When it comes to giving your home a polished look, skirting boards play an essential yet often overlooked role. These small but impactful elements not only protect walls from scuffs and scratches but also add a sophisticated finish to any room. However, achieving that flawless, durable finish on skirting boards requires choosing the right paint. Whether you’re updating your current paint for skirting boards new ones, selecting the perfect paint ensures that they’ll not only look great but also withstand daily wear and tear.
Here’s a breakdown of the top paints designed for skirting boards and why they stand out.
Why Choosing the Right Paint for Skirting Boards Matters
Skirting boards are subjected to daily abuse. Shoes, vacuum cleaners, pets, and even kids can quickly turn pristine edges into scuffed, shabby surfaces. That’s why the right paint formula matters—it needs to be durable, easy to clean, and offer a smooth finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.
Not all paints are created equal, especially for skirting boards, which require specialized formulations to strike the right balance between durability and style. Choosing purpose-made paint helps avoid premature degradation, keeps your space looking fresh, and saves you money over time in touch-ups and replacements.
Best Types of Paint for Skirting Boards
When shopping for paint, consider these options that consistently earn rave reviews for skirting boards:
- Satinwood Paints
Satinwood paint is a go-to choice for skirting boards. Its semi-gloss finish strikes the perfect balance between durability and visual appeal, making it one of the top options for modern and classic designs alike. What makes it stand out is its low-maintenance nature—dirt and stains can typically be wiped clean without damaging the surface.
- Why Choose Satinwood?
Satinwood offers a subtle sheen that’s less reflective than gloss but still brightens up a room. It also dries to a durable coating, making it resistant to scratches and wear.
- Top Picks:
- Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood: Known for its fast-drying formula, this paint delivers a smooth, consistent finish with minimal odor.
- Crown Satinwood: Another excellent choice for achieving a long-lasting, satin-textured coat that’s beginner-friendly to apply.
- Gloss Paints
For a bold, high-shine finish, gloss paints are an excellent choice for skirting boards. This finish truly makes a statement, reflecting light beautifully to make your skirting boards stand out as a design feature. Additionally, gloss paints are exceptionally durable, performing well in high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.
- Why Choose Gloss Paint?
If your space needs an extra touch of luxury, gloss finishes provide a mirror-like effect while being easy to wipe clean. However, be aware that imperfections in the skirting board surface can be more visible due to the reflective nature.
- Top Picks:
- Johnstone’s Aqua Gloss: Ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, it is non-yellowing and provides a tough, high-sheen finish.
- Zinsser Perma-White Interior Gloss: Not only does it deliver an ultra-shiny finish, but it’s also mold- and moisture-resistant—great for rooms prone to humidity.
- Eggshell Paints
Eggshell paint is another compelling choice for skirting boards, offering a finish that’s subtler than both satinwood and gloss. Its low-sheen appearance adds warmth and depth to your interiors while maintaining a high level of practicality. Eggshell paints are easy to touch up, making them a popular option for frequently updated home aesthetics.
- Why Choose Eggshell?
Eggshell finishes are perfect for those seeking a more understated, soft look that still protects the wood from chipping. It’s also versatile and pairs well with almost any wall color or finish.
- Top Picks:
- Farrow & Ball Eggshell: A premium option celebrated for its eco-friendly formula and timeless color palette.
- Leyland Trade Eggshell Acrylic: A brilliant choice for budget-friendly but high-performing finishes.
- Water-Based Paints
Traditional oil-based paints were once the standard for skirting boards, but water-based formulas have gained immense popularity due to their low VOC content and quick drying times. These paints are kinder to the environment and easier to work with, all while delivering a durable finish that resists yellowing over time.
- Why Choose Water-Based Paint?
These environmentally friendly options release fewer harmful odors and provide excellent color retention. They’re ideal for busy households where the room needs to be functional soon after painting.
- Top Picks:
- Little Greene Intelligent Gloss: A high-performance, eco-conscious paint that boasts incredible durability and coverage.
- Rust-Oleum Satin Finish: Known for its ease of use and low odor, this paint is a crowd-pleaser for both DIYers and professionals.
How to Ensure a Smooth Application
Even the best paint won’t live up to its potential without proper prep work and application. Follow these tips for achieving a perfect finish:
- Sand and Clean Skirting Boards
Remove any old, flaky paint by sanding the surface, then clean it with a damp cloth to eliminate dust and dirt.
- Use a Primer if Necessary
If your skirting boards are bare wood or stained, applying a primer first ensures better coverage and adhesion.
- Invest in Quality Brushes
For sharp, clean edges, use a fine, angled brush tailored for woodwork.
By taking these steps, you’ll get professional-grade results and prolong the life of your freshly painted skirting boards.
Final Thoughts on Skirting Board Paints
Updating your skirting boards can refresh your home’s appearance and add that extra layer of polish and sophistication. By choosing the right type of paint—be it satinwood, gloss, eggshell, or water-based—you can ensure durability and style go hand in hand.
Whether you’re sprucing up your living room or completing a full-scale home renovation, investing in high-quality paints and tools will save you hassle in the long run. For best results, always pair your chosen paint with the proper prep work—and watch your space transform with ease.
