How to Paint Skirting Boards – 2026 Guide
DIY Guides › Painting & Decorating
How to Paint Skirting Boards
Get crisp, professional-looking skirting boards with the right prep and paint technique.
To paint skirting boards, clean and sand the surface, fill any gaps with decorator’s caulk, apply a wood primer if bare, then finish with two coats of satin or gloss paint using a quality 50mm brush.
- 50mm angled paint brush
- Filling knife
- Caulking gun
- Fine-grit sanding block
- Masking tape
- Dust sheet
- Damp cloth
- Satin or gloss paint (wood trim)
- Wood primer or undercoat
- Decorator’s caulk
- Fine-grit sandpaper (120–180 grit)
- Sugar soap or all-purpose cleaner
- Painter’s masking tape
- Lint-free tack cloth
Step-by-Step Guide
Clean the skirting boards thoroughly
Wipe down all skirting boards with a damp cloth and sugar soap to remove dust, grease, and grime. Any dirt left on the surface will prevent paint from bonding correctly and cause peeling later.
Fill gaps and cracks with caulk
Run a bead of decorator’s caulk along the joint between the skirting board and the wall, and press it smooth with a damp finger. This seals draughty gaps and gives a clean, sharp edge that paint alone cannot achieve.
Sand the surface smooth
Lightly sand the entire face of the skirting board with a 120–180 grit sanding block, working with the grain of the wood. Sanding scuffs the existing surface so the new paint has something to grip, and removes any raised nibs or brush marks from previous coats.
Apply masking tape to protect the floor and wall
Press masking tape firmly along the top edge of the skirting board where it meets the wall, and along the bottom edge where it meets the floor or carpet. Take time at this stage — a clean tape line means no touch-up work later.
Prime bare wood or previously unpainted areas
If the skirting board is bare wood or has been stripped back, apply one coat of wood primer or undercoat and allow it to dry fully before painting. Skipping primer on bare wood causes the topcoat to soak in unevenly and can lead to a patchy finish.
Apply two coats of satin or gloss paint
Using a 50mm angled brush, apply the first coat of satin or gloss paint in long, smooth strokes, working with the grain. Allow it to dry fully — typically two hours — then lightly sand with 180 grit, wipe clean with a tack cloth, and apply the second coat for a durable, even finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of paint is best for skirting boards?
Satin or full gloss paint in a water-based or oil-based formula is best for skirting boards — both are durable and easy to wipe clean. Water-based satin is lower odour and dries faster; oil-based gloss is harder-wearing but takes longer to dry.
Do I need to sand skirting boards before painting?
Yes. Even if the boards are already painted, a light sand with 120–180 grit paper gives the new coat something to grip and removes any nibs or brush marks from previous paint jobs.
How do I get a clean edge between the skirting board and the wall?
Press masking tape firmly along the top edge of the skirting board before you paint, and remove it while the paint is still slightly wet — peeling it off dry paint can pull the finish with it.
How long does skirting board paint take to dry?
Water-based satin paint is typically touch-dry in one hour and ready for a second coat in two hours. Oil-based gloss can take four to six hours between coats. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance on the tin.
Can I paint skirting boards without removing them?
After your final coat, remove the masking tape at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly wet rather than bone dry — this prevents the tape from tearing the paint edge and leaves a razor-sharp line. If the paint has already hardened, score along the tape edge with a sharp craft knife before pulling it away.
Sources
- HSE — Safe use of paint and coatings — hse.gov.uk
- Which? — How to paint skirting boards and architraves — which.co.uk
- GOV.UK — Ventilation and indoor air quality guidance — gov.uk
This guide is for general information only. Always work safely and follow manufacturer instructions. DIYnut accepts no liability for injury or damage arising from DIY work.
