How to Paint Skirting Boards, Doors and Woodwork for a Smooth Finish
How to prepare and paint skirting boards, doors and frames for a smooth, hard-wearing finish without brush marks or drips.
Fresh woodwork makes a whole room look finished. Tired skirting boards and doors, on the other hand, make even newly painted walls look shabby. Good results come from preparation and choosing the right paint.
The quick answer
- Clean, fill and lightly sand before painting
- Caulk gaps between woodwork and walls
- Prime bare wood and repairs
- Choose satin for a modern look or gloss for maximum toughness
- Use thin coats and a good brush, and work in the direction of the grain
Satin, eggshell or gloss?
| Finish | Look | Durability | Best for |
| Gloss | Shiny, traditional | Very tough | Busy hallways, older homes |
| Satin | Soft sheen, modern | Tough | Most homes |
| Eggshell | Low sheen | Good | Bedrooms, period details |
Water-based paints dry quickly, stay white and smell less. Oil-based paints can give a very hard finish but take longer to dry and tend to yellow over time.
Preparation
- Vacuum the skirting and the floor next to it
- Wash woodwork with sugar soap to remove grease and dirt
- Fill dents and holes with wood filler, then sand smooth
- Lightly sand existing gloss so the new paint grips
- Run decorators' caulk along gaps where skirting meets the wall and smooth it with a wet finger
- Mask the floor or carpet edge with tape
- Prime bare wood, knots and filled areas
Painting technique
- Load the brush lightly to avoid drips
- Paint the top edge of the skirting first, then the face
- Work along the length in long, even strokes
- On doors, paint panels first, then the middle rails, then the outer stiles
- Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat, sanding lightly between coats
- Remove masking tape before the paint fully hardens
Common problems
- Brush marks: the paint was too thick or overworked, so sand and apply a thin coat
- Drips: catch them while wet, or sand once dry and touch up
- Peeling: painting over gloss without sanding, or over a water-based coat onto oil without a primer
- Yellowing: often oil-based paint in rooms with little daylight
Frequently asked questions
Should I paint the walls or the skirting first?
Usually ceilings, then walls, then woodwork, so any wall paint on the skirting is covered.
Can I paint over oil-based gloss with water-based paint?
Yes, after sanding and using a suitable primer or an adhesion primer.
How long should I wait between coats?
Follow the tin. Water-based paints are often ready in a few hours, oil-based paints overnight.
Related guides
Send photos and your postcode, or call 07444 262522.