The skirting board is probably one of the most important parts of the interior decorating process, yet it's a feature of a room that many people fail to even notice. If you've got a flat wall, you'll want to put up something along the base of the wall to prevent water from getting into the walls and causing dampness. It's an important part of
home improvements, because they often become faded, chipped or actually damaged.
1. Decide whether or not to replace skirting boards
If they are in poor condition it might be a simple matter of painting them to restore them back to their best. But if they're damaged and in need of a lot of work - which can take a great deal of time - then it could be best to change the current skirting boards entirely. However, if they are an integral part of a home and aren't easily replaced, you might want to give some thought to what you do with them. A more ornate style might suit the overall design of a room better than something plainer. Or maybe you'd prefer something more contemporary.
2. Remove every piece of skirting with care
To remove your current skirting boards you’ll need to take out the screws holding them to the stud wall. If there are gaps around the edges of the skirting board, you might want to fill those up with some filler putty. This will prevent water from getting into the wall and causing damp problems. Once you've removed the screws, and perhaps any loose wall plugs, use a screwdriver to pry the edge of the skirting board away from the wall. Take care not to hit the wall too hard, as this could crack the plasterboard or even damage the masonry wall.
3. Remove excess nails, loose wood and other anomalies
Wood chippings and loose nails can be a problem at this stage. It's therefore important to assess the surface before continuing with the work. Look around for anything that could cause injury to yourself or others. Remember, the more care you take at this stage the better the finished job is likely to be.
4. Take care when removing skirting boards from behind a geyser
Assuming that the skirting boards haven't been nailed into the wall, there are a few options to get them removed. A nail punch can help you locate the nails, while a hammer will just knock them through the skirting board. With a hole saw you can cut the wood around the nails, and with a screwdriver and plier you can pull them out. Another option is to use a power drill to cut through the skirting boards on either side of the geyser pipe. Then you can use a screwdriver and pincers to pull it out.
5. Be aware of the common joints that are used
Cutting new skirting boards requires some skill and precision. You don’t want to ruin the joint where the board meets the wall. To avoid this, it’s important to use the correct technique. There are three main types of skirting board joints – mitre, scribe and mitre/scribe. The mitre variety is used for outside corners, the while scribe is for internal corners and the mitre/scribe can be used for both.
6. Stick the skirting board to the wall
If you're looking for a quick fix to some old plasterboard around your house, you might want to consider sticking the skirting down with some adhesive. It's easy to do and gives a neat, finished look. This works especially well when you have a clean, straight wall. Start by applying a thin layer of adhesive to the back of the board. Using a paintbrush, spread the glue evenly across the surface. Don't worry about spreading too far; you don't want to cover the whole piece of wood. Just keep it tidy.
7. Drill pilot holes and ensure the screws are flush
For the more uneven walls, using nails, or preferably screws, is usually a better option. drilling pilot holes in the wall is the best way to start. Use a countersunk drill bit, and use with care when drilling into the wood at this stage. Remember, the best finish will have screws that are flush to the surface of the wood itself.
8. Use the best paint to create a high-quality finish
The next step is to paint the skirting board, and if you've chosen a wooden board you will want to use a good quality primer because it seals the surface of the wood and stops it from absorbing too much colour. Most people choose an oil-based primer. Once you've primed the skirting board, it's time to apply the first layer of paint. Start applying the paint from the middle outwards. When you're finished, give the whole area one final wipe-over with a clean damp cloth. Then wait 24 hours before doing any further work.
A beautiful skirting board, newly fitted and freshly painted, can enhance the overall look of any room and can be achieved using a little more than a few basic tools. Take care throughout the process, then when it's finished take a moment or two to admire your handywork.