Painting skirting boards on a DIY basis can be a cost-effective way to spruce up your home.

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Skirting boards are there to protect the walls and in the line of duty will get dirty, scuffed and chipped. Giving them a fresh coat of paint - or varnish - will smarten up a room and keep them protected. 

Any DIYer can tackle painting skirting boards themselves, and do a good job if they do the prep work properly. This includes choosing the right paint - a primer for bare wood, undercoat and top coat for a durable and fresh finish. To keep natural wood skirting boards protected - and looking good - a couple of coats of tough varnish will do the job.

Follow this step-by-step guide to get a professional finish for a fraction of the price. 

Top Tip

Typically skirting boards should be the last part of a room you should paint. But if you are hanging wallpaper, paint the skirting boards first. Make sure you paint onto the wall by approximately one inch. This creates a sharp finish between the skirting board and wallpaper. 

Remember, when decorating a room you start at the top and finish at the bottom, making skirting boards - and architrave - last in the process. This helps prevent any drip marks from ruining newly painted skirting boards and architraves. And, it means you won&#;t have to spend another day painting your skirting boards again.

(MORE: Painting a Ceiling)

You Will Need...

Preparation

Step 1: Clear the Floor

Ideally, you want to be painting all the skirting boards in a room at the same time. So the first step is to move furniture into the centre of the room and cover with dust sheets to keep clean. 

Give yourself at least a couple of feet of space from the wall to make painting the skirting boards comfortable. Give yourself more space if you can - an empty room is good.  

Step 2: Protect the Floor Before Painting Skirting Boards

You will need to protect the floor to prevent getting paint on it.

If you have bare floorboards, a strip of masking tape will do the job. Sweep or vacuum the floor first for better tape adhesion. A strip of masking tape will help stop dust and debris getting in the brush. You can cover the bare floorboards if you don't want to get paint on them. But if flooring/carpet is being laid later it doesn&#;t matter too much.

If you have flooring that needs protection, like carpet, vinyl or wood, there are a few options. Put down a strip of masking tape as close to the skirting board as possible - put down a double strip if you want to be extra careful. In the case of carpet, you may even be able to tuck some of the masking tape between the carpet and the skirting.

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To make sure no paint gets onto any flooring, put down dust sheets across the whole floor. You can tape down edges of the dust sheets near the skirting board for more secure protection. Alternatively, you can tape down newspapers near the skirting board and then use dust sheets to cover the rest of the floor.

If you have enough of a gap between the flooring and skirting board - this is more likely if you have vinyl or wood flooring - you can use plastic sheets. Stretch out the sheets and gently push the plastic sheet into the gap using a flat paint scraper or filling knife. 

If you are a confident DIYer you can use a decorators paint shield. Place firmly up against the skirting board and paint the section above. Move and paint the next section and repeat until complete. 

Step 3: Clean, Treat and Sand the Skirting Boards

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Bare Wood Skirting Boards

If you have bare wood skirting boards, such as pine or oak, you need to give them a quick sand to get rid of any imperfections and improve adhesion. Use a fine grade sandpaper (120 grit is fine). 

If your skirting boards have wood knots, treat with an appropriate wood knot solution to stop any resin seeping out after painting and ruining your beautifully painted skirting boards. The same method needs to be applied to MDF skirting boards. A lot of MDF skirting boards come pre-primed so will need a quick sanding to improve adhesion. 

Painted Skirting Boards

Skirting boards that have already been painted will need cleaning and sanding. Use sugar soap and a sponge to get rid of dirt and grease. Wipe dry and then sand down with a fine grit sandpaper. Use a hand sander (if you have one) to speed up the process. To get rid of any dust, first vacuum and use a damp cloth to finish.  

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Application

Step 4: Prime and Paint the Skirting Boards

Top Tip

If you are right-handed start painting skirting boards from the right. If left-handed, do the reverse. This won&#;t affect the finish but it will make it easier for you to paint.  

The first coat on bare wood skirting boards needs to be a primer. This will seal the wood and stop it from absorbing too much paint. For maximum adhesion and longevity an oil-based wood primer is the best choice. Alternatively, you can buy an all-in-one primer and undercoat such as Dulux Wood White Wood Primer & Undercoat.

To apply the paint to a skirting board, a 2-inch brush is needed. This is good for cutting in along the top edge of a skirting board and provides good coverage in detailed and flat areas. You might want to switch to a 1-inch brush to get crisp straight lines in the corners. 

Start at the top of the skirting board when applying the primer and make sure you don&#;t overload the brush. This helps stop drips and runs. 

If you are confident you can cut in and create a straight edge. If you are not so confident, use masking/painters tape along the top of the skirting board. Take your time and make sure that the tape is close to the skirting board and is in a straight line.

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Beware of Pipes

Radiator pipes are typically close to skirting boards. To keep paint off the pipes use masking tape. Put on in vertical strips, starting at the back of the pipe. You shouldn&#;t need more than two strips.  

Paint in one metre sections. If you are using ogee or decorative skirting boards add paint into all the grooves, then go back over with consistent brush strokes to even out the paint. Once the top of the skirting board is done finish the rest of the section. Now repeat until you reach the corner. 

Go back and check coverage. If there are any runs or drips, lightly run the brush over them to spread the paint for an even finish.

Once the primer is dry (this should take 2-4 hours) rub down with a fine sandpaper. 

Next, clean and apply a coat of undercoat - this typically takes around 1-2 hours to dry. Repeat the process and add a second coat of undercoat. 

When dry rub down lightly and apply the top coat. Gloss provides a good tough finish, but if you want something with a little less sheen, but still a good finish, try satinwood or eggshell.  This typically takes around 2-4 hours to dry. 

To make sure the paint is completely dry, leave for an extra hour or two. 

Step 5: Remove the Masking Tape

Now remove the masking tape to finish the job. Peel off slowly and hold at a 45-degree angle as you pull. If the tape is proving difficult to remove, run a Stanley knife - or razor blade - along the edge of the tape where it meets the skirting board to cut and create a straight edge. Be careful. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle so not cut the skirting board or flooring. 

Maintenance

How to Keep Painted Skirting Boards Looking Fresh

Skirting boards attract dust and are prone to getting to the odd scuff mark, so to keep them clean they need regular dusting.  

For stubborn dirt or scuff marks, use warm soapy water and a cloth. Washing up liquid is good. If needed, use a sponge scourer - but be gentle. Try not to use strong detergents or sprays for regular cleaning as this can affect the paint. 

How to Touch Up Any Knocks or Chips

Skirting boards are often kicked or knocked which can leave dents or chipped paint.

For dents or chips you need to fill and paint - or just paint depending on size and depth. Get a decent wood filler such as Ronseal High Performance Natural Ready Mixed Wood Filler and fill - if needed. Let dry and rub down with a fine 120-grit sandpaper. 

Then apply undercoat, let it dry and give a gentle rub down. Use a small 1-2 inch brush. Apply another coat if needed and gently rub down. Finally apply a top coat. 

How To Clean Skirting Boards | Without Bending Down | Cleaning Putty

How To Clean Skirting Boards

Skirting boards are an overlooked part of a room. But these interior trims play an integral role in maintaining a clean and cohesive aesthetic.

Dust, dirt, grime, mould and stains can plague old skirting boards, tarnishing the appearance of the entire space. And cleaning can be difficult when dealing with deep crevices and corners.

With the right methods your skirting can look brand new, however beware of the DIY tricks and commercial products that can cause damage, read on to learn about the gadgets, tips and hacks to keep your skirting spot-free and clean for years.

The Best Way To Clean Skirting Boards

The following tried-and-tested routine makes old skirting boards look new by breaking down dirt, dust and grime in a methodological 3-stage process, starting by breaking down the biggest molecules and ending by polishing down the smallest. 

And if you can't bend down, don't worry, this method is 100% back-friendly!

1. Dusting / Vacuuming

A vacuum with a powerful suction rating and a brush attachment of at least 1-inch length is the best tool for this step.

• Simply run the vacuum head along the length of your skirting boards, periodically brushing back and forth with the nozzle to create overlapping strokes for optimum dust removal.
• Apply slightly more pressure to the upper section of the skirting board to target dust hiding in the grooves and crevices of the design. (Be careful not to press too hard, as this can bend the bristles out of shape and potentially damage your skirting boards by making contact between the plastic brush housing and the surface.)
• If a vacuum isn't available, a long-handled duster or a simple dry cloth works even better and gives you more control.

2. Wipe Down - Soapy Water or Sugar Soap Solution

With the loose dust and debris removed, you can now target surface-level spills, stubborn dirt, build-up, and scuffs.

Start by creating a simple, soapy water solution:

• Fill a small bucket with warm water (hot water can damage paint)
• Add a few drops of a mild dish soap. Using too much will make it difficult to remove the residue later. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners.
• You can also choose to add some fabric softener and/or products such as Zoflora to increase the effectiveness against mould and mildew.
• Gently stir to create a mild, sudsy solution.

Or opt for a Sugar Soap solution for increased effectiveness, you can buy this premade or DIY it.

• Add 4.5 litres of warm water to a bucket
• Slowly stir in 125 grams of washing soda to the water
• Next stir in 125 grams of borax (or another 125 grams of washing soda)
• Finally, add 125 ml of dish soap.
• Dilute the solution for everyday cleaning (1:10 ratio of sugar soap solution to water)

(If you're unsure whether the solution is mild enough, perform a spot test on a hidden area.)

How To Wipe The Skirting Boards

• Dip and wring a mop with a microfibre head into the solution. (A cloth is fine too) 
• Work in manageable sections, wiping gently along the length of the skirting board while applying gentle pressure. 
• Pay extra attention to crevices, as in step 1, and tackle any particular spots of dirt with circular motions.
• Rinse your mop frequently in clean water to avoid spreading dirt as you work your way along. 
• When finished, repeat the process with clean water to rinse off the soap water solution.
• Don't wait for your skirting boards to dry; excess water can become absorbed or create water streaks. Use a dry microfibre head to dry the cleaned skirting boards.

3. Acidic Solution For Deep Stains

Some stains are too deep for soapy water alone. These can be tackled with a mild acid wash. Don't worry; it's not as scary as it sounds. You only need white vinegar, water, and baking soda (optional).

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle or container. 
• Apply the vinegar solution to a corner of your microfibre mop head in small amounts as required. 
  (If you're unsure about the strength of the solution, perform a spot test in a hidden area on your skirting boards.)
• Use the wet corner of the microfibre head to rub the stain in circular motions. 
• Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean with the microfibre mop and clean water.

If the stain persists, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it directly to the stain, and let it sit for 15 minutes. This should remove most stains. 

In the rare case of a persisting stain, your skirting boards may require sanding and repainting.

Pro Tips: Keep a window open for ventilation when using vinegar due to the strong odour. However, the odour will not persist on your skirting boards and will dissipate completely as it dries.

Skirting Board Cleaning Hacks and Tips

Here are some clever hacks and tips to make cleaning your skirting boards even easier:

• Cleaning Putty: This gooey gel can be pressed into crevices and corners to lift out stubborn dirt and debris. It's reusable and can be rinsed or replaced as needed. It's often used for keyboards, but it performs great with skirting boards too! You can find it on Amazon for as low as £3.99!

• Skirting Board Cleaners: A wide variety of long handles skirting board cleaners have entered the market and they are quite useful for surface level cleaning, they can also be used on other trims such as architraves. A popular and cheap option is the Skirting Board Buddy.

• Microfibre Cloths: Microfibre cloths are excellent for dusting and cleaning skirting boards. They attract and trap dust and dirt particles, leaving a streak-free finish, use them to dry your skirting boards after cleaning for a polished look.
• Toothpicks and toothbrushes:Both of these tools can help you to clean deep crevices by manoeuvring them into tight spaces and removing build up.
• Vacuum Attachments: Use the crevice tool or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to reach tight spaces and corners along your skirting boards.

Best Cleaning Solution Products For Skirting Boards

There are various cleaning products you can use on your skirting boards, each with its own strengths and suitable applications:

• White Vinegar: A mild acid that's excellent for tackling tough stains, grease, and grime. It's also a natural disinfectant and deodoriser.
• Sugar Soap: A heavy-duty cleaning solution that's ideal for preparing surfaces before painting or wallpapering. It cuts through built-up dirt and grease.
• Fabric Softener: Believe it or not, fabric softener can be used as a gentle cleaner for skirting boards. It helps to remove dirt and leaves a fresh scent.
• Zoflora: A popular disinfectant and deodoriser that can be diluted with water for cleaning skirting boards. It's effective against mould and mildew.

Cleaning Different Skirting Board Materials

Skirting boards are made from a few different materials, and this can affect how you clean them.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): MDF skirting boards can swell if exposed to too much moisture, so avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals. Stick to mild soap and water solutions, and dry thoroughly after cleaning.
• Wood (Oak and Pine): Hardwood skirting boards can be cleaned with a variety of products, but avoid those containing bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the finish. Use gentle cleaners like vinegar or sugar soap.
• Plastic (PVC): PVC skirting boards are durable and easy to clean. You can use most household cleaners on them, including mild abrasives for tough stains.

How Often to Clean Skirting Boards

The frequency of cleaning your skirting boards depends on several factors, such as foot traffic, pets, and general household activity. As a general guideline:

• High-traffic areas (e.g., hallways, living rooms): Light dust every 1-2 weeks | Deep clean every month
• Low-traffic areas (e.g., bedrooms, offices): Light dust every  2 - 4 weeks  | Deep clean every few months
• Kitchen skirting boards: Clean weekly due to grease and food splatters

If you don't want to track every room and rigorously clean skirting boards with a strict timetable, you'd be safe with dusting them weekly and deep cleaning every couple of months.

Specific Cleaning Challenges

Sometimes, regular cleaning isn't enough to tackle stubborn stains or build-up on your skirting boards. Here are some tips for dealing with specific challenges:

• Mould and Fungus: Create a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
• Paint Splatters: Use a plastic putty knife or scraper to gently lift off dried paint splatters. For stubborn spots, apply a small amount of white vinegar and let it sit before scraping.
• Plaster Residue: To clean plaster off skirting boards, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the plaster residue, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. You may need to retouch your skirting board paint after this. Plaster is alkaline, so the acidic vinegar will help break it down.
• Yellowed Skirting Boards: Create a paste with baking soda and water, and gently rub it onto the yellowed areas using a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 
  If your skirting boards are yellowed due to the oil-based paint, there is no fix and the yellowing is permanent, one solution is to sand them down and repaint with water-based paint which does not yellow.
• Smoke Stains: Try using a mixture of warm water and trisodium phosphate (TSP), a heavy-duty cleaner available at most hardware stores. Wear gloves and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Cleaning Different Paint Types: For glossy or semi-gloss painted skirting boards, use a mild soap and water solution to avoid dulling the finish. For matte or flat painted surfaces, you can use a slightly stronger cleaner like sugar soap or diluted vinegar.

Cleaning Behind Radiators: To clean skirting boards behind radiators, use a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment to remove dust and debris. You may need to use a small brush or cloth for hard-to-reach areas.If the space is very tight, carefully move the radiator away from the wall (if possible) or hire a professional.

Cleaning for Painting and Redecorating

If you're planning to paint or redecorate, it's essential to clean your skirting boards thoroughly beforehand to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.

Cleaning Before Painting: When you need to clean raw, unfinished skirting boards, simply dust and lightly sand without any solution.

Removing Existing Paint: If you're cleaning old paint off your skirting boards, we recommend sanding the existing paint off.

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