How to get rid of brush marks when painting skirting boards

Brush marks usually come down to a mix of paint choice, application and surface condition. Skirting boards are low, narrow and often close to floors and carpets, which makes them fiddly to paint neatly. If the paint is too thick, the brush is overloaded, or the surface is rough, the brush strokes will show up more clearly.

Another common cause is painting over dust, old gloss, or poorly sanded timber. Even a good brush will leave marks if the surface is not properly prepared. In Auckland homes, older skirting boards can also have layers of previous paint that need a light sand before a new coat goes on.

Start with clean, dry skirting boards. Remove dust, cobwebs and grease, then lightly sand the surface so the new paint can flow and grip properly. If the old finish is glossy, a scuff sand is especially important.

Use a quality angled trim brush, not a cheap broad brush that holds too much paint. Load only the bottom third of the bristles, then tap off any excess rather than wiping it heavily on the tin. Thin, controlled coats usually look better than one thick coat.

Paint in the direction of the board length, then lightly tip off the paint with the brush using long, even strokes. Avoid going back over paint that has already started to set, as this is when visible brush lines often appear. If the room is warm or the air is moving, the paint may dry faster than expected, so work in manageable sections.

If the paint is a bit thick, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and only thin it if the product allows it. Over-thinning can reduce coverage and make the finish patchy.

If the paint has dried with visible ridges, let it cure fully first. Then lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper until it feels smooth. Wipe away all dust before applying another thin coat. In many cases, two well-applied coats over a properly sanded base will improve the finish significantly.

If the marks are severe, the paint may have been applied too thickly or with the wrong brush, and sanding alone may not fully fix it. In that case, it can be worth starting again on the worst sections rather than trying to hide the problem with more paint.

If you want a crisp, low-mark finish on skirting boards, it pays to have a professional look at the prep, paint system and application method. Steve is a Kiwi and a trade-qualified painter, and he can help if your trim is patchy, the timber is old, or you want a really clean result in a premium Auckland home. Whether it is one room or a full interior repaint, getting the skirting boards right makes a big difference to the overall finish.