How to Paint and Maintain Your Skirting Boards

There are several key benefits to considering painting your Skirting Boards:

Updates Their Appearance

Painting Skirting Boards are affordable and effective way to freshen up and modernize the look of any room. A fresh coat of paint can make skirting boards look clean and polished.

Matches Other Updates

If you have recently redecorated or updated walls, flooring, trim work or other surfaces in a room, painting skirting boards is an easy way to tie all of the new looks together into a cohesive design scheme. Freshly painted skirting boards will blend seamlessly with the rest of the room's new aesthetic.

Covers Imperfections

Over time, skirting boards can become worn, scratched, or damaged. Paint is an inexpensive solution to cover up minor imperfections while protecting the underlying material from further damage. A coat of paint can help skirting boards look like new again.

Unifies Disparate Materials

Houses often contain skirting boards made of different materials in different rooms - some may be wood, others plastic or composite. Paint creates a uniform appearance no matter the material. It allows you to match the look of skirting boards throughout a home.

Preparing to Paint Skirting Boards

Proper preparation is key for a smooth painting project. Before starting, be sure to:

Gather Materials - You'll need paint compatible with your skirting board material (latex for wood, plastic, etc.), primer, brushes, rollers, paint trays, sandpaper in multiple grits, masking tape, drop cloths.

Remove Hardware - Take off any plates, outlet/switch covers, radiator covers, baseboards etc. Mask around items left in place.

Protect Surrounding Areas - Carefully tape off and cover areas not being painted like walls, floors, wood trim with drop cloths.

Clean Thoroughly - Remove dust, dirt, grease or grime using a degreasing cleaner or sandpaper. This allows proper paint adhesion.

Sand Surfaces - For unpainted or worn surfaces, start with coarse grit sandpaper and work your way through successively finer grits to create a roughness for the primer and paint to stick to.

Remove Sanding Dust - Wipe clean with a tack cloth or vacuum to remove all particles before priming or painting.

Maintaining Painted Skirting Boards

To keep freshly painted Oak Skirting Boards looking their best, regular maintenance is important:

Cleaning - Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down boards and remove dirt, scuffs and fingerprints on a weekly basis. For tougher jobs, mix a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner with warm water.

Touch-Ups - Minor nicks or scuffs that expose the primer or wood can be touched up with leftover paint on a small brush. Match the color and sheen as closely as possible.

Inspections - Check boards twice yearly for signs of wear and damage. Sand and repaint as needed to prevent water damage or corrosion from developing.

Repainting - For high-traffic areas, you may need to repaint skirting boards every 3-5 years before the topcoat begins peeling or flaking. Prepare the surface and apply a fresh coat of paint.

Conditioning - For wood boards, use a wood conditioner or treatment annually to address moisture issues or extend the life of the wood. Follow with a light sanding before repainting.

Applying Paint to Skirting Boards

Now that surfaces are prepped, it's time to apply primer and paint. Here are some tips:

Choose Paint - For wood, use an acrylic or latex paint and primer made for interior trim. Plastics may require a bonding primer first then latex topcoat.

Apply Primer - Using a high-quality primer is vital, as it seals woods and fills pores to prevent absorbing too much topcoat paint. Apply a thin, even coat with a brush or roller.

Sand Lightly - For wooden boards, lightly sand the dry primer with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out before painting. This allows for better adhesion.

Apply First Topcoat - Choose a high-quality semi-gloss or satin latex paint. Cut in edges carefully with a brush then roll the fields. Apply liberally but not so thickly it sags.

Allow Topcoat to Dry - According to can instructions, usually 1-2 hours. Properly drying coat to coat is important for the finish.

Apply Second Topcoat - For full coverage and sheen, apply a second topcoat following all application steps.

Carefully Paint Hardware - Remove any hardware if possible, or paint with care using a small brush near fixtures that remain in place.