Sand the baseboard to promote adhesion.
Beautify your ordinary plastic floor trim by refinishing it with paint. Before you rush into the application process, consider that unlike wood baseboards, which are porous, plastic floor trim is poorly suited for adhesion. Combat this problem by abrading the trim with sandpaper. Once the plastic is sanded, it will accept a latex base and finish coat. Use a specific type of paintbrush, or the plastic may dry with unsightly brush marks.
Instructions
1. Wash the plastic floor trim with a water-based soap, using a coarse sponge. Rinse and dry the trim, using damp rags and clean towels.
2. Scour the plastic floor trim with 180-grit sandpaper until it feels coarse. This promotes adhesion.
3. Apply masking paper to the floor immediately beneath the plastic trim, using painter's tape. Apply tape to the section of the wall directly above the baseboard.
4. Coat the plastic floor trim with latex primer, using a soft-bristled polyester paintbrush. Brush horizontally and apply gentle pressure. Wait two hours before painting.
5. Clean the soft-bristled polyester paintbrush with water.
6. Coat the plastic floor trim with gloss latex paint, using the clean soft-bristled polyester paintbrush. Brush horizontally and apply gentle pressure. Wait two hours for the trim to dry.
