How To Paint Skirting Boards: A Step-By-Step DIY Guide

Painting your skirting boards is an excellent option if you want a quick and easy way to freshen up your home. Also, it’s an easy project to do. Skirting boards are often overlooked when it comes to painting and decorating, but they can make a difference in the overall look of a room.

Do you know how to paint skirting boards? This particular painting project is one that a lot of homeowners might take longer to get ready for, too. When conditioned properly, but otherwise a very difficult concept to pull off. The first is having the proper tools to get the job done. After that, you can look at the painting skirting boards to guide you on doing the job correctly.

How To Paint the Skirting Boards

Knowing how to paint the top of the skirting boards is not the most exciting task, but it’s essential. Skirting boards can be easily painted with a brush, but if you want a high-quality finish, you should invest in a small roller and give it a go. 

 The guide to painting skirting boards is as follows: 

Prepare skirting board:

Prepare the skirting board before painting it. Preparation before painting is the most necessary part of the painting. By preparing, we mean to remove any nails or screws holding the skirting board to the wall so that you get a smooth finish. Clean your skirting board well.

Use masking tape: 

Mask off with detail masking or floor-masking that you do not want paint, such as the floor or elements linked to the skirting board. Cover your carpet with a strip of masking tape. This will allow your skirting boards to be painted without the paint, then at the edge of the carpet.

Sand the skirting boards:

How to paint skirting boards: Steps, Sand the skirting boards
If the paint is on the top of your skirting board, use a sanding block to remove any old paint. Sanding will help you to remove the yellowish colour on the skirting board and leave space for the new paint. Do not apply paint on the old stain; sand them first.

Remove dust or debris: 

After sanding, the next step is removing dust on the skirting board. And to do that, use a tack cloth to remove dust from it. This step will not let your paint make bubbles on the skirting board. This will ensure a smooth finish. 

Start painting your skirting boards: 

How To Paint Skirting Boards—Painting
Now your skirting board is ready for painting. So start applying the paint. Only apply a little paint at a time. Apply the first coat of paint using a brush and then apply a second, third, fourth, and final coat with a roller. Doing this will give you an even and symmetric look.

Touched up any left area:

Remember to have a second look at all the areas if you have excess paint. Touch up any missed spots and remove paint drips, if any. This will never let your newly painted skirting boards have a ball or an uneven look. You’ll get a smooth finish.

Let it dry: 

And that’s it. Your job is done. Now let the paint do its job. Please leave it to dry and be ready to see the final look.

Remove the masking tape: 

Once it dries, remove the masking tape you used on the floor to protect the carpet.

Top tips for painting skirting boards

When repainting skirting boards, it’s essential to get the job right. Skirting boards are usually covered with carpet or tiles; you must ensure the paint doesn’t fall off. 

• If you paint it too thinly, the paint may chip off when the carpet is moved or the tiles are replaced. This is why many people use a primer on the skirting board before they paint it.
• If you paint new skirting boards, wear appropriate safety gear and have a drop sheet to protect your carpet and keep it clean.
• Painting the edge of the skirting boards can be tricky. They’re hard to reach and require a steady hand.
• If you will be painting skirting boards or any other feature on the walls, doing a little preparation work is essential first.
• You need to prepare the skirting and the walls, and you need to think about how you’re going to paint them. 
• Skirting boards can be painted to match the colour of the walls, or you can paint them a different colour. Either way, you’ll want to paint them using a roller to make it easier.

Learn how to seamlessly paint your fascia boards and soffits with our Ultimate DIY Guide, ensuring a flawless finish to your home’s exterior.

Should skirting boards be lighter or darker?

Skirting boards can be light and dark, depending on how you want your home to look. A darker carpet and paint scheme can make a more lightweight skirting board look nice. However, if you have lighter rugs, you may want a dimmer skirting board to make your carpet pop more. It has been observed that most people like their skirting boards basing light with a darker paint to pair them.

Furthermore, not all skirting boards are the same. You either will be able to have a wood skirting board or you go with vinyl. It would also be a great option if you have pets and kids in your house—the vinyl skirting board! Skirting boards are great, there is a reason people have them!

If you want to paint more than just your skirting boards, our latest blog post provides a step-by-step guide for painting UPVC doors and windows.

Conclusion

If you take pride in the appearance of your home, one of the most effective ways to transform it and improve its value is to give the exterior a fresh lick of paint. Skirting boards are often forgotten when it comes to painting, but they’re also one of the most critical parts of your home to keep in good condition.

Skirting boards offer protection against dirt and moisture, so you could expose the walls to damage if they deteriorate or are in a bad state. So pay attention to your skirting board when you are renovating your home.

FAQS:

If you’re looking to give your radiator a fresh coat of paint, this guide provides detailed steps to help you achieve a smooth finish.