Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

How to repair damaged skirting boards?

Rach78
Just Starting Out

How to repair damaged skirting boards?

Hi, after some advice please! Our skirting boards are damaged (water from mops, being hit by things etc!) what can I do and use to repair them please? I’m a complete novice, so any details and instructions are greatly appreciated! Thank you 

IMG_8840.jpeg

IMG_8841.jpeg

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to repair damaged skirting boards?

Hi @Rach78,

 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

 

The main reason you are having issues is that your skirting boards are made of MDF, which is an engineered timber product that is like heavily compressed cardboard. It is very reactive to moisture, which, like cardboard, will cause it to swell and weaken.

 

If you were looking for a simple repair, then you could try sanding back the swelling sections with some 180 Grit Painted Sandpaper to smooth the surface and remove the swelling material, aiming to bring it back flush with the rest of the skirting board. I can't guarantee it will come up nicely, but it is certainly worth a try. After sanding, you would then prime and paint the skirting boards to match the surrounding surfaces.

 

Unfortunately, MDF is not the best material to sand, so it may not come up perfectly, in which case, your best option would be to replace the skirting boards with solid timber variants. Check out How To Remove Skirting Boards and How To Install Skirting Boards for some guidance on this process.

 

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

Jacob

 

Rach78
Just Starting Out

Re: How to repair damaged skirting boards?

Hi Jacob, 

Thank you so much for your reply!

I think I might end up removing and replacing them, as quite a few have swollen badly.

Many thanks for all the info, much appreciated.

Kind Regards

Rachael

JacobZ
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to repair damaged skirting boards?

Hi Rachael (@Rach78),

 

I'd say that is going to be the best approach.

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or advice along the way. We are here to help.

 

Jacob

 

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects