paint Finish

Trim and baseboards add detail and character to any room, but they also collect scuffs, dents, and paint buildup over time. Sanding is the key to making them look fresh before repainting or refinishing. With the right grit sequence and technique, you can achieve crisp, professional-looking results.

Why Sand Trim and Baseboards?

Old paint layers often leave ridges and imperfections. Sanding smooths the surface, removes dirt and gloss, and helps new paint or stain bond better. Skipping this step can lead to peeling paint and visible brush marks.

Tools You’ll Need

• Hand sanding block or sanding sponge
• 9x11 in sandpaper sheets (wet or dry use)
• Vacuum or tack cloth
• Painter’s tape for masking walls and floors

Best Grit Sequence for Trim

• 120 grit: Removes old paint drips and smooths rough spots.
• 180 grit: Blends surface and evens out scratches.
• 220 grit: Final prep before primer or paint.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Trim and Baseboards

1. Prep the area. Mask off walls and flooring with painter’s tape.
2. Start with 120 grit. Use 120 grit (25-pack) to remove paint runs and imperfections.
3. Smooth with 180 grit. Switch to 180 grit (50-pack) to refine the surface.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Apply 220 grit (100-pack) for a silky surface ready for painting.
5. Clean thoroughly. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth before applying primer or paint.

Special Cases

For stained trim, avoid coarse grits that may scratch the wood. Light sanding with 180–220 grit is enough before restaining or clear-coating.

Pro Tips

• Sand with the grain, especially on wood trim, to prevent scratches.
• Use a sanding sponge for contoured or detailed molding.
• Replace dull sandpaper often—paint clogs sheets quickly.

Aftercare

• Prime trim after sanding to seal and improve paint adhesion.
• Touch up scuffs promptly to maintain a fresh look.
• Dust trim regularly to prevent buildup that damages paint.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand if I’m just repainting? Yes—at least a light sanding ensures the new paint sticks.
• Can I use an orbital sander? For flat trim, yes—but for detailed moldings, hand sanding is safer.
• What grit is best before primer? 220 grit provides the right surface texture for primer adhesion.

Watch & Learn

For flawless trim prep, use eQualle’s 9x11 in sandpaper sheets, designed for wet or dry use. Available in 25, 50, and 100 packs. Shop trim sanding sheets here.