How To Paint A Skirting Board Without Getting Paid On The Carpet

Written By: Stephen Moore, 8th Dec 2025

Painting skirting boards can be one of those tasks that adds a perfect finishing touch to any room. However, the challenge lies in doing it neatly without accidentally staining your carpet. Whether you’re freshening up your living space or renovating an entire room, this guide will help you achieve professional results with minimal fuss. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your carpet remains spotless while your skirting boards shine with a flawless finish.

Prepare the Area

Move furniture away from the walls to give yourself enough space to work. If moving heavy furniture isn’t an option, cover it with dust sheets to protect it from paint splatters. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt, dust, and grease from the skirting boards. A clean surface ensures the paint adheres smoothly. Apply painter’s tape along the edge of the carpet where it meets the skirting board. To further protect the carpet, tuck the edge of the tape slightly under the skirting board using a flexible plastic scraper or putty knife. This creates a tight seal, preventing paint from seeping through.

Protect The Carpet

For extra protection, lay dust sheets or drop cloths along the length of the skirting board. Ensure the sheets are securely tucked near the tape to minimize movement while you paint.

Prepare The Skirting Boards

If the skirting board has old paint, lightly sand it to create a smooth surface and improve paint adhesion. Wipe away dust with a clean cloth. If your skirting boards are bare wood or have a dark existing color, apply a primer first. This ensures even coverage and prevents the underlying color from showing through.

Ready To Start Painting The Skirting Boards

As everything is prepped, it’s time to start painting. An angled brush is ideal for skirting boards because it allows for better control when painting edges. Dip the brush lightly into the paint and remove excess to avoid drips. Begin painting the top edge of the skirting board, closest to the wall, using steady strokes. This ensures the neatest finish for the most visible area. Once the top edge is complete, move on to the wider face of the skirting board. Use long, smooth strokes for an even finish. For larger boards, you can use a small roller to speed up the process. Keep a close eye for paint drips or pooling at the edges. Wipe them off immediately with a clean cloth.

Let It Dry

Allow the first coat of paint to dry fully before applying a second coat. Most paints recommend 4–6 hours drying time, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin for exact time to wait

Remove The Tape Carefully

Once the paint is dry to the touch, carefully remove the painter’s tape. Pull it off at a 45-degree angle to avoid peeling off the fresh paint. If any paint has dried over the tape, score the edge gently with a utility knife to prevent damage.

Stephen's Quick Tips

Choose the Right Paint: Use durable, washable paint designed for woodwork. Satin or gloss finishes work best for skirting boards as they are easy to clean and resistant to scuffs.
Work in Sections: Painting in smaller sections helps you maintain precision and prevents the paint from drying unevenly.
Ventilate the Room: Good ventilation speeds up drying time and reduces the odor of paint.
Don’t Skip Preparation: Failing to clean the skirting boards properly or failing to tape the area can lead to messy results and stains on carpets.
Using Too Much Paint: Overloading your brush can result in drips and uneven coverage.
Rushing the Job: Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next one for a professional-looking finish.

Let Stephen & Team Paint Your Skirting Boards

While painting all the skirting boards can be a great DIY project, it requires experience and the right tools for the best results. Professional painters, like Stephen and his team at SM Decor are skilled in handling textured surfaces and can deliver a smooth, even finish that lasts.

If you’d rather leave it to the experts, contact us today for a free quote. We’ll help you transform your skirting boards in you home to help transform your room