Once you have discovered how to fit skirting boards, the next step is sealing them. Sealing skirting boards is often overlooked but is a crucial step to prevent drafts and ensure dust and dirt doesn’t collect behind them.
So, discover how to seal skirting boards using our best skirting board sealant and achieve an aesthetically pleasing yet protective finish in your home.
Which sealant do I need?
For filling gaps around skirting boards, you'll need a flexible acrylic or silicone-based sealant, which is suitable for interior use. So, when looking for a skirting board sealant, the best option is often a decorator’s caulk.
Not only should the caulk be suitable for use indoors, it must also work with your skirting boards. Skirting boards are often made from materials such as MDF, softwood or solid wood, so choose a caulk that’s suitable for these surfaces.
Plus, it’s advisable to opt for a paintable caulk as this will allow you to decorate as you desire to ensure a flawless look. Once you've selected the right skirting board sealant for you, it's time to apply.
What you will need
To caulk skirting boards, the following items are required:
- Flexible Decorators Filler
- Sharp knife
- Cartridge gun
- Bowl of warm water/soapy water
Optional:
- Smoothing tool
- Clean cloth
Step-by-step: How to seal skirting boards
1. Prepare for sealing
Before you begin, ensure the surface is clean and dry to promote adhesion.
2. Prepare the caulking gun
Next, cut off the dome at the top of the cartridge, taking care not to damage the thread. Cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle using a sharp knife - the size of opening you require will depend on the gap you're trying to fill - ensure that you don't go too big to avoid applying too much sealant, then screw the nozzle back in place.
3. Apply the sealant
Insert the cartridge into a caulking gun by pressing the release plate and pulling out the plunger.
Then, place the nozzle at the start of the gap and gently squeeze the gun while applying an even bead of filler along the top edge of the skirting board. Be sure to maintain pressure so the flow is constant for an even application.
Tip: Work in small sections to prevent drying before smoothing, and don't forget to push the plunger release plate of the gun to stop the flow when you end your application.
4. How to smooth the sealant
You can use a damp piece of wood, a specially designed smoothing tool, or a finger dipped in soapy water to smooth out and shape the caulk along the skirting board's edge. This will give it a neat finish while ensuring it adheres properly. If you’ve applied too much sealant, simply remove it with a clean, damp cloth before it starts to dry.
Tip: You should avoid licking your finger to smooth sealant because it introduces bacteria from your saliva into the sealant, which can potentially lead to mould growth.
5. Leave to dry
Allow sufficient time for drying as per manufacturer instructions before painting. For standard flexible decorator’s filler, the product can be painted in as little as 30 minutes for layers of 1mm or less.
For skirting board applications, we recommend leaving the product 24 hours to ensure its completely dry before painting as layers can be up to 5mm
Remember to take your time, precision is key when caulking skirting boards to achieve professional-looking results.
