When it comes to home improvement, even the smallest details can make a significant impact. Skirting boards, often overlooked, play a vital role in achieving a polished, seamless look in your interior spaces. Ensuring these boards are properly sanded before painting or finishing is a crucial step for anyone aiming for professional-quality results.
This blog explores the process and, more importantly, the benefits of sanding skirting boards. By the end, you’ll understand exactly why this simple yet powerful step should never be skipped.
Why Sanding Skirting Boards is Key
Sanding is more than just a preparation step—it’s the foundation for a beautiful finish. Without sanding, skirting boards can end up looking rough, uneven, or flaky, detracting from the overall aesthetics of your room. Here’s why sanding skirting boards matters.
- Achieve a Smoother Surface
Skirting boards come in direct contact with dusty floors, dirt, or existing layers of paint, making the surface rough and uneven. Sanding removes imperfections like chips, pitting, or flaking paint and creates a smooth surface that is ready to shine. Smooth skirting boards are not only visually appealing but also enhance the overall texture of your room decor.
The result? A flawless coat of paint or finish that feels professional and polished—no bumps or ridges to disrupt the look or feel.
- Ensure the Paint Sticks Properly
Nothing is more disheartening than watching paint or finish peel away soon after applying it. Without sanding, paints and primers may not stick properly, especially on glossy or old surfaces.
By sanding, you create a slightly rough texture that enables primers and paints to bond more effectively with the wood. This means improved durability and longevity for your paint job, saving you from frequent touch-ups or peeling frustrations.
Bonus: If you’re finishing your skirting boards with varnish or stain, sanding ensures the product seeps into the wood evenly for a balanced, rich tone.
- Remove Old Layers Effectively
Skirting boards may have layers of old paint or varnish, especially in older homes. These layers can be uneven or cracked, hindering the final look of a fresh coat. Sanding is the best way to strip away these outdated layers and prepare a clean canvas for your fresh paint.
This process also eliminates any discoloration or stains, so your new paint finish isn’t compromised by what lies beneath.
The Benefits of a Professional-Looking Finish
- Adds Value to Your Space
First impressions count, and the details in a room leave lasting impressions. Perfectly sanded and finished skirting boards enhance every inch of your home. Whether you’re upgrading for personal comfort or preparing to sell, such polished additions increase the visual and market value of your property.
- Complements Wall and Floor Treatments
Clean, smooth skirting boards effortlessly tie together wall paint, wallpaper, and flooring. Skipping sanding might leave uneven edges or paint smudges that diminish the harmony of your interior design. Investing time in sanding ensures your boards complement these elements beautifully.
- Improves Longevity of the Finish
DIY painting looks great at first, but imperfections tend to show through over time. Sanding ensures paint (or other finishes) stays intact for years to come, reducing the need for maintenance. This durability is particularly important in high-traffic areas where skirting boards are more prone to wearing and tearing.