Knowing how to paint skirting boards with carpet already laid means you can look forward to a paint-free floor without the hassle of pulling up your carpet. If you’ve ever got paint on your carpet before you’ll know how difficult it is to get rid of. If you haven’t we can promise you it’s not easy.
Laying down painters tape is the popular choice when painting skirting boards. It's quick and easy to do and will ensure that you can paint without the worry of ruining your carpet. And, there’s the added bonus of a neat sharp finish.
How to paint skirting boards with carpet: Step-by-step
1. Prep the skirting board
Before you lay down any tape, dust sheets or carpet protector, rub down the skirting boards as needed. Once finished, get a dry brush and sweep off as much dust as possible. To finish vacuum around the edges of the skirting and carpet to get rid of as much dust as possible.
The more dust and debris you leave behind the more likely it is to be brushed onto the skirting board leaving a finish spoiled by unwanted debris.
2. Lay down painters' tape
The easy option here is to use masking/painters' tape. You can pull back the carpet and clean and vacuum ready for painting if you wish, but this leaves you having to refit all the carpet edges. Start in one corner – with a straight edge on the tape – push the tape into place with a little overlap on to the skirting board. Now push the tape down into the gap with your fingers or paint scraper.
When you get to the other end of the skirting board cut a straight edge and push the tape down into the gap. Repeat this process along each skirting board you are going to paint.
Once you have all the necessary masking/painters' tape in place, lay down any dust sheets or carpet protection before you start painting.
3. Paint the skirting boards
Now with all the necessary protection in place it is time to paint your skirting boards. Plan ahead to make sure that you can get the first coat done in one go and then look to choose the best gloss paint if looking for a high sheen finish.
High quality paints for skirting boards
Dulux Trade High Gloss 1L
An all-purpose gloss paint that gives a tough durable finish that is easy to wipe clean
A solvent-based paint with a satin finish that is tough, durable and dirt resistant
Crown Trade Fastflow Quick Dry Eggshell 2.5L
This low odour, quick drying water-based paint offers a subtle low-sheen finish
FAQs
How can I protect carpet when painting skirting boards?
Masking tape is the first line of defence when you need to protect your carpet. Lay down the tape with a millimetre or two on the skirting board. Push down with the edge of a putty knife or paint scraper to get a tight fit.
Next get clean dust sheets and lay down next to the tape and make sure it’s overlapping but not too close to the skirting board. Alternatively, use specialist carpet protection. These are typically rolls of clear plastic that stick to the carpet — very useful if you are painting a wall at the same time as the skirting boards.
How do you paint skirting boards without masking tape?
If you are a confident DIYer with a steady hand you can paint a skirting board without the need for tape. Use a 3 or 4 inch scraper, push down between the skirting board and carpet and pull towards you to push the carpet edge far enough away from the skirting board to cut in next to the carpet.
If you are not so confident but don't want to use painters'/masking tape you can use a paint shield/guard. These aren’t perfect but will help keep paint off the carpet and they’re not very expensive.
How long can I leave painters' tape on the carpet?
You can leave painter’s tape on for a few weeks if you have a big project on or don’t have the time to finish in one go. But, ideally you want to be removing the painters tape when the paint becomes touch dry. The longer you leave the tape on the more chance there is of pulling up paint and getting a poor edge.
One tip is to use a paint scraper or Stanley knife and neatly run along the edge before you pull up the tape. This will help stop any cracking along the paint line.
While you are waiting for the paint to dry – assuming you don’t have another paint job to do – you need to know how to clean paint brushes so they stay in good condition ready for your next paint project.
Installing new skirting boards? Prepping old skirting boards? Check out our Sanding skirting boards, Cutting skirting boards and how to scribe skirting boards guides to get the perfect fit and finish.
