How to Paint Skirting Boards with Carpet

Painting your skirting board is a simple way to completely refresh an area without having to replace anything, even when you have carpet. It’s a pretty simple DIY task that anyone can do, so keep reading for a step-by-step guide.

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Step-by-step guide

Lightly sand the skirting board. Then use a damp cloth to clean it and a vacuum to get rid of any debris. For stains and dirt, wipe down the surface with sugar soap. Then rinse off with clean water.

If you’re painting skirting boards in a room with a carpet, you’ll need to employ a certain technique when putting down your masking tape. Stick masking tape to the edge like you would with a hard floor, making sure it overlaps the skirting slightly. Pull back the carpet pile and tuck this piece of overlapping tape into the crevice between the carpet and skirting board.

You’ll also want to tape the wall with low-tac masking tape above the skirting board, so you get a clean line without having to be extremely accurate with your brush. Once you’ve applied the masking tape, place a dust sheet down to protect the rest of the floor.

Note: if your skirting needs repairing with wood filler or priming, do that now.

Load up your paintbrush with paint. An angled-head cutting-in brush will get the best results as the pointed corner helps to give you more accuracy as you paint. Again, use brushstrokes in the same direction as your sanding and priming. Let this layer dry and apply another coat if needed.

Top tip: add some water to your paint and mix well to make the painting process smoother.

Top tip: if you’re using a satin paint on a larger, flatter skirting board, use a foam roller to get an even finish.

Once the paint has almost completely dried, remove the masking tape. You’ll want to remove it just before it’s fully dry to avoid the removal of the tape chipping away the paint on the wall.