Once you have selected the perfect skirting board profile and material, the journey is not quite over. The final, all-important step is painting and finishing. The paint you choose and the care you take in applying it can make the difference between a good installation and a truly flawless one. A pristine, crisp finish can elevate a room, while a poor paint job can detract from even the most beautiful skirting board profile. This process requires a little bit of knowledge and the right products to ensure a long-lasting and professional result.
For those who have invested in high-quality, pre-primed skirting boards from a company like victorian skirting profiles, the painting process is already off to a great start. Their products are designed to be the ideal canvas, taking the hard work out of the preparation and allowing you to focus on the application for a perfect final look.
Step 1: Preparation is Key, Even with the Best Products
Even with pre-primed skirting boards, a little bit of preparation is still necessary to ensure a perfect finish. This is where you address any minor imperfections and get the boards ready for their final coat of paint.
- Filling and Sealing: After installation, use a flexible, paintable caulk to fill any small gaps between the top of the skirting board and the wall. This creates a clean, seamless line. Use a good quality wood filler to fill any nail holes or minor imperfections in the joints.
- Light Sanding: Once the filler and caulk are dry, lightly sand the entire surface of the skirting boards with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth out any imperfections and provide a key for the paint to adhere to. Wipe the boards down with a damp cloth to remove all dust before painting.
- Taping for a Clean Line: If you are painting the skirting board and not the walls, use a quality painter’s tape to protect the wall and ensure a crisp, straight line where the two colors meet.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Paint and Tools
The type of paint and tools you use are critical for achieving a professional finish.
- Paint Type: For skirting boards, a durable, hard-wearing paint is essential, as they are a high-traffic area. Gloss, satin, or semi-gloss finishes are popular choices. They are more resistant to scuffs and are easier to wipe clean than a matte finish. Gloss paint provides a shiny, high-end look, while satin offers a softer sheen.
- Paint Color: While crisp white is the most popular choice for skirting boards, you are not limited to it. A subtle grey or a darker color can create a modern, architectural feel. You can even choose a color that matches your walls for a seamless, minimalist look. The smooth surface of the MDF from MDF Skirting World is the perfect canvas for any color you choose.
- Brushes and Rollers: For a smooth, streak-free finish, a good quality synthetic bristle brush is essential for cutting in and getting into the profile details. For the flat surfaces of the board, a small foam roller can provide a very smooth and even coat of paint.
Step 3: The Painting Process for a Professional Finish
Once everything is prepared, the painting process itself is straightforward but requires care.
- First Coat: Apply your first coat of paint, working in long, even strokes. If you are using a brush, paint in the direction of the skirting board’s grain, even though MDF doesn’t have one. This will help to ensure a smooth finish.
- Second Coat: Allow the first coat to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A light sanding with a very fine-grit paper between coats can help to remove any imperfections and create an even smoother surface. Apply the second coat, which will provide the final, flawless finish.
- Clean Up: Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape to reveal a perfectly clean line. Clean your brushes and tools immediately to ensure they last for future projects.
By taking the time to prepare and paint your skirting boards with care, you are making a final, crucial investment in the aesthetic of your home. A professional finish is not just a matter of looks; it’s also a matter of durability and ease of maintenance. With the high-quality, pre-primed products from MDF Skirting World, you have the perfect foundation for this task, ensuring that your final result is a beautiful, professional, and long-lasting finish that you can be proud of.