Aging baseboards can dramatically change the appearance of our favorite spaces. When it comes to revitalizing spaces, replacing aging or damaged baseboards can offer a range of practical benefits; older and damaged baseboards can harbor moisture damage, leading to issues like mold and mildew, and when baseboards deteriorate, they can also become less effective at insulating the walls, leading to less efficient cooling and heating.

So, replacing older or damaged baseboards can be a great step toward revitalizing nearly any space — but how does one replace aging baseboards? What considerations might one take, and what tools might you need? If you’re wondering how to replace baseboards or how to use silicone guns, read on. We’ll explore how to install baseboard trim and dive into how to use a silicone gun to create a great seal on the new baseboards.

Materials and Tools Checklist

To properly replace baseboards, you’ll need some materials and tools. The items you’ll likely need for a successful replacement are:

• Replacement baseboards (cut to spec)
• Finishing nails OR construction adhesive
• Hammer (or nail gun)
• Stud finder
• Level (laser levels are helpful)
• Caulk gun
• Silicone sealant
• Sandpaper
• Utility knife
• Putty knife and wood filler (if you’ll be covering your finishing nails)
• Pry bar (if you haven’t yet removed the old baseboards)
• Safety equipment (ANSI-rated safety glasses, work gloves, and closed-toed shoes)
• Masking tape, paint, paintbrush, and OSHA-approved respirator (if you’ll be painting the baseboards)
• Damp cloth

Once you have these items ready, you are all set to start replacing old baseboards.

Getting Started

If you haven’t removed the old baseboards yet, your first step will be to remove the existing ones. You’ll want to begin by gently prying free the old sealant at the top of the baseboards with a utility knife, careful not to scratch the wall. Next, you can begin to pry the old baseboards loose with your pry bar. They’ll typically be fastened with finishing nails, so remain cognizant of where the pressure you’re applying transfers to the nails.

Once you’ve pulled them free, be cautious with the old baseboards, which may have old nails sticking out of them. Carefully dispose of your old baseboards, taking care not to expose yourself or anyone nearby to protruding nails.

Carefully remove the old baseboards and inspect the area for remaining sealant residue. There will likely be some of it still clinging to the wall after the baseboards have been removed. This can be removed carefully using a putty knife or cleaning materials.

Ensure that your working area is free from dirt and debris, running a damp cloth over it if need be. Next, we’ll jump into how to install the new baseboards.

Lining It Up

Once the old baseboards and sealant have been completely removed, it’s time to line up the new baseboards. Ensure that they’re cut properly to spec, and use your level to shift them into place at a level angle.

Securing

Next, use your stud finder to identify fastening spots on the new baseboards. Once you’ve lined these up, you can begin to carefully drive in your finishing nails — one every 12 to 16 inches is typically recommended, with a priority on studs when possible.

As you drive your finishing nails in, work to ensure that the baseboard is being pulled into place flush with the wall and adjacent baseboards. If you’re securing corners, try to prioritize studs, but work to avoid nailing in too close to the edge of the baseboard to avoid splitting the wood.

Painting or Finishing The Baseboards

Once your new baseboards have been fastened securely, it’s time for final touches. If your baseboards are prefinished or already painted, you can skip this step, but if not, you’ll need to carefully mask off the surrounding wall and floor and apply paint to your baseboards.

Ensure that you’re working in a properly ventilated area, and use a respirator as you apply the paint. You also may apply a small amount of putty to the finishing nail heads before painting to obscure them from view. If you do, ensure that it’s dried fully, and run a piece of fine grit sandpaper along the grain of the wood over the spot to smooth it over before painting.

Sealing The Baseboards

Next, it’s time to seal the baseboards. There are a few considerations to take, and you’ll likely need to use a caulk gun and find a suitable silicone sealant for your baseboards.

Finding the Right Silicone Sealant for Your Baseboards

When looking for the best silicone for baseboards, there are a few things to consider — such as the location of the trim, the temperatures it will experience, and even the color of the trim, walls, and floors.

Location

For example, if you’re replacing baseboards in a bathroom, you might want to find a silicone sealant that offers mold and mildew resistance.

Color

Depending on the color of your baseboard trim and the color of the walls and floors, choosing a silicone sealant that matches the color well may be important, or opting for transparent silicone since pure silicone sealant is rarely paintable. Nonetheless, a color-matched silicone sealant or a simple, clear bead can look great in nearly any space.

How to Open a Silicone Gun

Once you’ve found the right silicone for your baseboards, it’s almost time to apply it. First, though, you’ll need to open your caulk gun. When it comes to how to use a caulking gun, silicone is hardly different from other types of caulk.

Start by cutting a tip on your tube of sealant and securing it into your caulk gun. Typically, the sealant tube will provide guidance on where to cut it. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a construction razor to cut the tip. Experts often recommend a cut about ¾” away from the tip at a 45° angle.

Ensure that the liquid silicone is flowing by giving it a gentle squeeze and wiping off any excess with a disposable paper towel or napkin.

Preparing to Apply Sealant

Ensure that you’re working in a properly ventilated area. Since some silicone sealants can give off fumes, you’ll also want to wear a respirator mask as you work. Keep a damp cloth nearby for smoothing the silicone sealant.

Applying The Silicone

Once you’ve cut the tip open and secured your sealant tube to the caulk gun, it’s time to apply your silicone sealant to your baseboards. When it comes to how to use silicone caulking guns, it’s typically recommended that you start slowly at one end of the lines you’re applying and squeeze constant pressure as you pull the caulk gun down the line.

You’ll also want to hold the gun at a roughly 45° angle for optimal flow. As you apply the lines, you can smooth excess material with a wet finger or a caulking tool.

As you approach corners, let up on the trigger a little bit and allow the last remaining pressure in the tube to squeeze just a bit out as you approach the ends. This will help you control the amount of silicone coming out and make for easier corners.

Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe off excess or spillage immediately. As the silicone sets, it will harden and become increasingly difficult to wipe. Once it’s started to dry, attempts at smoothing may lead to smudging or rippling, which, in addition to looking unsightly, can undermine the seal. Once you’re finished with your silicone sealant, be sure to wipe off any excess on the nozzle with a disposable paper towel or napkin, and then reapply the cap it came with for future use.

The Bottom Line

Replacing aging baseboards can be an excellent way to revitalize a space. Sealing new baseboards with silicone sealant can be an excellent way to ensure their longevity and aesthetic appearance.

Remember, if you’re looking for silicone sealant, silicone sealant guns, and other silicone sealant accessories, Silicone Depot is your go-to. We’re here to help you find the perfect sealant for the job. Check out our selection today to get started.