How to paint skirting boards and doors?

TaylorB

Hello!

I am looking to paint our doors and skirting boards down our hallway. Currently they are painted with a white gloss paint.
I would like to paint the doors and skirting boards with a matte paint or at the very least, a less shiny paint.
Do you have any suggestions for improving the quality of the finish on the paint job? I am wondering whether the doors and skirting need sanding first to remove the gloss? I am also unsure about whether this project requires a primer, a topcoat or both?

Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks 😀

EricL

Hello @TaylorB

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about painting your door and skirting boards.

I suggest doing a quick paint test to identify what kind of paint you have on your door and skirting board. Using a clean rag and methylated spirits, dab the clean corner end of the rag with metho and rub the surface of the paint. If the paint rubs off, it is a water-based paint. But if the paint does not rub off and only becomes shiny, it is an oil-based paint.

Priming the surface of the door and skirting board depends on the current condition of the topcoat of the door. If the paint is still in good condition and is not peeling, cracking or bubbling then it will not be necessary to prime the surface. It is however necessary to sand the surface with a 240grit sandpaper to key the surface. Wipe it clean with sugar soap wipes and make sure that it is free of sanding dust.

But if the topcoat is showing staining, cracking and deterioration, I advise sanding first and then priming the surface in order to have a uniform finish.

I suggest visiting your local store and looking at the paint finish sample board. There you will see paint samples in high gloss, semi-gloss, low sheen and matt finish. I would suggest a semi-gloss or low sheen finish rather than a matt finish as this often attracts dust and dirt far quicker than the first two. My best advice is to use enamel paint for a tougher longer lasting finish.

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How To Paint a Door
• How do you paint skirting boards?

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric