The Best Paint for Skirting Boards: A Guide

Skirting boards, baseboards, or kickboards are narrow strips made from wood, MDF, or plastic. They are placed along the bottom of the walls to hide the gap between the wall and the floor. These boards improve the look of rooms and have both practical and decorative uses. Although often ignored in recent years, skirting boards play a key role in interior design.

The Best Paint for Skirting Boards

Regarding home decor, the details matter; one of the most overlooked elements is the skirting board. Picking the right paint for skirting boards not only contributes to the overall space aesthetics but also protects the wood from scuffs and wear. This guide will explore the various types of paint available, their benefits, and tips for achieving a flawless finish. Whether you’re refreshing your current skirting boards or installing new ones, this guide will help you select the best paint to achieve stunning results.

What Paint Should Be Used on Skirting Boards?

Before delving into the top paints for skirting boards, we must pinpoint the best options. Skirting boards come in multiple timber types, such as softwood, hardwood, and MDF, the most commonly used materials. Let’s examine the nuanced differences among the paints to help you make the perfect choice for your requirements.

Retail Paint & Trade Paint

Leading paint manufacturers provide two kinds of paint: a retail version for homeowners and a trade version for professional decorators; these products cater to the distinct requirements of DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Many individuals question whether to select trade or retail paint for skirting. Both choices can be found at major outlets for DIY.

Retail Paint

The retail version is affordable for the average DIYer, who usually cares more about cost. However, it often has lower coverage and is less durable.

Pros of Retail Paints

Affordable Pricing: Retail paints are typically more economical, making them suitable for smaller projects or those with budget constraints. 

Easy Accessibility: They can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores. 

User-Friendly: Marketed as simple to use, ideal for DIY enthusiasts with basic painting skills. 

Cons of Retail Paints

Inferior Quality: Often requires additional coats for sufficient coverage due to lower pigment levels. 

Reduced Durability: Less resistant to wear and tear compared to trade paints, resulting in quicker fading or peeling. 

Narrower Selection: Tends to offer fewer specialised paint options than trade alternatives.

Trade Paint

The trade version provides a professional finish with fewer coats. This is important for decorators who want to achieve great results quickly, as painting takes time and increases labour costs.

Pros of Trade Paints

Better Coverage: Trade paints cover surfaces more effectively, so you need fewer coats, saving time and effort.

Durable: These paints are made with high-quality materials, making them longer-lasting and more resistant to fading and chipping than regular paints.

Professional Look: Trade paints are made for professionals, providing a smooth and even application for a polished appearance.

Variety: Many brands offer a wide selection of specialised paints for different surfaces and needs.

Long-Term Savings: Though more expensive upfront, the quality of trade paints can save you money over time by requiring fewer touch-ups.

Cons of Trade Paints

Higher Price: Trade paints typically cost more per litre than retail options.

Harder to Find: They aren’t always sold in regular stores, often requiring a visit to a speciality retailer.

Too Much for Small Projects: The high quality of trade paint might not be necessary for small DIY jobs.

Water-Based Paint Vs Oil-Based Paint

The major difference between water-based and oil-based paints is their solvents. Water-based paints use water, making cleanup easy with soap and water. Oil-based paints use oil-based solvents, like mineral spirits, which take longer to dry and require special cleaners for cleanup. Oil-based paints are usually more durable but have a stronger smell. Water-based paints dry faster and are easier to use for most painting projects. Some common differences between water-based and oil-based paints are given below:

When examining the skirting board painting section, consider water-based paints. They are highly regarded for their quick drying time and low odour, facilitating application and cleanup. Conversely, oil-based paints provide superior durability and a high-quality finish, although they can be more difficult to work with and clean afterwards. Moreover, advancements in water-based paint technology allow them to achieve a finish that resembles oil-based paints.

Finish

Choosing the right paint finish is crucial when selecting paint for skirting boards. Paints differ in sheen levels, affecting how much light they reflect. A higher sheen implies better light reflection and greater durability against scuffs and marks. Matt paint generally lacks the toughness to withstand impacts, tends to collect dust, and can be challenging to clean. Therefore, recommended finishes for interior woodwork include eggshell, satin, or gloss.

Eggshell Finishes

If you prefer a subtle sheen, opt for eggshell finishes. They excel at hiding imperfections and transforming contemporary spaces into examples of refined elegance.

Satin Finishes

Satin finishes are a popular choice nowadays. They strike a perfect balance between gloss and eggshell, demonstrate resilience, and perform well against everyday wear, making them ideal for modern homes.

Gloss Finishes

With their attractive light-reflecting properties, gloss finishes enhance architectural details. However, their strength can be a drawback, as they highlight imperfections. Thus, satin finishes may be more suitable if your skirting boards aren’t installed flawlessly and have dents or scratches.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint for Skirting Boards

After deciding on the type of paint and finish, the next step is choosing the right colour. Skirting boards, often overlooked, can greatly impact a room’s outlook when painted in the right colour. Here are some tips to consider:

Consider Room Size & Ceiling Height: Lighter colours like white or cream can make a room feel larger. These colours are especially good for 57mm or 68mm high skirting boards in bigger spaces.

Match with Walls or Floors: Painting skirting boards to match the wall creates a seamless look, making the space feel bigger. Matching the skirting with the floor adds a sophisticated touch.

Create Contrast: Use a skirting board colour that contrasts with your walls for a bold effect. For example, combine light walls with dark skirting or vice versa for a striking appearance.

Reflect Your Style: If your decor is modern, choose sleek skirting board styles like square or grooved, typically in white or light shades, to emphasise simplicity.

Material Compatibility: Consider the material of the skirting board, whether it’s wood, MDF, or PVC, and choose a paint that sticks well to it. In older buildings, wooden or plaster skirting boards may need specific paints.

Tips for Painting Skirting Boards

To get professional results when painting skirting boards, remember these tips:

• Clean and sand the boards to help the paint stick better.
• Use a good brush or roller designed for trim to make neat lines.
• Apply several thin layers of paint for better durability and a smooth finish.
• Use painter’s tape to protect nearby surfaces and get clean edges.
• Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one or removing tape.

Conclusion

Picking the right paint for skirting boards is essential to achieve a refined and durable finish. Consider factors such as the type of paint – whether it’s satin, gloss, or eggshell – and the colour and application method. Proper preparation and application techniques will ensure that your skirting boards not only augment your space aesthetics but also endure time and wear and tear. By adhering to the guidelines outlined, you can confidently choose the best paint for your skirting boards and elevate the overall look of your interior design.