How to Paint Grout, Tiles & Baseboards
- 1). Lift the baseboard away from your walls by inserting a putty knife between the wall and your baseboard, near the nails. Pull the board slightly away from the wall to back out the nails or brads. Using the back of your hammer, pull the nail heads out of the baseboard, detaching the board from the wall.
- 2). Scrape any loose paint from your baseboards with a putty knife. Buff the edges around the removed paint with a piece of fine-grade sandpaper, using a circular motion. Clean your baseboards with a solution of dish detergent and water. Rinse off the soap with a sponge and warm water.
- 3). Apply a coat of primer to your clean, dry baseboards, using a paintbrush that fits the width of your boards. Let the primer dry completely, according to the label instructions. Apply your first coat of latex color with your paintbrush. Use long, even strokes to avoid streaks and overlaps. After your first coat dries, apply a second coat of color to your baseboards.
- 4). Scrub your tiles and grout with a mildly abrasive bathroom cleaner. Use a scrub brush to remove all traces of dirt and grease from the surface of your tiles and the grout. Rinse the tiles and grout with a sponge and clean water. Wait for the tiles and grout to dry completely.
- 5). Apply your oil-based paint to the outside edges of your tile surface, using a small paintbrush. Cover the remaining tiles and grout with a paint roller. Roll the paint up and down and side-to-side to provide even coverage in the grouted joints. Let the paint dry for the recommended amount of time, often two to three days.
- 6). Spread your first coat of water-based urethane over your freshly colored tiles and grout. Begin by brushing the urethane around the edges, then cover the center with a paint roller. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat of urethane.
- 7). Nail the painted baseboards back in place to complete your project.