Dear Jane,

We are replacing some of the baseboards, etc. in the kitchen and wanted to use the (plastic?) composite material. Can it be painted?

Lorraine

Dear Lorraine,

Thank you for your Ask Jane question on painting composite baseboards. Since we don't know exactly which type of baseboards you've just purchased we'll do our best to answer your question.

If you are referring to the material that looks just like a wood baseboard and must be sawed/cut just like wood, then you probably can paint them. I have used a similar type and I was able to paint it. Though if you are referring to the type of baseboard that is flexible, often times used in public places and can be cut with a scissors, then our answer would be that it would not be able to be painted. While you might be able to get the paint to stick, it is flexible and it will tend to crack and peel.

If you are still unclear as to whether or not you can paint the baseboards you are looking at, then purchase a small piece of it, paint it and see how it looks once it is dry. Though I think the bigger question is why not use MDF (modified dense fiberboard) molding which comes pre-primed as it is less expensive than solid wood baseboard, but still looks the same and tends to be a little bit longer lasting than composite.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time. We're here for you!

We hope this helps!

Hugs 'n hammers,

Jane