Omar Khalid
Painting skirting boards can be a messy job, but with the right tools and instructions, you can achieve a clean, professional finish at home. This is particularly important when painting plastic skirting boards, as the wrong type of paint or application technique can result in bubbling or scratching. Before painting, it's crucial to prepare the surface by removing any old paint or debris, filling in any cracks, and applying a primer to ensure the new paint adheres properly. Once the skirting board is prepped, use a small amount of paint and a suitable brush, working in long, smooth strokes and maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Take your time and be mindful of spills and drips to achieve a showroom-worthy finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of paint | Water-based paints are easier to clean and have less odour, but oil-based paints are more durable. Solvent-based paints are not recommended for plastic skirting boards. |
| Paint finish | Gloss, satin, or eggshell finish are recommended for a professional finish. |
| Paintbrush | Synthetic brushes for water-based paints and natural bristle brushes for oil-based paints. |
| Paintbrush filaments | Synthetic bristles like nylon and polyester maintain their shape and flexibility better with water-based paints. Natural bristles like hog hair absorb and hold oil-based paints better. |
| Paintbrush angle | Use an angled brush to easily paint the edges in one stroke. |
| Paint application | Start from one corner, applying paint in long, smooth strokes. Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. |
| Paint amount | Use a small amount of paint at a time to prevent dripping and overloading the brush. |
| Painting direction | Paint from right to left if right-handed, and vice versa if left-handed, for less tiring painting. |
| Number of coats | At least two coats are required for a professional finish. |
| Drying time | Allow the paint to dry completely before adding another coat or moving furniture back into the room. |
| Surface preparation | Sand the surface to remove any old paint or stain, and fill any cracks or holes with filler. |
| Surface cleaning | Clean the surface with a sugar soap solution and a sponge to remove dust, dirt, or grime. |
| Surface protection | Use painter's tape or masking tape to protect the edges of the floor or carpet from paint. |
| Room preparation | Clear the room as much as possible and cover the remaining furniture with dust sheets. |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: Clear the room, lay dust sheets, and clean the skirting boards with a degreaser or sugar soap solution
- Priming: Prime the surface with a water-based product, or sand the surface with sandpaper to increase paint adhesion
- Painting: Use a 2 brush, start at the top, and paint from right to left if right-handed
- Technique: Use small amounts of paint to prevent dripping, and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks
- Finishing: Allow the paint to dry, then use fine-grade sandpaper to lightly go over the skirting before applying a second coat
Preparation: Clear the room, lay dust sheets, and clean the skirting boards with a degreaser or sugar soap solution
Painting plastic skirting boards can be a messy job, but with the right preparation, you can achieve a clean, professional finish. Start by clearing the room as much as possible. Move all the furniture away from the walls to give yourself plenty of space to work, and cover any remaining furniture with old bedding or dust sheets to protect it from paint.
Next, lay dust sheets on the floor to catch any paint drips or spills. You can also use newspaper or a plastic carpet protector. Apply painter's tape to the top edge of the skirting boards to protect the walls, and stick a strip of masking tape along the edge of the carpet or floor covering, as close to the skirting as possible.
Before painting, it's important to clean the skirting boards thoroughly. Use a degreaser or sugar soap solution and a sponge to wipe down the skirting boards, removing any dust, dirt, grease, or grime. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that your finish is smooth and even. If your skirting boards are made of wood, you may also need to sand them to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Once you've cleaned the skirting boards, allow them to dry completely before starting the painting process.
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Priming: Prime the surface with a water-based product, or sand the surface with sandpaper to increase paint adhesion
Priming is an important step in the painting process, especially when dealing with plastic surfaces like skirting boards. It helps the paint adhere better and creates a more uniform finish. There are two main methods to prime plastic skirting boards: using a water-based primer product or sanding the surface with sandpaper.
When using a water-based primer, it is essential to choose a product specifically designed for plastic. Some paint options already include a primer, but for the best results, a separate primer is recommended. Before applying the primer, shake the can vigorously for about a minute to ensure the paint is properly mixed. Practice your spraying technique on a piece of cardboard, maintaining a distance of about 12 inches from the surface and using long, sweeping dusting strokes. Apply light coats of primer, waiting the manufacturer's recommended time between coats, usually about 25 minutes. Two to three light coats are usually sufficient before moving on to the paint.
Alternatively, you can use sandpaper to prime the plastic skirting board. Sanding the surface creates a rougher texture, increasing the adhesion of the paint. Use medium or fine-grit sandpaper and apply even pressure while sanding to avoid creating grooves or indentations on the plastic. Sand in the direction of the grain, if applicable, to ensure a smooth finish. After sanding, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris before proceeding to paint.
Once the primer or sanding is complete, you can move on to the painting stage. Be sure to select a high-quality paint designed for use on plastic, such as those specifically labelled for plastic or with a water-based formula. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times and apply multiple thin coats rather than a single thick coat to achieve a smooth and professional finish.
Remember, taking your time with the priming process will ensure better paint adhesion and a more durable finish. Whether you choose to use a water-based primer or sanding, always work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions, including wearing protective gear such as gloves and a respirator.
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Painting: Use a 2 brush, start at the top, and paint from right to left if right-handed
Painting plastic skirting boards can be a simple task if you know the right way to go about it. Before you start painting, it is important to prepare the skirting boards. Use a sugar soap solution and a sponge to wipe down the skirting boards to get rid of any dust, dirt, or grime. If there is old paint on the skirting boards, sand the surface to remove any flaking paint and roughen the old paint so that the new paint will adhere properly. If your skirting boards are made of vinyl, do not sand them as it will scratch and leave marks. Instead, wash the surface and prime it with Zinsser Bullseye 123 before applying paint.
Now that your skirting boards are prepped, it is time to start painting. Use a 2" brush and begin at the top of the skirting board, painting from right to left if you are right-handed. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and dip it halfway into the paint, removing any excess paint by brushing it against the inside of the paint tin. Ideally, you want your brush to be fairly loaded with paint, but only on one side to prevent dripping. Start painting by applying long, smooth strokes, maintaining a wet edge by overlapping each new stroke with the previous one to avoid lap marks.
When you have cut in an area along the top of the skirting board, switch to the bottom and repeat the process. Then, you can fill in the middle section. As you paint, use a piece of cardboard or plastic as a guard to protect the wall and floor from any paint splatters. Check for any drips or spills and smoothen them out for an even surface. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat, which is typically required for a professional finish.
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Technique: Use small amounts of paint to prevent dripping, and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks
Painting plastic skirting boards can be a simple task if you know the right techniques and have the right tools. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve a professional finish:
When painting plastic skirting boards, it's important to use a small amount of paint at a time to prevent dripping. Load your brush with paint only on one side, removing any excess paint by brushing it against the inside of the paint tin. This ensures that the paint doesn't drip and creates a smoother finish. It's also essential to maintain a "wet edge" by overlapping each new stroke with the previous one to avoid visible lap marks and ensure a seamless finish.
To achieve the best results, cut-in along the top of the skirting board nearest the wall, using long, smooth strokes. If you're right-handed, paint from right to left, following the grain of the skirting board. If you're left-handed, work in the opposite direction. After cutting in an area, switch to the bottom of the skirting board and repeat the process. Then, you can fill in the middle section.
Always be mindful of spills and drips, and use a damp cloth to wipe them off immediately. For water-based paints, use water, and for oil-based paints, use white spirit or turpentine. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat, which is usually necessary for a professional finish.
Additionally, it's important to prepare the surface properly before painting. Sand the skirting board to remove any flaking paint and create a rough surface for better paint adhesion. Fill any cracks or holes with filler, and then sand the filled areas once dry. Clean the skirting board with a sugar soap solution to remove dust, dirt, or grease, and allow it to dry completely. Protect the surrounding floor and walls by covering them with dust sheets or plastic. Apply painter's tape to create a crisp line between the skirting board and the wall.
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Finishing: Allow the paint to dry, then use fine-grade sandpaper to lightly go over the skirting before applying a second coat
Painting skirting boards can be a messy job, but with the right tools and instructions, you can achieve a clean and professional finish. Once you have prepared your skirting boards and applied the first coat of paint, it is important to let the paint dry completely. This is crucial before moving on to the next step of lightly sanding the skirting board. Use a fine-grade sandpaper to gently go over the surface of the skirting board. This will help create an even smoother finish and ensure the paint adheres well to the surface. It will also help remove any minor imperfections or brushstrokes from the first coat. Make sure to wipe away any dust created by the sanding process with a damp cloth.
After sanding, you can proceed with applying the second coat of paint. It is recommended to use small amounts of paint at a time to prevent dripping and wastage. Start by painting the top of the skirting board, using a brush that is fairly loaded with paint but not overloaded. Brush from right to left if you are right-handed, following any grain, and from left to right if you are left-handed. Then, switch to the bottom of the skirting board and repeat the process. Finally, fill in the middle section. Slide a piece of cardboard or plastic protector along as you paint to catch any drips or spills.
For a truly professional finish, you may even consider applying a third coat of paint. Allow the second coat to dry completely before making this decision. Examine the skirting board for any areas that may need touch-ups or additional coverage. If you are satisfied with the coverage after two coats, you can finish by carefully removing any painter's tape and allowing the paint to dry completely before moving any furniture back into the room.
It is worth noting that the process of painting plastic skirting boards may vary slightly depending on the specific material and manufacturer's instructions. Some plastic skirting boards come with a special primer already applied, which enhances paint adhesion and distribution. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use a water-based paint for plastic skirting boards. Acrylic, vinyl, and latex paints are all suitable. Solvent-based paints are not recommended.
If your plastic skirting boards have a special primer applied, you won't need to do any additional preparation. If not, you should clean the skirting boards with a sugar soap solution and a sponge to remove any dust, dirt, or grime. You should also protect the surrounding floor with cardboard or plastic and apply painter's tape to the top edge of the skirting board.
Use a small amount of paint at a time to prevent dripping. Paint from right to left if you are right-handed, and from left to right if you are left-handed. Start by painting the top of the skirting board, then the bottom, and finally, fill in the middle section. Check for drips and spills using a damp cloth and smooth them out for an even finish. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat.
