Planning to give your home a new lick of paint? Great! Skirting boards are often one of the first places to show wear and tear, so giving them a fresh coat of paint can really brighten up a room.
But what type of paintbrush should you use when it comes to painting your skirting boards?
Generally, a small to medium-sized brush (2 inches to 4 inches) is most suitable for painting skirting boards.
A smaller brush will help you to get a neater finish in the hard-to-reach areas, while a larger brush will make light work of painting the larger, flat surfaces.
However, the thing you need to remember is that paintbrushes come in various other sizes, and to get the most desirable results; you should test out a few before you start painting.
Different types of paintbrushes also offer different advantages based on the type of paint you use, the size of skirting boards installed in your rooms, its material type, and much more.
So it’s worth investing your time in doing your research and finding the best one for the job.
In the article below, I will try to get into more detail about what type of paintbrush is best to use for skirting boards based on my own experience.
And how you should use them to get the right finish you desire for. So, let’s dig in…
Types of Brush for Skirting
Paint brushes (and not paint rollers or sprayers) are generally the most appropriate tool you need to use for painting skirting boards.
But choosing the right one is often where people make mistakes.
Different factors, such as the type of paint you’re using, the size and shape of your skirting boards, and even the finish you’re hoping to achieve, should all be taken into account when choosing a brush.
So, here is what you will need to look at when picking the right brush for your project…
1- The Bristles
When it comes to the type of brush bristles for refinishing skirting, synthetic bristles are often the best choice as they are less likely to shed and can be used with all types of paint.
However, if you’re using oil-based paint, then a natural bristle brush is a better option, as it’s less likely to leave streaks.
Natural bristle brushes are also good at holding and releasing paint, which can make them ideal for use on textured surfaces.
But they tend to shed, so it’s worth investing in a good-quality brush if you’re planning on using one.
2- The Size of the Brush
The size of the paintbrush you pick is also important to consider.
Smaller paint brushes of sizes 2″ to 4″ are usually recommended to paint hard-to-reach regions like corners of the skirting.
However, you may use a bigger brush (above 5 inches) to paint the larger, flat surfaces, and also if your house has much taller skirting boards.
This will offer quicker coverage and will save you a good time as you won’t have to go over the same areas more than once during paint application.
But, as always, it’s best to test out a few different sizes before you start painting and check which one works best for you.
3- The Shape of the Brush
Paint brushes come in various shapes as well, so it’s important to choose one that is suitable for the skirting boards you’re painting.
For example, if you’re painting skirting boards with intricate details, a smaller, thinner brush will allow you to get into the entire nooks and crannies, including the grooves and curves if you have any.
But if you have tall skirting and you’re painting large, flat surfaces, then a wider, flatter and angled brush will help you to cover more area in less time.
4- The Type of Paint You Will Be Using
The type of brush you use for covering the skirtings should also depend on the type of paint you have chosen for the project.
For example, if you’re using water-based paint (like latex or emulsion), then a synthetic bristle brush is the best option as it’s less likely to leave streaks.
But if you’re using oil-based paint enamels, a natural bristle brush would be a wiser choice as it’s less likely to shed.
Natural bristle brushes are also good at holding and releasing paint, which can make them ideal for use on textured surfaces.
5- The Finish You’re Hoping to Achieve
The type of finish you’re hoping to achieve with your paint job should also be considered when choosing a brush.
For a smooth, even finish (with gloss or semi-gloss surfaces), it’s best to use a synthetic bristle brush as they are less likely to leave streaks.
But if you’re hoping for a more textured matte or satin finish, a natural bristle brush might be a better option.
6- The Material Skirting Boards are Made Of
The material of the skirting is also an important factor to consider when choosing the right brush.
For example, if you’re painting wooden or plasterboard skirtings, then a natural bristle brush would be a good choice as it’s less likely to damage the wood.
But if you’re painting plastic or metal skirting boards, then a synthetic bristle brush would be a better option as they are less likely to leave streaks.
7- The Cost
Finally, the cost of the brush plays an important role when you need to consider the right brush for your skirting project.
Natural bristle brushes are usually more expensive than synthetic ones, but they can be worth the investment if you’re hoping for a better finish.
But if you’re on a budget, then synthetic bristle brushes can still offer good results.
Painting Skirting Boards – Easy Tips & Ideas
When you need to brush skirting for a refreshed new look or to prepare the house for selling, it’s important to choose the right brush and paints along with following the right steps.
Here are some easy steps, tips, and ideas to get you started…
1- Decide on the Color Scheme First
The very first thing you need to do is to decide on the color scheme you want for your skirting or baseboard trim.
You may want to go with a classic white or cream color, or you may want to opt for something a little more bold and modern, like black, grey, or even a color that matches your walls.
Once you’ve decided on the scheme, move on to the painting steps.
2- Prepare the Skirting Boards
Once you’ve decided on the color scheme, the next step is to prepare the skirting boards.
This involves removing any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the skirting boards. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment for this.
TIP: Depending on a few factors, you might need to remove skirtings or baseboard trims before painting. So make sure you check if you need to.
3- Choose the Right Primer and Paint
Once the skirting boards are clean and free from any dirt or debris, it’s time to choose the right primer and paint.
You’ll want to use a paint primer that is specifically designed for skirting boards. An all-in-one primer and paint can also be used, which can save you significant time and effort.
When choosing the paint, you’ll also want to choose between a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish.
These will give the skirting boards a nice sheen and make them easier to clean in the future compared to a matte finish.
4- Apply the Primer and Paint on Your Skirtings
Once you’ve chosen the right primer and paint, it’s time to apply them to your skirting boards.
To do this, you’ll want to use a paintbrush that is specifically designed for your skirting type.
Once you’ve it, start painting the skirting boards using even strokes.
If you have more than one room to cover, do not start painting them all at once.
Work in a single room first, and when it’s completed, move on to the next room.
5- Let the Paint Dry Completely
After you’ve finished painting all of the skirting boards in your home, allow the fresh paint to dry completely.
This usually takes about two to three hours, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions on the paint can or primer for specific drying times.
6- Apply a Top Coat
Once the paint has dried completely, apply a top coat using even strokes and let it dry completely.
This will help to protect the paint and make it more durable.
For this step, you can choose between a clear top coat or a colored top coat based on the skirting material and the look you’re going for.
7- Enjoy Your New Skirting Boards
Once the top coat has dried, you’ll now have a refreshed look in your home that is sure to impress any guests that come over.
Additionally, you’ll find painting skirting boards are relatively easy and straightforward when following the proper steps.
Do not forget to clean your paintbrushes thoroughly after use and to store them properly for future projects.
So, there you have it
These are the main things you need to consider when painting skirting boards and choosing a brush for your project.
As seen above, there are many factors to consider when picking the right brush for painting skirting boards – the most important ones include the type of paint you’ll be using, the type of finish you’re hoping to achieve, and the size of brush you’ll need.
Remember the above tips, and you should have no problem refinishing your old worn-out skirting.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for more than a decade to serve the customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques that are being implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.
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