When renovating or refreshing your London home, skirting boards might seem like a minor detail, but they play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of your interior. Choosing the right paint for skirting boards can dramatically enhance your room’s appearance, provide necessary protection against daily wear, and create a seamless transition between walls and floors. As professional painters and decorators in London, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you select the perfect paint for your skirting boards.
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Why Skirting Board Paint Selection Matters
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Skirting boards endure significant wear and tear, …from vacuum cleaner bumps to scuffs from furniture and foot traffic. The right paint not only provides a beautiful finish but also offers protection against these daily challenges. In London homes, where period properties with ornate skirting boards are common, the correct paint choice becomes even more important to highlight architectural details while ensuring durability.
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Key Considerations When Choosing Skirting Board Paint
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Before diving into specific paint recommendations, consider these essential factors:
- Durability requirements – High-traffic areas need more robust finishes
- Desired finish – Gloss, satin, or matte
- Existing décor – Complementing your current colour scheme
- Property type – Period homes vs. contemporary spaces
- Environmental considerations – Low-VOC options for health-conscious households
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Best Types of Paint for Skirting Boards
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1. Oil-Based Gloss Paint
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Pros:
- Extremely durable and hardwearing
- Creates a high-shine finish that’s easy to clean
- Excellent for traditional London properties
- Provides a classic, timeless lookÂ
Cons:
- Longer drying time (up to 24 hours between coats)
- Stronger odour during application
- Yellows over time, particularly in areas with limited natural light
- Contains higher levels of VOC.s
Oil-based gloss has traditionally been the go-to choice for skirting boards in London homes, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian properties where a classic high-shine finish complements ornate architectural details. The robust finish stands up well to cleaning and general wear, making it practical for family homes.
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2. Water-Based Satinwood
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Pros:
- Quick-drying (recoat in 4-6 hours)
- Lower odour during application
- Minimal yellowing over time
- Lower VOC content
- Maintains colour integrity for years
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Cons:
- Slightly less durable than oil-based alternatives
- May require more coats for full coverage
- More susceptible to water marks
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Water-based satinwood offers a middle ground between high-gloss and matte finishes, providing a subtle sheen that works beautifully in both contemporary London apartments and period conversions. Its quick-drying properties make it ideal for busy London households where minimising disruption is essential.
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3. Water-Based Eggshell
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Pros:
- Low-sheen, sophisticated finish
- Quick-drying formula
- Excellent for contemporary interiors
- Low VOC content
- Non-yellowing
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Cons:
- Less durable than glossier finishes
- Shows marks more easily
- May require more frequent touch-ups
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Eggshell paint has gained popularity for skirting boards in modern London homes and apartments, offering a subtle, sophisticated finish that complements minimalist interiors. The low-sheen finish helps disguise imperfections in the woodwork, making it a practical choice for older properties with less-than-perfect skirting boards.
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4. Acrylic Satin
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Pros:
- Excellent flow and levelling properties
- Quick-drying
- Durable finish
- Low odour
- Non-yellowing
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Cons:
- Premium price point
- May require specialist application for best results
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Acrylic satin paints represent the latest technology in woodwork finishes, offering excellent durability with environmental benefits. These advanced formulations are increasingly popular in high-end London renovations where quality and sustainability are priorities.
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Top Paint Brands for Skirting Boards in London Homes
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Farrow & Ball Modern Eggshell
A premium option popular in upscale London properties, Farrow & Ball’s Modern Eggshell offers exceptional depth of colour with a 20% sheen level. While expensive, the unique pigmentation creates distinctive tones that change subtly throughout the day, adding dimension to your interior spaces.
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Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood
Offering excellent value for money, Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood provides a durable mid-sheen finish that dries within six hours. Its water-based formula makes it a practical choice for London family homes where minimising disruption is essential.
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Little Greene Intelligent Eggshell
A high-performance, environmentally responsible option with exceptional coverage and durability. Little Greene’s historical colour collection makes it perfect for period London properties where authenticity is important.
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Johnstone’s Aqua Water-Based Gloss
Combining the high-shine appearance of traditional gloss with the benefits of water-based technology, this is an excellent option for those wanting a classic look without the drawbacks of oil-based paint.
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Professional Application Tips for Perfect Skirting Boards
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Preparation Is Key
For a professional-quality finish on your skirting boards:
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- Remove dust and grime – Clean thoroughly with sugar soap
- Sand existing paintwork – Use 120-grit sandpaper for oil-based paint or 240-grit for water-based
- Fill any gaps or damage – Use wood filler for small repairs
- Apply appropriate primer – Especially important when changing from oil to water-based systems
- Sand between coats – Light sanding with fine-grit paper creates the smoothest finish
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Application Techniques
For the best results:
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- Use quality brushes – Synthetic brushes work best with water-based paints; natural bristles for oil-based
- Apply thin coats – Multiple thin coats create a more durable finish than one thick layer
- Paint in the direction of the wood grain – This minimises visible brush marks
- Consider temperature and humidity – London’s variable climate can affect drying times
- Allow adequate drying time between coats – Rushing leads to imperfections
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Colour Recommendations for London Properties
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Traditional London Homes
For Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian properties in areas like Chelsea, Kensington, and Belgravia:
- Classic white – Timeless and highlights architectural details
- Off-white tones – Softer alternatives like ivory or alabaster
- Heritage colours – Sage greens, duck egg blues, and muted greys
- Dramatic contrasts – Dark skirting against light walls for period authenticity
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Contemporary London Spaces
For modern apartments and renovated properties in areas like Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, and Battersea:
- Matching walls and skirting – Creates a seamless, spacious feel
- Architectural greys – From light pearl to deep charcoal
- Statement colours – Navy, emerald, or even black for design-forward spaces
- Subtle contrasts – Skirting one shade darker than walls for definition without stark contrast
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Common Skirting Board Paint Problems and Solutions
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Yellowing
Problem: Oil-based white paints tend to yellow over time, particularly in areas with limited natural light.
Solution: Opt for water-based alternatives specifically formulated to resist yellowing, or choose off-white tones where yellowing will be less noticeable.
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Chipping and Flaking
Problem: Paint fails to adhere properly, leading to chips and flakes.
Solution: Thorough preparation is essential – clean, sand, and prime before applying topcoats. Consider upgrading to more durable paint formulations.
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Visible Brush Marks
Problem: Finished paintwork shows obvious brush strokes.
Solution: Use conditioning additives to improve flow, select self-levelling paint formulations, and apply with high-quality brushes designed for the specific paint type.
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When to Call Professional Painters and Decorators
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While painting skirting boards is a manageable DIY project, there are situations where professional assistance is advisable:
- Period properties with ornate skirting – Intricate details require skilled application
- Full-house renovations – Save time and ensure consistency
- Changing from oil to water-based systems – Requires thorough preparation
- Health or mobility issues – Skirting board painting involves considerable bending and kneeling.
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Our team at Cloud Painters specialises in all aspects of interior painting across London, including expert skirting board finishes. With years of experience in properties ranging from Mayfair mansions to Shoreditch apartments, we deliver flawless results regardless of your property type.
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Maintenance Tips for Painted Skirting Boards
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To keep your skirting boards looking fresh between repaints:
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- Regular dusting – Prevents dirt build-up that can damage paint
- Prompt cleaning of marks – Use appropriate cleaners for your paint type
- Touch-up kits – Keep leftover paint for quick repairs
- Avoid harsh chemicals – Use pH-neutral cleaners to prevent degradation
- Protect during floor cleaning – Avoid excessive moisture contact with skirting
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Make the Right Choice for Your London Home !
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The best paint for your skirting boards ultimately depends on your specific circumstances – your property type, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and environmental considerations. For period properties in areas like Chelsea and Kensington, traditional approaches with modern materials often work best. For contemporary spaces in developing areas like Nine Elms or Stratford, more innovative finishes might be appropriate.
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Whatever your choice, remember that quality matters. Investing in premium paints and proper preparation will deliver a finish that not only looks beautiful but stands the test of time, saving money and hassle in the long run.
For personalised advice on skirting board finishes or to discuss your painting and decorating needs across London, contact our expert team today. With extensive experience in all London neighbourhoods from Chelsea to Notting Hill, we provide tailored recommendations and professional application services to ensure your skirting boards become a highlight of your interior design.
