Should You Paint Walls or Skirting First? When it comes to giving your space a fresh look with a new coat of paint, the order in which you tackle different surfaces can significantly impact the final result. One common question that arises during painting projects is whether to paint the walls or skirting first. In this informative guide, we’ll delve into this dilemma and provide expert advice on the matter.

The Ideal Sequence: Walls or Skirting First?

The answer to whether you should paint walls or skirting first often depends on the specific project and your preferences. However, here’s a general guideline to help you make an informed decision:

1. Clean and Prepare

Before diving into painting, it’s crucial to prepare the surfaces properly. This includes cleaning the walls and skirting boards to remove dust, dirt, and any existing paint flaking.

Fill any holes or imperfections in the walls and sand them smooth. Similarly, fill and sand any gaps or cracks in the skirting boards.

2. Painting the Skirting Boards

Many professional painters recommend starting with the skirting boards. Here’s why:

Detail Work: Painting skirting boards requires precision, especially when painting near the floor. Starting with the skirting allows you to focus on the detailed work without worrying about drips or splatters on the walls.

Base for Walls: Painting the skirting first establishes a neat and clean base at the bottom of the walls, making it easier to cut in when you paint the walls later.

When painting skirting boards, use painter’s tape to protect adjacent surfaces, such as the floor or walls. Apply one or two coats of paint, ensuring even coverage.

3. Painting the Walls

Once the skirting boards are dry, you can proceed to paint the walls. Here’s how:

Cutting In: Begin by “cutting in” around the edges of the walls, where they meet the skirting and ceiling. Use a high-quality paintbrush for this step.

Rolling: After cutting in, use a paint roller to apply the paint to the larger wall surfaces. Roll in a “W” or “M” pattern to ensure even coverage.

Apply two coats of paint on the walls, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.

4. Finishing Touches

After both the walls and skirting boards are painted, inspect the work for any touch-ups or areas that may need additional attention.

Remove painter’s tape carefully to reveal clean, sharp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Painters Paint the Skirting?

Professional painters typically include painting the skirting boards as part of their services. Painting the skirting not only enhances the room’s overall look but also provides a protective barrier for the baseboards.

In Summary

The sequence of painting walls or skirting first depends on your project’s specific needs and your personal preference. However, starting with the skirting boards and then moving on to the walls is a common approach that many professionals recommend. It allows for meticulous work on the skirting before tackling the larger wall surfaces. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, following these steps will help you achieve a beautifully painted space.

For expert painting services in the Fife council area, including Aberdour, Anstruther, Cupar, Kirkcaldy, and many more, contact Fife Trades today for a quote. We take pride in our comprehensive painting services and can transform your space with a fresh coat of paint. Send us a message at fifetrades@gmail.com or visit our Contact Us page to get in touch.

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