Best paint for skirting boards

From carrying out a full renovation to touching up your home’s interior, painted skirting boards can be the perfect finishing touch for any room. However, they often go neglected for years, and with constant foot traffic and general wear-and-tear, your skirting boards are then left in need of a refresh.

With so many skirting board paints available on the market, it can be hard to find the perfect product for your home. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you decide on the right skirting board paint for you.

Is skirting board paint different from wall paint?

It’s important to consider the type of paint you use on your skirting boards as you’ll need to opt for a paint that’s specifically designed for wood as opposed to other paint types you may be using across the rest of your home.

So, while many homeowners opt for a cohesive colour across their walls and skirting boards, you should avoid using the same paint across several different surfaces. Interior wood paint is often used to paint skirting boards, and it differs from wall paint as it’s much more durable and hardwearing to withstand frequent scuffs and scratches.

Should you use primer before painting skirting boards?

Yes, you should use a primer or undercoat before painting skirting boards to provide a smooth base which will aid paint adhesion. Some MDF skirting boards come pre-primed, making them an ideal surface for painting.

Before using a primer on your skirting boards, you should prepare the boards for painting by clearing away any debris. You should then use warm, soapy water to clean the boards before drying them.

What is the best paint for skirting boards?

Ultimately, the best paint for skirting boards should provide durable protection whilst stylishly complementing your walls and floor. There are several types of skirting board paints available, so it’s important to understand what makes each one different to find the best type of paint for you.

Oil-based vs water-based paint for skirting boards

Most types of skirting board paint fall under one of the following categories: oil-based paints or water-based paints. The difference between these two types of paints is the solvent used to dry the paint, which can impact its odour, sheen, and durability.

Water-based paints dry quickly and offer flexibility; however, they may offer less durability in high-traffic areas. Oil-based paints are a more durable option, but this comes with an extended drying time, making them less suitable for small touch-ups.

Despite their lower durability in busy areas, water-based paints are still the best choice for painting skirting boards, as their speedy drying time means you can keep your skirting boards looking their best with minimal effort. Water-based paints are also less likely to discolour over time too.

What is the best finish for skirting boards?

While skirting board paints are available in a variety of colours, another important factor when deciding on a product is the type of finish you desire. Here's more on the 3 most common finishes:

Gloss: offering the highest level of durability for high-traffic areas, gloss skirting board paint achieves a timeless look with a high shine to bring your interior to life.

Satinwood: with a more subtle sheen, satinwood paint retains its colour for longer than gloss, whilst still offering durability. Satinwood’s less striking finish can be the perfect understated option for high-footfall areas.

Eggshell: when you want your walls to take centre stage, an eggshell finish on your skirting boards provides a low sheen look, similar to the exterior of an egg.

These are the 3 main types of skirting board paint as they offer increased durability compared to other types of interior paints. It’s not recommended that you use matt paint on skirting boards as it’s difficult to clean and doesn’t offer the hardwearing finish required to properly protect skirting boards.

Can you use emulsion paint on skirting boards?

If you’re looking to achieve a cohesive colour across your walls and skirting boards, emulsion paint will allow you to seamlessly blend the two surfaces. However, if you choose to paint your skirting boards with emulsion paint, you should bear in mind that the paint will easily scuff due to its poor durability.

This is why it’s better to opt for a low-shine paint, such as eggshell, which offers more durability whilst complementing the finish of your walls.

Spray painting vs brush painting skirting boards

Using a paint sprayer is a quick and easy way of painting skirting boards; however, it may be harder to achieve a clean finish the first time. While brush painting skirting boards is a more time-consuming process, the improved accuracy means you’ll end up with a neater finish overall.

Check out our guide to find out how to paint your skirting boards and discover more tips for achieving the perfect finish.

Skirting board style ideas

While most homeowners opt for a glossy, white finish that prioritises both durability and functionality, there’s no reason you can’t add a touch of style to your skirting boards. Here’s a couple of ideas:

Matching your skirting boards and door frames is a great way to create a stylish outline around your whole room. Why not go for a striking contrast with a light finish against a darker wall or floor?

You could always maintain a natural finish using an eggshell skirting board paint. This is perfect for matching laminate or wood-effect flooring, or to give your space a rustic feel.

How long does skirting board paint take to dry?

The amount of time it takes for skirting board paint to dry will depend on the type of paint chosen and the environment itself. Water-based paints will usually take between 2-4 hours to dry, whereas oil-based paints will take longer (between 8 to 24 hours roughly). Regardless of which paint you choose, wait at least 24 hours after painting your skirting boards to lay flooring or carpet to ensure the paint is completely dry.

Choosing the perfect paint for your skirting boards can be a straightforward process, regardless of the style. If you’re looking for more advice to rejuvenate your skirting boards, you can check out our guide covering how to fit skirting boards.

Or if you’re searching for even more DIY design ideas, check out the rest of our painting and decorating advice.

FAQs on skirting board paint

Naturally, your skirting boards will become dusty and dirty over time. To keep your skirting boards clean, remove any loose dirt or debris and then carefully wipe the skirting boards with a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution. When you’re cleaning, it’s important you avoid damaging any of the paint by avoiding harsh chemicals and ensuring the skirting board is thoroughly dried afterwards.

For homes where there’s always something going on, like those with pets or small children, a glossy coat of paint on your skirting boards provides a durable finish, while also ensuring any marks or blemishes aren’t visible.

White gloss paint can sometimes go yellow over time due to oxidisation, which happens with all oil-based paints and can be accelerated by heat and humidity. To reduce the likelihood of your skirting boards turning yellow, ensure your surface has been properly primed and select a water-based paint to reduce oxidisation.