Remove trim or baseboard without damaging the wall

What's actually going on

Trim is held on by finish nails and usually sealed to the wall by caulk and paint. The paint and caulk are what tear the drywall paper, so the first step is cutting that seal. Then you pry against a wide, flat tool instead of the wall itself, so you're not crushing drywall.

Why it happens

Let's fix it

1. Cut the sealRun a utility knife along the top edge where the trim meets the wall to slice the caulk and paint line.
   Done

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2. Slip in a putty knifeTap a stiff putty knife gently behind the trim near a nail to open a gap without touching the drywall.
   Done

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3. Pry against the knifeSlide the pry bar in front of the putty knife and lever gently. The knife spreads the pressure so the wall isn't crushed.
   Done

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4. Work along the boardMove to the next nail and repeat, easing it out a little at a time instead of all at once.
   Done

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5. Pull nails through the backTo reuse trim, pull the nails out from the back with pliers so the face doesn't splinter. Number the back of each piece.
   Done

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Still not fixed?

If the drywall paper tears anyway, seal the torn spot with a coat of primer before patching, or the patch will bubble.

If trim splits, glue it with wood glue and clamp it with painter's tape before reinstalling.

Common questions