Painting painters adelaide skirting boards might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of home improvement, but it’s one that can make a huge impact on the overall look of a room. Freshly painted skirting boards give your space a clean, polished finish, providing a crisp border that highlights the walls and flooring. Whether you’re refreshing existing skirting boards or adding the finishing touch after a larger painting project, here’s how to paint skirting boards like a pro and achieve a flawless result.

1. Prepare the Room

Before you start painting, it’s essential to prepare the room and the skirting boards properly. This step ensures that you get a smooth, professional-looking finish without mess or damage to surrounding areas.

Clear the Space: Start by moving furniture away from the walls to give yourself plenty of space to work. If it’s not possible to move larger items, cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from dust and paint splatter.

Protect the Floors and Walls: Use painter’s tape to mask off the floor just below the skirting boards. This will prevent paint from getting onto your flooring, whether it’s carpet, tiles, or timber. You can also use tape along the edge of the skirting board where it meets the wall, especially if you’ve recently painted the walls and want to keep those lines crisp.

2. Prepare the Skirting Boards

Proper preparation of the skirting boards themselves is crucial for a professional finish. Even if they appear clean, years of wear and tear can lead to imperfections that need addressing before you start painting.

Clean the Boards: Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate on skirting boards, especially near the floor where they’re exposed to daily traffic. Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to wipe them down, removing any dust or grease that could interfere with the paint’s adhesion.

Fill Any Gaps or Holes: Inspect the skirting boards for cracks, dents, or nail holes. Use a wood filler or caulk to fill these gaps, ensuring a smooth surface. Allow the filler to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before moving on to the next step.

Sand the Surface: Lightly sand the skirting boards using fine-grit sandpaper. This step helps to smooth out imperfections and create a surface that the paint can adhere to. After sanding, wipe the boards down with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

3. Apply Primer

Primer is essential for achieving a smooth and durable paint finish, particularly if the skirting boards have never been painted before or if you’re painting over a darker colour.

Choose the Right Primer: For wooden skirting boards, use a wood primer. If your skirting boards are MDF (medium-density fibreboard), ensure you use a primer specifically designed for MDF surfaces.

Apply the Primer Evenly: Using a small, angled brush, apply the primer evenly across the skirting boards. Be careful not to overload the brush with too much primer to avoid drips. Let the primer dry completely before you begin painting.

4. Paint the Skirting Boards

Now that your skirting boards are prepped and primed, it’s time to start painting. For the best results, use a high-quality, durable paint designed for trim and woodwork.

Choose the Right Paint: Semi-gloss or gloss finishes are the best options for skirting boards because they provide a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean surface. Semi-gloss offers a subtle sheen, while gloss delivers a more reflective, polished look. Both finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas and offer longevity.

Use a Quality Brush: A small, high-quality brush is essential for achieving a clean, precise finish. An angled brush works best for cutting in along the edges and achieving clean lines.

Apply Thin Coats: It’s better to apply two or three thin coats of paint rather than one thick one. Thin coats dry more evenly and reduce the risk of drips or streaks. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.

5. Remove Tape and Clean Up

Once the final coat of paint has dried completely, carefully remove the painter’s tape from the floors and walls. Be sure to pull the tape off slowly to avoid peeling any fresh paint along with it.

Finally, clean your brushes thoroughly so they’re ready for your next project. Step back and admire your freshly painted skirting boards, which will give your room a crisp, professional finish.

Conclusion

Painting skirting boards might seem like a small job, but it’s one that can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your space. By properly preparing the surface, using the right tools, and applying your paint carefully, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that complements the rest of your room. Whether you’re refreshing old skirting boards or finishing off a new paint job, these steps will ensure you get the best results every time.