Whether you want to make your skirting boards stand out with a bold colour or want to simply refresh them with a new lick of white paint, it’s essential to do it properly. Badly painted skirting boards will be an eyesore that you won’t be able to unsee. So, to make sure you end up with lovely freshly painted skirting boards, follow our guide below.
Need some help?
Before we get started, let us remind you that it’s okay to ask for a second pair of hands. You might have even already started painting your skirting boards and are now wondering if a professional should be doing it instead – your choice! At the Handy Squad, our London decorators can help with this task if you need some help. Our professional painters and decorators will be able to paint skirting boards or any other surface you require.
What you’ll need:
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- Cleaning solution
- Sponge
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Dust sheet
- Masking tape
Picking the right colour.
The rule of thumb when it comes to skirting boards is to go for colours that match the tone of your walls. Contrasting colours can also be used for a visually interesting detail. Darker skirting boards are a modern alternative to light and more traditional skirting boards. If you want to refresh your skirting boards but don’t want to paint them outright, why not use some gloss instead?
Can you paint skirting boards with wall paint?
Technically yes, wall paint can be used to paint skirting boards. However, it’s very important to sand the skirting board when using wall paint. For an optimal result, it is recommended to use skirting board paint.
Paint walls while you are at it.
While you are thinking of painting your skirting boards, why not paint your walls as well? I’m sure you haven’t re-painted your walls in a while – they could use a new coat of paint too! If you are considering painting your walls as well, remember to paint walls first and then skirting boards. The main rule when painting is to start at the top and work your way down.
Prepare skirting boards.
Clean the skirting boards and any other surface you are going to paint. Any dust, grease and dirt should be removed. Then, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper and wipe down the dust.
Tip: If you are painting skirting boards right above the carpet, tape down a dust sheet as close to the skirting board as possible.
Paint the skirting boards.
Once the skirting boards are fully clean and dry, it’s time to tape the edges with painter’s tape and prime the surface. Let the primer dry. Next, apply the first coat of paint and apply it the same way as the primer. Check on the paint tin how many coats you should use. Let paint dry in between coats. When you are done painting, remove the masking tape and let the paint dry completely.
Disclaimer
At the Handy Squad, we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions, that are provided by the manufacturer, of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.
Our aim is to provide you with clear and correct instructions, so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.
When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your own responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.
Before starting a DIY task, it is essential that you inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. If you were to have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.
We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed
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