A well-painted skirting board might seem like a small detail, but it can elevate the entire look of a room. Whether you’re redecorating or giving your home a subtle refresh, painting skirting boards with precision can provide that flawless, professional finish you’re after. This guide will walk you through how to paint skirting boards that truly complete your space.
Why Skirting Boards Matter in Interior Design
Skirting boards are often overlooked, but they play a key role in a room’s aesthetic. Acting as the bridge between your walls and flooring, they provide a clean, defined edge while protecting your walls from scuffs and wear. Neglecting skirting boards or painting them poorly can detract from the overall look of your space, making an otherwise polished room appear unfinished.
That’s why mastering the technique of painting skirting boards is crucial—not just for maintaining their function, but for achieving that trending interior design look you see in home inspiration blogs and magazines.
Prepping Your Skirting Boards for Painting
A smooth finish starts with proper preparation, and this is arguably the most critical step of the process.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- High-quality paint (preferably water-based or oil-based gloss/satin)
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- A small, angled paintbrush
- Cleaning cloths
- A primer (if needed, depending on the skirting board’s current state)
Having the right tools makes a world of difference, and skimping on quality materials can jeopardize the finish you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
Skirting boards tend to collect dust, grime, and dirt over time. Use a damp cloth and a suitable cleaning solution to thoroughly clean them, making sure no debris remains. This ensures the paint adheres properly without streaks or bumps.
Step 3: Sand for Smoothness
Using fine-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the skirting boards to create a smooth surface. If your boards have existing paint, this step helps rough up the surface slightly, ensuring better paint adhesion. Wipe away any sanding dust with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Apply Painter’s Tape
Carefully tape along the edges where the skirting board meets the floor and the wall. Precision is key—it’s worth taking your time here. Painter’s tape will protect your walls and floor from stray brush strokes, enabling crisp, clean lines.
Painting Skirting Boards Like a Pro
Once your preparation is complete, it’s time to work on your painting technique.
Step 1: Take It One Section at a Time
Divide your skirting board into small, manageable sections. This ensures the paint doesn’t dry before you can blend it evenly, which is especially important for achieving a streak-free finish.
Step 2: Start With Primer (If Needed)
If you’re painting over bare wood or a particularly dark or damaged existing paint, apply a layer of primer first. Priming ensures better paint coverage and prevents the final color from appearing uneven.
Step 3: Use an Angled Brush for Precision
An angled brush offers excellent control, allowing you to paint edges and corners with ease. Dip your brush lightly into the paint—avoid overloading it—and use smooth, even strokes to apply the paint across the skirting board.
Step 4: Work in Thin, Even Layers
Thin coats of paint are better than one thick coat. Apply the first layer, leave it to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and then add additional coats as needed. Typically, two coats will suffice for a professional finish.
Tips for the Best Results
- Minimize Brush Strokes: To avoid visible brush marks, use long, smooth strokes, and go over each section gently to “feather out” the paint.
- Avoid Rushing Drying Time: While it might be tempting, don’t rush the drying process between coats. Patience is key to a durable, polished look.
- Check the Lighting: Good lighting helps you spot areas that may need additional attention or an extra coat. Natural light works best for this.
Wrapping It Up
Once the paint is fully dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Be sure to peel it away at an angle to prevent any paint from lifting. Finally, step back and admire your work. Your freshly painted skirting boards will not only enhance your space but also reflect the care and effort you put into every detail.
By following these steps, you’ll feel like a professional painter without the need to hire one. Creating smooth, striking skirting boards might just be the finishing touch your home needs to feel complete and stylish.
Be sure to bookmark this guide and pass it on to a friend embarking on a home refresh project—smooth skirting boards may just be the secret weapon of interior design.
