Painting skirting boards when you have existing wooden floors requires careful preparation to protect the floor from paint drips and splatters. The most crucial step to ensure a tidy paint job and protect your valuable wooden floor is to tape along the skirting board.
Preparing to Paint Skirting Boards
Before you even open a paint can, preparation is key. This ensures a clean finish and protects your surrounding areas.
Protecting Your Wooden Floor
This is the most critical part when dealing with existing wooden floors. To ensure you don't get any paint on the floor, you must create a protective barrier.
- Tape Application: To protect your wooden floor, tape along the skirting board. This creates a precise line and shields the floor surface.
- Choose the Right Tape: When there is existing flooring that you want to protect, we recommend using low tack masking or painter's tape. This type of tape is designed to stick securely enough to create a barrier but can be removed without damaging the floor finish.
- Tape Width: Use a thicker width tape for better coverage and protection, especially if you anticipate any minor drips. Apply the tape firmly, ensuring a tight seal along the joint between the skirting board and the floor.
Cleaning and Preparing Skirting Boards
Even if they look clean, skirting boards can accumulate dust and grime that will affect paint adhesion.
- Clean: Wipe down the skirting boards with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Rinse and let them dry completely.
- Sand (If Needed): Lightly sand any glossy surfaces or areas with old, flaky paint. This helps the new paint adhere better. Wipe away all sanding dust.
- Fill Imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with wood filler, let it dry, and sand smooth.
Priming (Optional but Recommended)
Applying a suitable primer before painting can improve adhesion, hide imperfections, and provide a more uniform finish, especially if you're painting over a dark colour or bare wood.
The Painting Process
Once the preparation is complete and the tape is securely in place protecting your wooden floor, you can begin painting.
Materials Needed
- Low tack masking or painter's tape (thicker width recommended)
- Dust sheets or plastic sheeting (as an extra layer of protection beyond tape)
- Primer (optional)
- Paint suitable for wood or trim (e.g., satin or eggshell finish)
- Paint brushes (a smaller angle brush for edges, a larger brush for flat surfaces)
- Paint tray
- Cleaning supplies (cloths, mild detergent)
- Sandpaper (fine-grit)
- Wood filler (if needed)
Applying the Paint
Apply the paint carefully, working in sections.
- First Coat: Dip your brush into the paint, wiping off any excess. Start by painting the top edge of the skirting board, then move to the main flat surface. Use smooth, even strokes. Avoid applying too much paint at once, as this can lead to drips.
- Second Coat: Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. Apply a second thin coat for better coverage and durability.
- Work Carefully: Paint slowly and deliberately along the edge where the skirting meets the tape, ensuring you don't overload your brush.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Always apply paint in thin coats rather than one thick layer.
- Allow adequate drying time between coats.
- Remove the tape while the paint is still slightly wet (but not wet enough to smudge) to get a clean line and prevent the paint from peeling with the tape. Pull the tape off slowly at a 45-degree angle away from the painted surface.
By following these steps, especially the crucial step of taping along the skirting board with appropriate tape, you can achieve a clean, professional paint finish on your skirting boards while keeping your wooden floor protected.
