Painting skirting boards may seem like a minor detail in home improvement, but it’s an essential step to achieve a polished, professional finish for any room. With the right preparation and techniques, you can elevate the overall look of your interior design. In this guide, we’ll show you how to paint skirting boards like a pro, ensuring crisp, clean lines and a stunning final result.
Why Painting Your Skirting Boards Matters
Skirting boards often go overlooked, but they play a significant role in the aesthetic appeal of a room. Freshly painted skirting boards can:
Enhance Overall Design – Skirting boards tie the flooring and walls together, providing a seamless, clean transition.
Add a Polished Touch – Attention to details like skirting boards shows care and craftsmanship, creating a professional-looking interior.
Protect Surfaces – A proper coat of paint shields your skirting boards from scratches, scuff marks, and wear and tear over time.
By painting your skirting boards, you’re not just improving aesthetics—you’re also extending their lifespan.
Steps to Paint Skirting Boards with a Professional Finish
Achieving a flawless result involves preparation, technique, and attention to detail. Follow these steps to transform your skirting boards into a standout feature.
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Preparation is key to achieving a smooth and precise finish. Before you begin painting, follow these steps:
Clean the Skirting Boards – Wipe down the boards with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grease. These can interfere with paint adhesion.
Sand the Surface – Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the skirting boards. This helps to smooth out imperfections and create a better surface for paint to stick to.
Mask Surrounding Areas – Apply painter’s tape along the edges of the skirting boards to protect your walls and flooring. Using tape ensures clean, straight lines and avoids accidental paint smudges.
Step 2: Choose the Right Paint and Tools
The type of paint and tools you use can make all the difference. Opt for:
Gloss or Satin Paint – These finishes are durable, easy to clean, and give your skirting boards a sleek, professional look.
A Quality Paintbrush – Use a small, angled sash brush to precisely paint the skirting boards and reach all corners and edges.
Investing in high-quality materials ensures better coverage and a smooth finish, minimizing the likelihood of needing multiple coats.
Step 3: Apply an Undercoat
Before adding the final coat, apply a layer of primer or undercoat to your skirting boards. This step:
Seals the surface and provides a uniform base, allowing the topcoat to adhere better.
Reduces the chance of patchy or uneven coverage.
Allow the undercoat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Paint the Skirting Boards
For the best results, be patient and follow these techniques when applying paint:
Cut in First – Carefully paint along the edges using an angled brush, ensuring you don’t overlap onto the walls or flooring.
Use Smooth Strokes – Apply paint in long, even strokes along the length of the skirting boards. Avoid overloading your brush with paint to reduce drips and streaks.
Allow Time to Dry – Wait for the first coat to dry completely (refer to the product’s recommended drying time) before applying a second coat. This ensures even coverage and durability.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the paint has dried:
Remove painter’s tape carefully to avoid peeling away the paint.
Use a fine brush to touch up any imperfections for a truly professional finish.