Gloss - the highest sheen of paint, that provides a high sheen finish that has often been used traditionally for interior trim such as doors & skirting boards thanks to its reflectivity and high durability. Skirting boards are a haven for dust and debris, so cleaning them thoroughly before painting is vital. Dirt can prevent paint from adhering to the surface, making chipping or peeling more likely. Since skirting boards are relatively narrow and often have grooves, we recommend using a 2” paintbrush for a neat finish. A short-handled brush may be easier to manoeuvre at various angles. Browse Dulux professional paintbrushes to find the best tools for your project.

Grey skirting boards seamlessly tie together grey walls, floors, and ceilings. They create flow and continuity. White is a good primary or secondary colour to employ this technique with, and for this reason is why skirting boards are usually painted white. White will complement almost any other colour in your room. This can be especially striking when used with darker colour schemes, and can both brighten a room, and lift the tone of a colour scheme, while providing contrast. This contrast can be very effective, as it will serve to ‘frame’ the wall they are fixed to and provide an immediate, side by side colour contrast. When considering grey skirting boards, you must also consider grey architraves and surrounding interior trims and mouldings. It's important to have matching skirting board and architrave colours when choosing a grey palette, as this creates a cohesive monochromatic room. I think the interior above does this very well. The white skirting in stark contrast against the blue wall colour, lifts what would other-wise be a dull scheme, but also gains continuity with the white pictures, light shades, throw and ceiling. This provides a dual-coloured foundation on which to introduce further feature colours, in this case being the leather furniture which particularly draws the eye. The result is a powerful, but well balanced, contrasting interior. If it's a light colour, dark grey skirting boards would create contrast making the walls appear bolder and lighter.But times are changing, and coloured skirting boards are now a legitimate trend. What’s more, it’s not a difficult style to achieve. Simply choose our white-primed skirting boards, because they’re moisture-resistant and ready for an undercoat and gloss finish. Discover the best paint for skirting boards at Dulux Decorator Centre to find the right shade and finish for any job. Invest in Good Quality Tools: The quality of your brushes and rollers can significantly impact the final result. Investing in good quality tools can make the painting process easier and more efficient. Satin - a mid-sheen finish that provides a subtle reflective finish that can still hide imperfections. Since grey doesn't show dirt, you can go longer between deep cleanings. Greys stay looking cleaner longer.

Dulux Trade Satinwood and Dulux Trade Diamond Eggshell: Known for their long-lasting finish and ease of application. For a cohesive, contemporary approach consider ‘colour drenching’ which really moves away from cold stark white skirting and delivers high impact bypainting woodwork,radiators, the ceiling and doors the same colour as the walls," says Ruth Mottershead creative director at Little Greene. A colour wheel can help you formulate a harmonious colour scheme for your skirting boards and walls by choosing colours close to each other on the wheel, or for a bolder, more dynamic aesthetic choosing colours that are further apart. The examples we have looked at so far feature colour palettes that are already using the skirting board colour elsewhere in the room, but what if you want to introduce a completely new colour? Without upsetting the colour scheme to much, one of the best ways of doing it is to introduce a new colour which is to introduce either a similar shade or tone of a colour in your room.Allow the first coat to dry, and then use fine-grade sandpaper to go over the skirting before you apply a second coat. This helps remove any drip marks or bumps from the first coat. For fast drying and a premium finish, use Dulux Trade Satinwood paint. Its hardwearing and dirt-resistant formula will help your skirting boards look fresh for longer. Refreshing woodwork or skirting within a space is a simple and effective way of updating an existing scheme," says Little Greene's Ruth Mottershead. "Often, skirting boards are painted a neutral orwhite shade out ofhabit, but their proportion makes them the perfect opportunity to add a little colour.

Masking: If you have carpet down, use a painter's shield or masking tape to protect it. Press the tape or shield firmly against the skirting board to ensure no paint seeps through. Painting skirting boards may seem like a small detail, but it's one that can significantly refresh and transform a room. Whether you're renovating your home or simply looking to update a space, the skirting boards often serve as the finishing touch that ties everything together. In this tutorial, we'll explore the best way to paint skirting boards, from choosing the right paint to mastering the technique for a flawless finish. Why Skirting Boards Matter You can either paint skirting boards using a paint brush or a mini-roller, depending on what you prefer. A mini-roller is a 4" roller that is ideal for achieving a spray-like finish, although it is only ideal for flat skirting boards. Diamond Satinwood from Dulux Trade is another example of a water-based paint that comes in a traditional satin finish.Traditionalists regard oil-based paint as more durable (and therefore better) but it usually takes longer to dry and has a stronger smell, which takes longer to dissipate. Another bonus is it keeps its shine well. After use, brushes need to be cleaned with a spirit-based product, so that’s something else to keep in mind. Gloss: Offers a high-shine finish and is easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. However, gloss paint tends to highlight imperfections. First Coat: Using a high-quality brush or roller, apply the first coat of paint. If you're using satinwood paint, a foam roller is often recommended for a smoother finish.

With this option, your coloured skirting boards will definitely become an extra decorative element in the room. If you also paint your architraves in the same tone, you can clearly enhance and bring style to any space. Some people choose a different shade of the colour that's already on the wall. Others go for dark walls and white skirting boards! Whatever your choice, always keep in mind the result you want to achieve and focus your decorating efforts on it.

Continuous Skirting Board Colours

A word of caution, colour contrast is an important tool when generating a colour dynamic, so don’t allow the continuity to go too far and overpower the room – it still needs to be balanced with some contrast. Essentially, you can paint them any colour you like, and consider flipping the traditional look too – if you love red and white for example, have white walls and red skirtings. The beauty of this look is that you really can choose whatever you like. 'Conventionally, white is a popular choice when it comes to painting skirting boards,' says Punam Chada, carpet buyer at Carpetright. When it comes to painting skirting boards, the type of paint you choose can make all the difference. Not only does it affect the finish, but it also impacts the durability and longevity of the paint job. So, what paint should you use for skirting boards? To achieve a high-end contemporary look, we suggest our Modern Style of White Primed Skirting Boards. Next apply decorators tape along the base of the wall, where it meets the top of the skirting board. This will ensure a crisp, clean line and protect your walls from getting marked with the paint.