Skirting boards show signs of wear and tear rather quickly, and adding a fresh coat of paint to these areas can instantly bring new life to your room.
Paint brushes (and not paint rollers or sprayers) are generally the most appropriate tool to use for painting skirting boards. However, knowing the type that should be used can be tricky, especially for beginners.
Generally, a small to medium-sized brush (2 to 4 inches) is most suitable for painting skirting boards. A smaller brush will help you get a neater finish in the hard-to-reach areas, while a larger one will help finish flatter and larger sections quicker.
However, when selecting, remember that paintbrushes come in various other sizes. 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 researching, testing a few, and finding the best one for your job.
This guide will cover all the crucial aspects of selecting a suitable paintbrush for skirting boards. Additionally, I will share some tips and advice based on my personal experiences so that you can achieve the desired finish without wasting your time.
Choosing the Type of Brush for Skirting
Selecting the appropriate brush is where many people make mistakes. Here are the factors you should consider to help you choose the right one.
1- The Size and Shape
Smaller paint brushes of sizes 2″ to 4″ are usually recommended to paint hard-to-reach areas like corners of the skirting.
However, you may use a bigger brush (above 5 inches) to paint the more prominent, flat surfaces and if your house has much taller skirting boards. This will offer quicker coverage and save you time as you won’t have to go over the same areas more than once during paint application.
Additionally, if you’re skirting boards have intricate details, a smaller, thinner brush will allow you to get into the entire nooks and crannies, including the grooves and curves, if any. But if you have tall skirting and you’re painting large, flat surfaces, then a broader, flatter, and angled brush will help you to cover more area in less time.
So, it’s best to test out a few different shapes and sizes before you start painting and check which works best for you.
2- The Bristles and Paint Type
The type of brush and bristles you select for covering the skirtings should also depend on the paint you have chosen for the project.
It’s best to use synthetic bristles for refinishing skirting as they don’t shed and work well with all types of water-based paints (like latex or emulsion).
However, if you’re using oil-based paint, a natural bristle brush is better as it reduces streaking. Also, because of their ability to hold and release paint more effectively, they work more efficiently on textured surfaces. Just remember that these brushes tend to shed, so it’s essential to invest only in a high-quality brush and not choose a cheaper alternative.
3- Material of Skirting Board and Finish
When selecting a brush, it’s also crucial to take into account the type of material your skirting is made of. If you’re painting wooden or plaster skirting , a natural bristle brush is advised as it won’t harm the wood. Conversely, for plastic or metal skirting, it’s recommended to use a synthetic bristle brush to avoid streaking.
Moreover, for achieving gloss or semi-gloss surfaces that require a smooth and even finish without streaks, it’s recommended to use a synthetic bristle brush. On the other hand, if you prefer a textured matte or satin finish, a natural bristle brush may be the better choice.
Besides all the above, the cost of the paintbrush plays an important role when you need to consider them for your skirting project.
Natural bristle brushes are usually more expensive than synthetic ones, but they can be worth investment if you’re hoping for a better finish. However, if you’re on a tight budget, synthetic brushes can still offer satisfactory results and can be chosen.
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- Prepare the skirting boards
This involves removing any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the skirting boards using a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
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.
2- Choose the correct primer paint
To paint skirting boards, the two most popular options are oil-based enamel and water-based paints like latex and acrylic. You can also go for an all-in-one primer and paint to save time and effort. Choose the type of paint based on the material of your skirting boards, whether it’s wood, metal, or PVC.
Also, for a polished finish and easy cleaning of your skirting boards, consider using semi-gloss or high-gloss primer paint. And to complement your walls, select a trim color scheme ranging from classic white or cream to modern shades like black or grey.
3- Apply the primer/paint on skirting and let it dry
To paint your skirting boards, select a suitable paintbrush designed for your skirting type and apply even strokes of the primer in a single direction. Make sure that you cover all the corners and edges properly while painting.
If you need to paint multiple rooms, focus on one room at a time to complete the painting of one room before moving on to the next one.
Once you have completed painting the skirting boards in your home, be sure to let the paint dry completely. It typically takes around two to three hours, but it is advisable to consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the paint can or primer for accurate drying times.
4- Apply a top coat and enjoy your newly painted skirting boards
After the paint has fully dried, use even strokes to apply a top coat with your paintbrush. This will safeguard the paint and enhance its longevity. You can go for either a clear or colored top coat based on the skirting material and desired look. Once the top coat dries, your home will have a renewed appearance that is sure to impress visitors.
Do not forget to clean your paintbrushes thoroughly after use and to store them properly for future projects.
The bottom line
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 bristle brush you’ll need.
Remember the above tips, and you should have no problem the next time you plan to refinish 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 over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.