Bedroom Renovation

How to update skirting boards and architraves

skirting-boards

Sometimes the features that we take for granted can make a world of difference to your room. Skirting boards often display the signs of wear and tear due to scuff marks and dents from previous occupants. Many homes are built with basic skirting boards and architraves to save on construction costs. With some careful planning and the right tools, you can update your own skirting boards to lend a new sense of elegance to your bedroom.

Easy as

  1. Measure around your doors and windows
  2. Purchase pre-primed routed skirting boards from your hardware store.
  3. Cut to size
  4. Remove any existing skirting boards and architraves, being careful not to damage the surrounding walls and reveals.
  5. Fill any gaps or defects in the walls with Selleys Spakfilla Interior.
  6. Attach your new skirting boards and trims using Selleys Liquid Nails High Strength.
  7. Corners can be tricky, even for professionals. Fill any gaps with Selleys No More Gaps Coloured Caulk .

Detailed instructions

  1. Measure around your doors and windows. Alternatively, you can measure up the old skirting boards once they have been removed.
  2. Using a putty knife or pry bar, remove any existing molding and baseboards, being careful not to damage the drywall.
  3. Clean the revealed surfaces with Selleys Liquid Sugar Soap, making sure your surface is completely dry and free of any dust.
  4. Fill any gaps or defects in the walls with Selleys Spakfilla Interior.
  5. Attach your new skirting boards or trims using Selleys Liquid Nails High Strength. Liquid nails can give superior results, as you won’t dent or damage your skirting hammering them in.
  6. If you find that a piece of your trim won’t sit completely flush against a wall, fill the gap with Selleys No More Gaps Coloured Caulk. Ensure that your surface is dry, and that you tape both sides of the gap before applying the product. This ensures a neat finish and makes it easier to clean up. Hold the caulking gun at a 45º angle. Press the nozzle opening against the joint, apply steady pressure to the caulking gun and extrude the flexible gap filler forcing the gap filler into the gap and move along the joint in one smooth action.
  7. For a smooth finish, smooth with a finger dipped in water. For a professional finish use a paint scraper such as a 50mm ROTA COTA Soft Grip Scraper.