How To Paint Architrave

If you want to give your room a fresh and polished look, painting architrave and skirting boards can make a significant difference. It’s an essential part of any interior paint job, providing a finishing touch that ties the room together.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the process of how to paint architrave and skirting boards for a professional finish.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following materials:

• Dust Sheets: To protect your floor from paint splatters.
• Masking Tape: For precise lines and to protect walls, floors and door frames.
• Fine Sandpaper: To prepare the surface for painting.
• Damp Cloth: For wiping away dust and dirt.
• Primer: If painting bare wood or MDF skirting boards.
• Paint: Choose a high-quality paint in the desired colour.
• Painter’s Tape: For clean lines and preventing paint bleed.
• Brush: A high-quality brush with the right bristle length.
• Paint Tin: For holding and pouring paint.
• Sponge: To clean any excess paint.
• Water-Based Paint: If you prefer a quick-drying option.
• Hard-Wearing Paint: Ideal for high-traffic areas.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Any DIYer can tackle painting skirting boards and architraves themselves. Simply follow the below steps to ensure a professional and clean paint finish.

Prepare the Area

• Before you get into the painting process, start by clearing the room of furniture or covering it with dust sheets to protect it from paint splatters.
• Lay dust sheets on the floor to catch any paint drips or spills.

Clean and Sand

• If you’re looking to paint skirting boards and architraves, use a damp cloth to wipe them down beforehand.

• Next, check for any nail holes, dents, or gaps in the mitre joints. Apply a small amount of One Strike Filler to these imperfections. It dries in minutes and doesn’t sag, meaning you can move straight on to sanding much faster.

• Once the primer and filler are dry, sand the surface lightly with fine sandpaper to create a smooth and paint-ready surface.

Apply Masking Tape

• Carefully apply masking tape along the top edge of the skirting boards and architrave to protect the walls and create clean lines.
• Use painter’s tape for a professional finish, ensuring it adheres securely.

Choose the Right Paint

• Select the appropriate paint for your skirting board or architrave. Water-based paints are quick-drying, while oil-based paints are known for their durability.
• Stir the paint thoroughly in the paint tin to ensure an even consistency.

First Coat

• Using a high-quality brush, start applying the first coat of paint to the skirting boards and architrave.
• Brush in the direction of the wood grain for a neat finish.

Second Coat

• Allow the first coat to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions.
• Apply a second coat of paint for an even and more vibrant colour.

Remove Masking Tape

• Carefully remove the masking tape while the paint is still slightly wet to prevent it from peeling off with the tape.

Finishing Touches

• After you removed the masking tape, inspect your work for any areas that need touch-ups.
• Use a sponge or a damp cloth to clean up any excess paint or drips.

Cleanup

• Clean your brushes and tools with water-based paint using soap and water or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for oil-based paint.

In Conclusion

So there you have it, newly painted skirting boards and architraves!

By following these step-by-step instructions and using the right materials, you can achieve a professional finish that enhances the overall aesthetics of your space.

Remember to take your time, pay attention to details, and enjoy the transformation of your interior woodwork.