When it comes to room design, the skirting board is one of the most important elements that can make a space look beautiful and complete. But when it comes to skirting boards, there is one major question that is often asked: should you paint them, or leave them in their natural state? In this blog post, we will take a look at both sides of the debate to help you decide whether to paint or not paint your skirting board… It’s also useful to note that these tips can also be applied when considering painting your architrave.
Should I paint my skirting boards?
As a homeowner or DIY enthusiast, you may be wondering if it’s necessary to paint your skirting boards. This is one of our most frequently asked questions here at Skirting King. Simply put, the answer depends on the material you’re working with and the overall room design you’re aiming for.
If you have MDF skirting boards, it’s recommended that you prime and topcoat them to protect the material from moisture and wear and tear. On the other hand, if you have Pine skirting boards, you have the option to either leave them unfinished to showcase the natural knots and grains or to paint them if it fits your room design.
It’s important to consider the purpose of the room and the level of traffic it will experience. If it’s a high-traffic area, it’s best to prime and topcoat regardless of the material used. Ultimately, the decision to paint your skirting boards is up to you and your personal preference for the look and style of your renovation project.
Preparing your skirting boards for paint
Preparing and painting skirting board and architrave can be an expensive and laborious task, especially with the materials required and decorator fees. That’s why many of our customers choose our pre-primed boards, which are sanded and sprayed with two coats of premium primer, saving you time and money. We also have a fully finished option, ready to fit and does not require any preparation before fitting. All our primers and satin are water-based, we don’t use any chemical-based products throughout our finishing process.
Before you embark on the task of painting your skirting boards, it is essential to properly prepare them to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Follow these steps to ensure a successful DIY project:
- Remove any existing paint or varnish: If your skirting boards have been previously painted or varnished, you will need to strip the surface before applying a fresh coat. Use a chemical paint stripper or sandpaper to remove the old finish. Make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Clean the skirting boards: Use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust, dirt, or grime from the skirting boards. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and prevents any imperfections in the final finish.
- Fill any gaps or cracks: Inspect the skirting boards for any gaps, cracks, or holes. Use a filler compound to fill in these imperfections. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding the surface smooth.
- Sand the skirting boards: Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the skirting boards. This will help to create a rough surface that the paint can adhere to. Make sure to sand in the direction of the grain to avoid any visible scratches.
- Dust and wipe down: After sanding, use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dust created. Wipe down the skirting boards with a damp cloth to ensure a clean surface for painting.
Tools and equipment required:
– Chemical paint stripper or sandpaper
– Damp cloth or sponge
– Filler compound
– Medium-grit sandpaper
– Soft cloth or brush
By following these steps and properly preparing your skirting boards, you can ensure a professional-looking finish when painting your skirting boards. Taking the time to prepare the surface will not only enhance the aesthetics of your room but also prolong the life of your skirting boards.
Do I need a specific paint?
When it comes to painting skirting boards, it is important to use paint that is suitable for this specific purpose. You can use a variety of paints, such as acrylic or oil-based, to paint skirting boards. However, it is recommended to use paint that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Look for a paint that is specifically designed for painting skirting boards, as these paints are formulated to provide a smooth finish and adhere well to the surface. Additionally, consider using paint that is easy to clean, as skirting boards tend to accumulate dust and dirt over time.
How we paint our skirting boards
In our quest to provide the best quality skirting boards, we have perfected our painting process. Gone are the days of laborious hand painting each individual board. We have embraced modern technology and invested in an automated spray booth in our paint room. This advanced system applies primer and satin paint to the skirting boards, ensuring a consistent and professional finish. The use of the spray booth has also greatly reduced the need for extensive sanding, saving time and effort.
But we don’t stop there. Once the boards are primed and fully finished, we subject them to at least two rounds of sanding using our automated brush sander. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees a smooth surface, ready to be installed in your home.
We understand that the appearance of your skirting boards can greatly impact the overall aesthetics of your room design. That’s why we take great care in ensuring our painting process results in a flawless finish.
For more information about our paint and finishing techniques, please visit our Paint and Finishing page. Whether you’re renovating or building from scratch, trust us to provide skirting boards that are not only beautiful but also expertly painted.
Maintenance of painted skirting boards
To keep your painted skirting boards looking fresh and clean, regular maintenance is key, we’ve listed some key tips to keep in mind if you decide to paint your own skirting.
Here are some tips to help you maintain the beauty of your skirting boards:
- Regular cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on your skirting boards over time. To prevent buildup, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any loose debris.
- Touch-up paint: Over time, the painted surface of your skirting boards may chip or wear off. To keep them looking pristine, keep a small amount of the paint used for the skirting boards handy and touch up any areas that need attention.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: When cleaning your skirting boards, avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the paint or the material of the skirting boards. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution to gently clean the surface.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your painted skirting boards complement your interior design and add a finishing touch to any room.
Remember, you can always speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist with any of your queries!