Top Tips for Painting or Staining Oak Skirting Boards
In addition to protecting walls and floors, skirting boards also help to define the style of a space. Oak Skirting Boards are an excellent selection for modern homes because they are rich in color and easy to integrate into existing designs. There are benefits to both painting and staining oak skirting boards. You will learn about the best practices as well as tips on what to avoid for the best results, whether doing the work yourself or hiring a professional.
A decorative strip, a Skirting Board, (commonly called the baseboards) is attached at the junction of walls and floors. It is generally made out of metal, plywood, wood, or MDF parts and stretched into long strips along the perimeter of the room. The main function of the baseboard is to protect the bottom of the wall from damage and to cover any loose joints or small gaps between the wall and the floor.
Should You Stain or Paint Details on Oak Skirting Boards?
Skirting board details can be painted in any color of choice, but sometimes, simplicity is more appealing. Traditional and rustic styles benefit from a skirting board that has not been infused with a lot of manipulations to its surface.
In newly constructed buildings where a modern style is embraced, characterless standard colors can be used with the hope that they are not noticed.
Regardless of what side of the spectrum a person falls on, a good eye for color combination is necessary.
Preparation is Key
The saying “the devil is in the detail” might be fitting here, as when preparing to paint or otherwise work on oak skirting boards, deviating from the defined steps may compromise the positive outcome.
Clean the Surface Thoroughly
- Wipe the skirting panels with a moist cloth to get rid of dust and filth.
- If there are any greasy spots, use a degreaser.
- If you are dealing with ancient or previously coated skirting boards, you might need to apply a suitable paint stripper or sand them down.
Wash the Wood Skirting Boards
- Sanding opens the grain and smoothest the surface, which is essential for painting or staining.
- Always dust with the grain to avoid scratching.
Tack Cloth Finish
- Use a tack cloth to wipe the sanded surface for any remaining dust particles.
- Tips for Staining Oak Skirting Boards.
Choosing the Right Stain
Pick water-based stains if you want quicker drying times and eco-friendly options.
If you want the grain to be more visible, choose oil-based stains.
Test First
It is advisable to try out the color on a concealed spot on the skirting board before fully applying it.
Apply Evenly
- For even applications, use a clean cloth free of lint or a brush.
- Don’t apply too much at once, otherwise you risk getting lap marks.
- Ensure a uniform look by removing all excess stain after application.
Seal the Surface
After the surface has dried, a protective polyurethane finish can be applied. By sealing the surface, wear and tear will be avoided.
Selecting matte, satin, or gloss finishes based on preferred aesthetics.
Tips for Oak Skirting Board Painting
This option is painting if clean parts looking new is the aim.
Oak Surface Primer Works
An oak surface is a type of wood that is highly porous and prone to bleed the tannins underneath it. A primer is required to guarantee that the paint sticks to the wood.
Pick the Oak Paint Wisely
Only use the best and most trusted high-quality interior wood paint.
Skirting boards are known to have satin and semi-gloss finishes because of their popularity in being easy to clean and maintain, as well as very sturdy.
Detailed Application
- Apply paint precisely over the border boards.
- When precision is required, a brush is the best tool, especially for skirts.
- It is better to apply two or three thin coats rather than just one.
- One thick coat is less effective than two or three thin coats.
- For a shiny, streak-free finish, make sure you allow adequate time for each layer to dry.
Profiles on Skirting Boards
One of the most important considerations when selecting skirting boards is the profile, or shape, of the board. Skirting board profiles can be simple patterns or more decorative, ornate type profiles. The profile you choose should match the style of your house.
Height of Skirting Board
The height of your floor coverings is crucial for achieving the perfect finish for your room. The higher the skirting the more grandeur and formality it provides, which is why these are usually more suited to older more traditional homes. In modern or minimalist homes, where simplicity is the beauty, shorter skirting boards fit just right.
Choices of Material
Second only to aesthetics, the type of material chosen is also important when choosing skirting boards. Timber will always be the classic and timeless selection, but more recently, MDF skirting panels are trending due to being more affordable and functional.
Color and Finish
Depending on the look you’re after (to blend in or stand out), the color and finish of your skirting board can either match your other floors and walls or set themselves apart from them.
Improvement to Resale Value of Your Property
Your property can appreciate in value through proper interior design and staircases which are sometimes overlooked but certainly make a difference. Buyers are always interested in homes that look ‘complete’ and un-cluttered, while the seamless consistency of a matching plastic skirting board impresses the potential buyer’s level of detail. Read This
Alternatives to Oak Skirting Boards
There are other options worth considering when it comes to skirting boards, even though oak skirting boards have a premium feel.
Skirting PVC requires no finishing, is prone to moisture for areas like the bathroom, and is easy to install.
MDF Skirting Boards: These are inexpensive alternatives that are easier to paint, but they are not as strong as hardwood substitutes. PVC skirting panels are the greatest option if you want to get skirting boards with minimal upkeep.
Conversely, for timeless elegance and impressive value, nothing surpasses solid oak.