Skirting boards make all the difference to any room, and quietly complement any décor. But if they look worn and tired, cracked, peeling, or dented, they can spoil a room’s appearance.

Re-painting skirting boards is an easy yet effective way to give them that fresh, clean finish. Here, we’ll tell you how to repaint skirting boards for a professional finish that’ll last, plus lots of handy tips to protect them from wear and tear.

What You’ll Need

Only ever start a DIY job when you have all the materials and equipment to hand. Here’s a shopping list (or shed-hunting list) of all the things you’ll need to get a skirting board repaint job complete:

  • Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
  • Cleaning supplies (damp cloth, degreaser)
  • Filler (for cracks and holes)
  • Primer
  • Paint (gloss, satin, or eggshell)
  • Brushes or rollers
  • Painter’s tape
  • Protective gear (gloves, mask, goggles)

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which paint, sandpaper and brushes you need – we’ll be looking at those in just a moment.

Safety Precautions

A quick yet very important word on safety before you get started:

Painting can involve exposure to fumes and chemicals, so always make sure the room is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans. Protective gear is also a must – gloves, a mask, and goggles will protect your skin and eyes.

Types of Skirting Boards

First of all, it’s always a good idea to know exactly what material you’re dealing with. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell which type of skirting board you have. Two common types are:

  • MDF: this is medium-density fibreboard, and is a popular choice due to its smooth surface and affordability.
  • Pine: offers a natural wood finish and is really durable, though it may require more preparation if it’s damaged.

Other materials include oak, PVC, and hardwoods. Knowing which it is will help you achieve a greater finish, repair damage, and protect it.

Choosing the Right Paint

Gloss, satin, and eggshell paints are all good choices for skirting boards, each offering different benefits.

Gloss paint provides a shiny, durable finish that is easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Satin paint offers a slight sheen, which is also easy to clean and provides a more subtle finish than gloss. Eggshell paint, with its low-sheen finish, is less shiny but still durable and easy to maintain.

So when you’re choosing which paint to use, consider your own personal preferences, and the room itself – how it’s decorated, and how important it is for a paint to be easily reparable.

Top Tip: Make a note of the brand, colour, and batch number of the paint you used. If you need to make any maintenance touch-up repairs later on, a matching colour will make your life a lot easier.

Paint Brush, Roller, or Spray Paint?

We get asked this a lot. Is spray painting the easiest, or too much aggravation compared to a trusty brush? Here’s a brief overview on each:

Traditional Brush Method

I personally prefer the classic paintbrush, though I do have a steady hand. I find it gives me great control, especially for detailed areas. Always make sure you invest in a high-quality brush for this. You’ll need synthetic bristles for water-based paints, and natural bristles for oil-based paints.

You’ll need to brush the paint on in long, smooth strokes, with wet brush edges to avoid leaving visible brush marks.

Using a Roller

If you don’t have the patience, steady hand or confidence for traditional paint brushing, then a roller could be a better option. It’s also speedier, and gives a smoother finish for larger, flat areas.

A suitable roller for smooth surfaces like skirting boards is a small roller with a fine or medium nap (pile height).

Spray Painting

Spray painting can offer a smooth, professional finish with no annoying brush marks. It’s also particularly effective for detailed or intricate skirting board profiles. The downside is that it isn’t necessarily the fastest process – it requires more setup and protective methods compared to traditional brush or roller methods.

You’ll need to own or hire a paint sprayer, which is added expense if you don’t already have one. You’ll also need to ensure that surrounding areas are well-protected with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

Once you’re good to go, apply thin, even coats, keeping the sprayer moving to avoid drips and runs.

Prep For Painting Skirting Boards

By now you should have a good idea of what paint you’re going to use and how you’re going to apply it. But before you get started, always prep your skirting boards:

Clean the Skirting Boards

Before you start painting, it’s absolutely essential to clean the skirting boards thoroughly. Get a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt, or a degreaser for any stubborn grime. You’ll be surprised how much comes away, leaving you with a fresh, clean surface to work on.

Fill and Repair

Inspect the skirting boards for any cracks, holes, or dents. Paint won’t hide them! Now is a great opportunity to fill them in and get the skirting board looking like new again.

Use a suitable filler to repair these imperfections, and always ensure the filler is dry before moving on to sanding.

Sand the Surface

Sanding down isn’t a step you should skip. It removes any existing paint or varnish, leaving a much better surface for the new paint to adhere to. It also helps to remove any bumps or rough patches (especially if you’ve just used filler), so that you end up with a more professional finish.

Start with a medium-grit sandpaper to really get to work, and then a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface before painting. Be sure to wipe away any dust with a damp cloth afterwards.

Prime the Skirting Boards

If the skirting boards have been previously painted with a different type of paint, or if you’re changing the colour significantly, then priming is crucial. Look for a primer that is suitable for your skirting board material. This will ensure the paint adheres well and provides a lasting finish.

Edge Protection

Your skirting board is ready to have a much needed freshen-up – but before you get painting, always, always spend time protecting adjacent surfaces with painter’s tape. Apply the painter’s tape along the edges to create a clean line, and use drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and walls.

This will ensure you don’t accidentally get paint on your walls or floors – and believe me, it’s harder than you think. The most professional of painters (who know what they’re doing and have a very steady hand) will always spend time protecting surrounding surfaces.

It also makes it easier for you, and a lot less stressful.

How to Get a Professional Finish

Layering and Drying – How Many Coats of Paint Should I Apply?

Proper layering and drying times are crucial for a professional finish. Generally, two coats of paint are recommended for skirting boards.

The first coat acts as a base, covering the surface and providing a foundation for the second coat. The second coat ensures an even, consistent colour and finish – this will enhance the durability and appearance of the skirting boards.

Before you start the second coat, make sure the first coat is fully set first. Paint setting times vary, so always look at the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for drying times.

Dealing with Drips and Runs

When you’re dealing with paint, drips and runs are inevitable. Knowing what to do to prevent and fix them is key here.

To prevent drips, avoid overloading your brush or roller with paint. Apply thin, even coats. The same goes for spray painting – keep the sprayer moving to avoid build-up.

If drips or runs occur, you can fix them by lightly sanding the area once dry and applying a touch-up coat.

Common Mistakes

  • Overloading the brush – This can lead to drips and uneven coverage. To avoid this, dip the brush lightly into the paint and tap off excess before applying.
  • Skipping primer – Primer helps paint adhere better and provides a smooth, even surface for topcoats. Without it, you’ll have poor adhesion and an uneven finish.
  • Improper sanding – This can lead to a rough, uneven surface. Sand thoroughly and evenly, using the right grit of sandpaper for the job.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Skirting Boards

As we’ve seen, re-painting skirting boards is certainly achievable, but it does take some work. Now you’ve invested time and money into making them look great again, here’s how to keep them looking their best for longer.

Regular Cleaning

This is a must and easy to do. Look after your skirting boards and they’ll… well, they’ll look great, and they’ll last longer too. All you need to do is use a damp cloth to wipe them down. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as these can quickly damage the paint.

Touch-Up Techniques

Keep an eye out for any minor damages – these can easily be fixed with touch-up techniques, and nipping them in the bud early will prevent them from getting bigger or uglier.

For small scratches or chips, use a small brush to apply touch-up paint, or consider sanding down and applying a thin coat. This is when it comes in handy to make a note of the paint you used originally.

How Often Should I Re-Paint Skirting Boards?

The frequency of re-painting skirting boards depends on several factors, including the amount of wear and tear they suffer, and the type of paint used.

Generally, skirting boards should be re-painted every few years to maintain their appearance and protect the underlying material. Regular cleaning and touch-ups can extend the time between full re-painting jobs.

If the paint starts to show signs of wear, such as chipping, peeling, or fading, it’s time to consider a fresh coat.

Summary

Re-painting skirting boards can make a huge difference to a room. When you follow these tips to get a professional-looking finish, you’ll be glad you invested a bit of time in learning a few tricks of the trade.