Attaching Plastic Skirting Boards: A Quick Guide

how to attach plastic skirting boards

Plastic skirting boards are a popular choice for homeowners and builders due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and affordability. They are also easy to install, requiring just a few simple steps. There are several methods for installing plastic skirting boards, including gluing, screwing, and using PVC dowels. Before beginning the installation, it is important to measure the length of the wall and cut the skirting board accordingly. In this article, we will guide you through the process of attaching plastic skirting boards using these different methods and provide helpful tips for a successful installation.

Characteristics Values
Installation Method Glue, screws, nails, or adhesive sealant
Installation Ease Easy
Durability High
Affordability Affordable
Maintenance Low
Water Resistance Resistant
Dirt Resistance Resistant
Deformability Prone to deformation under pressure
Aesthetics Artificial shine

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Prepare the surface

Before installing plastic skirting boards, it is important to prepare the surface to ensure a smooth and successful installation process. Here are the steps you should follow:

Firstly, ensure that the wall surface is sound, dry, and flat. It should be free from any previous coverings, linings, or adhesive residues. Remove any paint films and mould, and treat the affected surface appropriately. This step is crucial to ensure the skirting board adheres properly to the wall.

Next, use a piece of skirting as a template to mark the wall. Place the template in position and use a pencil to mark the wall, creating a guideline for adhesive application. This will help ensure that your skirting board is installed straight and level.

Now, you need to cut your skirting board to the correct length. Measure the length of the wall where the skirting board will be installed, then use a saw to cut the skirting board accordingly. It is recommended to use a fine-bladed saw to ensure a smooth and clean cut.

Additionally, if your wall has internal or external corners, you will need to create miter cuts. A miter cut is necessary to form a neat corner joint. Use a mitre box and saw to achieve the precise 45-degree angle cuts required for internal and external corners.

Finally, if you are installing the skirting board onto a masonry wall, such as brick or block, you may need to use masonry nails or screws with wall plugs. For timber stud partition walls, use a stud detector to locate the studs and then secure the skirting board with lost-head nails. For metal stud partition walls, screws are necessary.

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Cut the skirting board

Cutting the skirting board is a crucial step in the installation process. Before you begin, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. It is recommended to wear goggles to protect your eyes from debris and construction gloves to safeguard your hands from any machinery or sharp edges.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of cutting the plastic skirting board:

Measure and Mark:

First, you need to measure the installation environment, which is the length of the wall where the skirting board will be installed. Use a measuring tape or any suitable measuring tool to get an accurate length. Based on this measurement, mark the plastic skirting board with a pencil or an oil-based pen. This marking will guide your cut, ensuring accuracy.

Cutting:

For the cutting process, you can use a hand saw, an electric saw, or a metal cutter. Choose a tool that you are comfortable with and that is suitable for cutting plastic. Follow the marked lines on the skirting board to ensure a straight and accurate cut. If you are cutting multiple pieces, consistency in the cutting method will help achieve a uniform look.

Smoothing the Edges:

Once you've made the initial cut, use sandpaper or an edging tool to smooth out the edges and remove any burrs or rough spots. This step will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also ensure safety, removing any sharp edges that could cause injuries.

Beveling for Corners:

When installing skirting boards, you will need to consider the corners of the room. At the outside and inside corners, the plastic skirting board needs to be beveled at a 45-degree angle to achieve a seamless splice. Use a protractor to measure and mark the angle before cutting. This step ensures that your skirting boards fit neatly around corners, providing a professional finish.

Remember to adapt the cutting process as needed to suit the specific requirements of your project and the unique features of your space.

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Apply adhesive

When applying adhesive to attach plastic skirting boards, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that the surface is prepared correctly. The wall should be sound, dry, flat, and free from any contaminants, such as previous adhesive residues, paint films, or mould. This will ensure that the adhesive bonds effectively with the wall.

Next, you will need to choose an appropriate adhesive. There are two main types recommended for plastic skirting boards: strong double-sided tape and adhesive sealant. If you opt for double-sided tape, ensure it can bear the weight of the skirting board. Adhesive sealants, on the other hand, offer instant bonding and incredible durability. However, they leave little room for correcting alignment mistakes.

Once you have selected your adhesive, it is time to apply it. If using double-sided tape, apply it along the entire length of the skirting board's profile in a wavy motion. This technique ensures a strong bond. Conversely, if you are using an adhesive sealant, use a caulking gun to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive along the back of the skirting board.

After applying the adhesive, you can attach the skirting board to the wall. Firmly press the skirting board against the wall, working your way from one end to the other. Ensure that the skirting board is level and flush with the wall as you go. If you need to make any adjustments, the adhesive sealant can be helpful as it allows for some flexibility during the installation process.

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Fix the skirting board

Plastic skirting boards are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and ease of installation. There are several methods to fix a plastic skirting board.

Gluing

The gluing method is quick and easy. First, measure the length of the wall where you will be installing the skirting board. Use a saw with a fine blade to ensure a smooth and clean cut. Before applying the glue, make sure the wall is dry, flat, and free from any contaminants, previous coverings, linings, or adhesive residues. Apply glue along the entire length of the skirting board in a wavy motion. You can also apply glue in blobs at regular intervals and use PVA glue for any external mitres. Place the bottom edge of the skirting board to the floor and push it firmly against the wall. If the wall is not flat, you may need additional screw fixings.

Screws

Another method is to use screws. Drill holes every 40-50 cm along the entire length of the skirting board and the wall. Ensure that the distances between the holes on the skirting board and the wall match. Then, insert the dowels into the holes and fix the skirting board to the wall with screws.

PVC Dowels

If you are using PVC skirting boards, you can attach them with specific PVC dowels.

Nails

When fixing a skirting board onto a masonry wall, use masonry nails or wall plugs. If attaching the skirting to a timber stud partition wall, use a stud detector to locate the studs and then use lost-head nails.

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Fill gaps with sealant

Filling gaps between skirting boards and walls is a simple task that can give your room a polished and smooth look. Before applying any sealant, ensure that the wall surfaces are free from any previous coverings, linings, or adhesive residues. Paint films and any mould must be removed, and the affected surface should be treated correctly.

There are a variety of sealants available on the market, such as water-based, highly flexible sealants like FulaSeal UltraClear, which is white when applied and dries clear. This type of sealant is much easier to clean than silicone-based sealants.

To apply the sealant, cut the nozzle of the cartridge with secateurs and place it into a caulking gun. Position the gun at a 45-degree angle and apply even pressure to the trigger as you move it along the gap, filling it with the product. Use a damp finger or a rounded spatula to wipe off any excess sealant and ensure a clean, smooth finish.

For a neater finish and easier cleanup, you can tape both sides of the gap before applying the product. Allow the sealant to dry for about 20 minutes before painting with water-based paints. If using flat or ceiling paints or painting in cooler conditions, allow a longer drying time of about 2 hours.

For an even smoother finish, you can use a silicon spreader. Hold the spreader at an angle and use it to smooth out the sealant. It is important to have spare nozzles on hand in case you encounter gaps of different sizes.

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