Should you paint skirting or walls first?

When painting a room, it's generally recommended to paint the skirting boards (baseboards) after painting the walls. Here’s why and how to approach it:

Why Paint Skirting After Walls:

1. Cleaner Lines: Painting the walls first allows you to get a clean line at the top of the skirting board. If the skirting is painted first, you might have to be very careful when painting the walls to avoid splashes or smudging onto the skirting.

2. Protection: By painting the walls first, you ensure that any drips or splashes from the walls can be easily covered when you paint the skirting. If you paint the skirting first, you risk accidentally touching it with the wall paint and causing a mess.

3. Touch-ups: Skirting boards are usually painted a different color (often white or a contrasting color), and having the walls painted first makes it easier to do any touch-ups on the wall or skirting without worrying about damaging the newly painted surfaces.

Step-by-Step Approach:

1. Prep the Room: Protect the floor with a drop cloth, tape off areas around windows, doors, and any trim.

2. Paint the Walls: Start by painting the walls first, working in sections and using a brush for edges and corners. Allow the walls to dry completely before moving on to the skirting.

3. Paint the Skirting: Once the walls are dry, use painter’s tape along the bottom edge of the wall (if needed) to protect the wall from any overpainting. Then, paint the skirting boards with a brush or a small roller, ensuring even coverage.

4. Touch Up: After the skirting dries, check for any areas where the wall paint has overlapped the skirting and do touch-ups if necessary.

By following this order, you’ll end up with cleaner lines and a more professional-looking finish.