How to paint skirting boards before installation?

[mmryan]

Hi,

I have 15 skirtings boards to paint, each 5.4m long.

I want to paint them before they are installed so I only have to cover the nail holes, sand and touch up. 

I have a 6m long garage I can paint them in, but what is the best way to do it? I would like to rest each end on something so I don’t need to lean down, and so they’re easier to get done. 

any suggestions would help, thanks. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @mmryan,

To make it easier on your back and get a better finish, you’ll definitely want to get the boards off the ground. Ideally, you’d use at least four saw horses spread out along the length to keep the skirtings supported and relatively straight. If the boards aren’t well supported, they can sag or flex in the middle while you’re painting, which can make it hard to get a smooth coat.

If you only have two saw horses, one workaround is to lay a straight, solid piece of timber across the horses—something like 90 x 45mm pine or even a few lengths of structural framing timber—and then place the skirtings on top of that. That’ll help reduce bowing and make the painting process much smoother. 

It’s also worth placing a drop sheet underneath everything, especially if you're using a sprayer, to catch any drips or overspray. And if you’re painting with a brush or roller, a set of short offcuts of timber under the skirtings can help minimise the surface area in contact with the supports. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell