Painting skirting boards is a great way to update the look of a room without too much hassle or expense. It can modernize a space, make it brighter, or simply give it a fresh coat of color. With some preparation and the right techniques, it’s an easy DIY project that anyone can do. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to paint your skirting boards like a pro.
When tackling a skirting board paint job, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Prep work is key – remove any existing paint or grime and sand to ensure the new paint adheres properly.
- Cut in carefully along the edges for a crisp finish.
- Use a small brush and take your time.
- Finish with a polyurethane for added protection.
Follow the steps below and you’ll have beautifully painted skirting in no time. Let’s get started!
Preparing Skirting Boards for Painting
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving great results when painting skirting boards. Here are the key steps:
Cleaning
First, clean the skirting boards thoroughly using a degreasing cleaner or all-purpose cleaner. This removes any dirt, grease or grime so the new paint can adhere properly. Pay close attention to the grooves and edges.
Sanding
Next, sand the skirting boards lightly using 120-150 grit sandpaper. This helps the new paint stick by scoring/ keying and roughing up the surface. Be sure to sand any existing glossy paint – new paint won’t bond properly to a slick surface.
Filling Holes & Gaps
Check for any holes, gaps or imperfections in the skirting boards and fill these using a suitable wood filler, allowing time for it to dry completely. Sand smooth once dry.
Masking & Prep
Mask off any adjacent surfaces you don’t want to get paint on using painter’s tape. Remove switch plates and outlet covers. Give the skirting boards a final wipe down with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dust.
How to Paint Skirting Boards
Once your prep work is complete, it’s time to start painting. Follow these steps for professional results:
1. Apply Primer
For best results, start by applying one coat of interior primer to the skirting boards. Primer helps the topcoat of paint go on smoothly and evenly. Allow the primer to dry fully before moving onto the next step.
2. Cut In Along Edges
Using a small brush, “cut in” along the edges where the skirting boards meet the walls, baseboards, and floor. Cutting in means carefully painting just up to the edges without getting paint on the adjacent surfaces. Take your time here for neat results.
3. Apply Top Coat
Choose a top quality interior paint in your desired color and apply two coats using a small foam roller, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Water-based latex paint is a good choice for skirting boards. Apply in smooth strokes following the grain of the wood.
4. Final Touches
Once the final coat has dried, you can remove any painter’s tape and reattach switch plates and outlet covers. Touch up any spots that need it. Finally, consider applying 1-2 coats of polyurethane sealant for added protection that will keep your painted skirting boards looking pristine.
Painting Skirting Boards With Carpet Down
If you need to paint skirting boards without removing existing carpet, it can be done with care and patience:
- Use painter’s tape to mask off the carpet edge. Apply tape as close to the boards as possible.
- Use a small trim brush and carefully cut in along the top carpet edge. Steady your hand on a spare piece of wood held above the carpet if needed.
- Apply paint to the rest of the board using a small foam roller in downward strokes to avoid drips. Work slowly and cautiously.
- Apply a second coat if needed, allowing proper drying time between coats.
- Remove the tape immediately once finished painting. Touch up any minor seepage under tape edges.
Painting skirting with carpet down takes precision but is doable. Just be extremely careful to avoid drips and splatters. Take your time for best results.
Painting Over Glossy Skirting Boards
If your existing skirting boards have a shiny, glossy finish, this needs to be dulled down for paint to properly adhere. Here’s how:
- Lightly sand using 150 grit sandpaper to scuff up the glossy surface. Don’t sand too aggressively.
- Wipe away dust with a dry cloth. Apply an oil-based primer to seal the glossy layer. Allow drying completely.
- Once primed, you can paint over gloss skirting boards just as you would regular skirting. Follow the painting steps above.
- Alternatively, use a “liquid sander” deglossing product. Wipe on, allow to dry, then paint.
Dulling and priming glossy skirting gives the new paint something to “grip” onto. Take these extra steps and your paint will turn out beautifully.
Painting Skirting Boards Without Tape
It is possible to paint skirting boards without using painter’s tape. Here are some tips:
- Work slowly and cautiously. Have a steady hand and brace yourself on a piece of spare wood or cardboard to protect the carpet.
- Use a high-quality angled trim brush. The angled bristles will allow you to cut in right along the edges.
- Apply paint in thin coats and don’t overload the brush. Thick globs of paint are more likely to drip.
- Keep your brush strokes smooth and even. Avoid jabbing motions.
- Maintain a wet edge and move steadily across the length of the boards.
- Touch up any minor seepage right away using a dry, pointed brush.
With care, patience, and the right brush, tape-free painting is achievable. It just requires precision. Take your time and touch up seepage promptly. Using a piece of cardboard can help protect carpets from drips or splatters.
Key Takeaways
- Proper preparation like sanding and cleaning is vital for good paint adhesion
- Cutting in neatly along edges creates crisp-looking lines
- A small trim brush and foam roller are ideal tools for the job
- Painting skirting boards with carpet down takes precision but can be done
- Dull and prime any existing glossy paint so the new paint will stick
- With care, skirting boards can be painted without painter’s tape
Materials and tools
Here is a table of materials and tools needed to paint skirting boards:
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| Interior primer | Paintbrushes (angled trim brush and regular brush) |
| Topcoat interior paint | Paint roller (small foam roller) |
| Painters tape | Sandpaper (120-150 grit) |
| Wood filler | Sanding block |
| Polyurethane sealant | Painter’s masking tape |
| Liquid deglosser (if needed) | Drop cloths |
| Cleaning supplies | Paint tray |
| Rags | Stepladder (if needed) |
| Screwdriver (to remove switch plates) |
Painting skirting boards revitalizes the look of a room. Follow these tips for a smooth, long-lasting finish. With some patience and these techniques, you can achieve beautiful results.