Complete Guide to Painting Skirting Boards | Home & DIY Tips

Learn the best techniques to paint skirting boards effectively and elevate your home decor. Step-by-step instructions and expert tips included!

Home & DIY

FigsiT Project Rating

DIY-friendly

If your home was built before 1978, test the old paint for lead before you sand it.

Safety gear: Dust mask, Safety glasses, Knee pads (optional)

Tools Required (5)

Not sure what something is? Tap it to see a picture.

Materials Needed (3)

Tell FigsiT your exact setup and get your personal tools list, materials, and steps in seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1.
    Lay down dust sheets or protective covers to shield your flooring and furniture from paint splatters.
  2. 2.
    Apply painter's tape along the top edge of the skirting boards where they meet the wall to ensure clean lines.
  3. 3.
    Clean the skirting boards with a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dust and grime, then let them dry completely.
  4. 4.
    Lightly sand the skirting boards with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface for painting.
  5. 5.
    Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler, allow it to dry, then sand the filled areas smooth.
  6. 6.
    Apply a coat of primer to the skirting boards, following the wood grain, and let it dry as per the manufacturer's instructions.
  7. 7.
    Once the primer is dry, apply the first coat of paint using long, smooth strokes along the wood grain, and let it dry completely.
  8. 8.
    After the first coat dries, lightly sand the surface to remove any imperfections, then apply a second coat of paint for a uniform finish.
  9. 9.
    Remove the painter's tape while the paint is still slightly tacky to achieve crisp lines.
  10. 10.
    Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before moving furniture back into place or walking on the floor near the skirting boards.

Want to see it done first?

Anyone can learn anything; some things just take a little longer.

FigsiT. Get the answers now. figsit.com/guide/how-to-paint-skirting-boards

Tell FigsiT your exact setup and get your personal tools list, materials, and steps in seconds.

More in Home & DIY

Perfect Boiled Egg: The Ultimate Guide
5 tools
3 materials
8 steps
Ultimate Guide to Baking Bread from Scratch
5 tools
5 materials
9 steps
Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker: Easy DIY Guide
5 tools
2 materials
7 steps
Ultimate Guide to Preserving Herbs at Home
5 tools
2 materials
13 steps
Homemade Pasta Recipe Guide: Easy Steps to Perfect Pasta
6 tools
5 materials
11 steps

Part of The FigsiT DIY Bible. Browse every guide by category.