Removing Baseboard With Multiple Tools

Removing baseboard without damage to your wall or molding is a fairly simple task if you do it right.  If not, you might end up damaging your wall or trim piece. This tutorial covers removing baseboard the old fashioned way with several common tools.  If you’re interested in a faster way, check out my Trim Puller post.

Removing Baseboard Without Damage

In the last week, I’ve had three clients ask me for tips for removing baseboard.  I tried to locate a post I did on the very subject a couple years ago but apparently it was lost with dozens of others in “The Great Blog Break”.    Luckily, I needed to remove some baseboard this weekend so … I’ve redone the tutorial —  bigger and better.

Pictures for those that want the quick and easy “read it and go” explanation and a video  for those than want to SEE exactly what I’m talking about.

What you need to get the job done:

• utility knife
• 5 in 1 painter’s tool
• hammer
• prybar
• scrap of wood

*I find it best to start at the beginning of a run of trim.

Cut through caulk

First CUT through your caulk.  Don’t just score it, cut it.  The caulk can tear the drywall paper if you don’t cut through.  Got it?  LOL

Use a 5 in 1 painters tool or thin scraper to wedge behind the trim piece.  Gently pull the trim away from the wall –just enough to get your prybar behind it.

Then put a block of wood behind the prybar.  The block of wood disperses the pressure so your prybar doesn’t bust through your drywall.

Now gently pull and pry and work down the line of trim focusing on each area you feel some resistance.  That’s most likely where the installer put a nail.    Go slowly and gently.  Don’t ream on the prybar.  Don’t bend the moulding too far that it snaps.  Easy does it.  If you see an area where the caulk did not get cut through, go back over it.  You’ll see it starting to pull UP which will tear the drywall paper. 

Scrape off any caulk that was left on the wall and then you are ready for whatever awesomeness that you have planned for that space!

Also, check out this post to Remove Baseboard with the Trim Puller.  The trim puller makes it possible to use 1 tool instead of four as in this tutorial!