Looking to refresh your wood and metal surfaces? Finding the right skirting board paint that’s quick-drying, durable, and delivers a smooth finish can be tricky—but we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we tested the best paints for skirting boards, focusing on ease of use, drying time, durability, and value.

Our Editor’s Pick, Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint, impressed us with its smooth application, low odour, and bright white finish that doesn’t yellow—perfect for skirting boards and radiators.

For a time-saving solution, THE ONE Paint & Primer combines paint and primer in one, delivering excellent coverage across multiple surfaces. On a budget? Johnstone’s Quick Dry Satin is quick to dry, easy to clean up, and provides a non-yellowing satin finish.

We also tested JKG White Gloss Paint—a product to avoid due to its thin consistency, messy application, and overpowering fumes.

From all-in-one paints to affordable, fuss-free solutions, our guide has something for every need and budget. Read on to find the best paints for skirting boards and achieve professional results with ease!

---

Choosing the Best Paint for Skirting Boards

When shopping for the best paint for skirting boards, there are certain features and qualities that should be considered standard. These ensure that the paint meets expectations for quality, durability, and ease of use.

Key Features to Look For

1. Quick Drying Time – Ideally, the paint should be touch-dry within 1-2 hours to minimise downtime between coats.
2. Non-Yellowing Finish – A must-have for maintaining a clean, bright white appearance, particularly for white or lighter paints.
3. Durable Finish – The paint should resist chipping, scuffing, and daily wear, ensuring long-term performance.
4. Ease of Application – Smooth consistency that applies well with brushes or rollers, reducing brush marks and streaking.
5. Low Odour – A low-VOC, water-based formula minimises unpleasant fumes, making it safer and more comfortable for indoor use.
6. Easy Cleanup – Water-based paints should allow easy cleaning of brushes and rollers with soap and water.

Design and Build Quality

The quality of the paint itself determines how well it performs during and after application. Here’s what to consider:

• Consistency: The paint should have a smooth, even texture that doesn’t run or drip excessively. This makes it easier to achieve a uniform finish.
• Adhesion: Good quality paint adheres well to wood and metal surfaces without requiring excessive prep work.
• Coverage: High-quality paint provides excellent coverage in fewer coats. Look for paints that offer at least 10-13m² coverage per litre.
• Sheen and Finish: A satin or semi-gloss finish is typically ideal for skirting boards, offering a sleek appearance while being easy to clean.

Upgrade Your Paint Choice with These Extras

Some paints go above and beyond, offering added benefits to improve usability and results:

• 2-in-1 Paint and Primer – Saves time and effort by eliminating the need for an undercoat.
• Multi-Surface Compatibility – Suitable for wood, metal, and other materials, allowing versatility across projects.
• Moisture Resistance – Essential for areas exposed to humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Low VOC and Eco-Friendly Formulas – Reduces environmental impact and ensures a safer indoor painting experience.
• Anti-Microbial Properties – Prevents mold and mildew growth in high-moisture environments.

By considering these features, build quality and extras, you can ensure your chosen paint meets expectations and delivers a professional, long-lasting finish for skirting boards.

Editors Pick

Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint For Wood And Metal

We recently used the Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint for some interior woodwork and metal surfaces, and it has delivered excellent results.

Key Features

• Quick Drying: Dry to the touch within 6 hours, though we found it dried faster in some cases.
• Easy Application: The paint goes on smoothly with no fuss, whether applied with a brush or roller.
• Low Odour: Unlike traditional oil-based paints, it has a minimal smell, making it pleasant to work with indoors.
• No Undercoat Needed: We painted directly over surfaces without an undercoat, and it adhered well.
• Durable Finish: The satin finish provides a clean, long-lasting white that looks great.
• Easy Cleanup: Being water-based, brushes and rollers clean up easily with soap and water.

We tested Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint on doors, skirting boards, and a window sill, and it delivered a smooth, consistent finish with minimal effort.

The standout pros are its quick drying time (ready to touch in around 6 hours or sooner) and durability—once dry, the paint didn’t chip or peel, and its bright white colour stayed true without yellowing.

We also liked that it didn’t require an undercoat and was easy to clean up with soap and water thanks to its water-based formula. While two coats provided excellent coverage on most surfaces, some areas may need an extra layer for a flawless finish, especially when covering darker colours.

Overall, Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint is easy to use, has low odour, and delivers a durable satin finish. It’s an excellent choice for freshening up interior wood and metal with a clean, long-lasting look.

Runner Up

THE ONE Paint & Primer: Multi Surface Paint

We’ve tested THE ONE Paint & Primer, and it’s a reliable solution for a variety of painting projects. Whether you’re working on furniture, cabinets, walls, or more challenging surfaces like plastic and metal, this paint delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

Key Features

• 2-in-1 Formula: Combines paint and primer, saving time and eliminating the need for extra products.
• Wide Surface Compatibility: Ideal for wood, laminate, metal, UPVC, brick, concrete, and even bathtubs.
• Durable Finish: It holds up well to moisture, daily wear, and cleaning without chipping or peeling.
• Great Coverage: A little paint goes a long way, reducing overall use. For darker surfaces, multiple thin coats achieve a smooth, even finish.
• Fast Drying: Dries in about 2 hours, making it easy to recoat and finish projects quickly.
• Low Odour, Low VOC: Water-based and non-toxic, with no harsh chemicals, making it a safe choice for indoor use.

We tested THE ONE Paint & Primer and found it to be a reliable, all-in-one solution for various projects. It’s easy to apply with both brushes and rollers, thanks to its smooth texture. The fast drying time makes layering quick and efficient.

Its versatility stands out — it adheres to almost any surface, from wood and metal to UPVC and concrete, with little to no sanding required. The finish options (matte, satin, and gloss) offer flexibility, while the rich pigmentation delivers a professional look.

For darker surfaces, 2-3 coats may be needed for full coverage. Still, the paint goes a long way and saves time and effort overall. Whether you’re refreshing furniture or tackling a home makeover, this paint simplifies the process and delivers durable, lasting results.

It’s a solid choice for both interior and exterior projects — versatile, easy to use, and effective.

Budget Pick

Johnstone's - Quick Dry Satin - Brilliant White

Johnstone’s Quick Dry Satin is a reliable paint for both interior and exterior wood and metal surfaces. We’ve used it on skirting boards, radiators, and doors with consistent results. Here’s why we recommend it:

Key Features

• Quick Drying: It dries to the touch in 1-2 hours, allowing for efficient, fast painting.
• Water-Based Formula: Easy to clean up with water, no need for white spirit. It also has a low odour, which makes working indoors more comfortable.
• Durable Finish: It provides a mid-sheen satin finish that holds up well over time. Importantly, it doesn’t yellow like many oil-based alternatives.
• High Coverage: A single tin covers up to 13m², so you get excellent value.

We found Johnstone’s Quick Dry Satin to be an excellent choice for refreshing wood and metal surfaces. Its standout feature is the non-yellowing finish, which is a significant advantage over oil-based paints (especially on radiators and doors).

The quick drying time—just 1-2 hours—makes it perfect for efficient painting, while the water-based formula ensures easy clean-up with water and minimal odour.

Preparation is key to achieving the best results. Surfaces should be clean and lightly sanded, and the paint needs thorough stirring. While the application is straightforward, it’s important to avoid overworking the paint to prevent brush marks.

Despite minor challenges, such as streaking if reworked, the durable, contemporary satin finish delivers a clean, bright white look that holds up well over time. For those looking for a high-quality, fuss-free paint, Johnstone’s Quick Dry Satin is a reliable choice that’s easy to recommend.

Non-Drip Pick

Leyland Trade Non-Drip Gloss Paint

The Leyland Trade Non-Drip Gloss Paint is a dependable choice for achieving a professional, high-gloss finish on woodwork, window sills, and frames. Its drip-resistant formula and hardwearing finish make it an ideal option for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

Key Features

• Drip Resistant: The advanced non-drip formula ensures smooth and controlled application, even on vertical or tricky surfaces, minimising mess and providing a clean finish.
• Hardwearing Finish: Once fully dried, the paint delivers a tough, durable, and bright white gloss that resists wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting, polished appearance.
• Self-Undercoating: Designed to be self-undercoating, this paint eliminates the need for a separate primer, saving you both time and the extra cost of additional products.
• Smooth Application: The paint glides on effortlessly with a brush or roller, spreading evenly for consistent, high-quality coverage that reduces the need for multiple coats.

We tested the Leyland Trade Non-Drip Gloss Paint and were impressed with its performance, particularly on wooden surfaces. It provides excellent coverage with just one coat, and for a truly flawless, professional finish, a second coat is ideal.

The non-drip formula works exceptionally well, even on vertical surfaces, ensuring smooth and mess-free application. However, as with most oil-based paints, the drying time is longer, so patience is key. The strong smell is noticeable, but good ventilation easily solves this (keeping windows open is a must).

Once dry, the finish is hardwearing and beautifully glossy, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. The self-undercoating feature saves time and effort, streamlining any project.

Overall, Leyland Trade Non-Drip Gloss Paint delivers on its promises. It’s reliable, durable, and easy to work with, making it a superb choice for anyone looking for long-lasting, high-quality results on woodwork and beyond.

Fast Drying Pick

Leyland Trade – Wood & Metal - Fast Drying Plus

We tested Leyland Trade – Wood & Metal - Fast Drying Plus and found it to be a reliable water-based paint for both interior and exterior projects. This updated formulation delivers solid performance with noticeable improvements in finish and durability.

Key Features

• Quick Drying: With a 3-4 hour recoat time, it allows you to complete projects within the same day.
• Low Odour: Unlike oil-based paints, the low VOC formula significantly reduces unpleasant smells.
• Easy Application: The paint goes on smoothly with a brush or roller and offers great flow, minimising brush marks.
• Durability: It provides a hard-wearing, durable finish that resists yellowing over time.
• Brilliant White: The formulation retains its whiteness longer, making it a strong choice for doors, skirting boards, and trim.

We tested Leyland Trade – Wood & Metal - Fast Drying Plus and were impressed with its performance. The paint’s smooth consistency made it easy to apply, and it adhered well without dripping (even on tricky surfaces).

Its standout feature is the quick drying time—two coats in a single day is a real game-changer, saving both time and effort. We also appreciated the low odour, making it an excellent choice for indoor projects. The finish delivered a clean, bright white look, perfect for woodwork and radiators.

While it doesn’t offer the ultra-high shine of a traditional oil-based gloss, the professional, modern finish more than makes up for it. Durable, fast-drying, and easy to clean up, this paint is a practical and eco-friendly option for any project.

Whether you’re a professional or tackling DIY, Leyland Trade Paint– Wood & Metal - Fast Drying Plus is a reliable choice that gets the job done beautifully.

One To Avoid

JKG White Gloss Paint For Skirting Boards

If you’re considering JKG White Gloss Paint For Skirting Boards, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. We tested this paint across multiple projects, and unfortunately, it left us disappointed overall.

While it claims to offer a versatile, non-drip gloss paint finish on wood, metal, and concrete, the results were far from smooth. The paint's consistency is noticeably thin, which makes application messy and prone to streaks, drips, and uneven coverage (even with careful effort).

A significant issue is the overpowering fumes. The odour is incredibly strong and lingers for days after use, making it unsuitable for poorly ventilated spaces and uncomfortable for indoor projects. It’s a major drawback for anyone sensitive to strong smells or working in large areas.

Outdoors, the weatherproof finish held up to light rain, but we’re not convinced it will stand the test of time under harsher conditions. Its durability remains questionable, especially when exposed to heavy weather or wear over time.

Ultimately, while the glossy finish might look promising at first, the thin texture, frustrating application, and lingering fumes make it more trouble than it’s worth.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Paints for Skirting Boards

When determining the best paints for skirting boards, we didn’t just slap on a coat and call it a day. Each product underwent a thorough evaluation to ensure it meets performance expectations for coverage, durability, and ease of use. Here’s how we tested each paint and what we looked for.

Ease of Application

We started by testing how smoothly the paint applied to prepped skirting boards using both brushes and rollers. A quality paint should glide on evenly without leaving streaks, drips, or an overly thick finish.

We also paid close attention to its consistency—whether it was too runny or thick—and how well it adhered to surfaces. Effortless application is key, especially for achieving a smooth, professional-looking result without frustration.

Drying Time

To test drying time, we noted how long each paint took to become touch-dry and ready for a second coat. This was measured against the manufacturer’s claims. Consistency in drying across the surface was also checked to ensure there were no tacky or uneven spots.

Quick-drying paints stood out, especially for projects in busy spaces where downtime needs to be minimal.

Coverage

Coverage is critical when painting skirting boards. We applied each paint on skirting boards in varying conditions—clean, pre-primed, and darker surfaces—to see how many coats were needed for a solid, even finish. We also measured how much area a single litre covered.

The best paints provide excellent coverage with fewer layers, which saves both time and product.

Finish and Appearance

Once the paint dried, we assessed its final finish. A good paint should offer a smooth, consistent sheen without brush marks or uneven patches. We also checked the integrity of the colour to ensure it stayed vibrant and true to the promised shade.

Non-yellowing finishes were especially important for lighter paints, as skirting boards need to retain their fresh, clean look over time.

Durability and Wear Resistance

To simulate real-world conditions, we subjected the painted surfaces to daily wear and tear. This included scuffing, scratching, and cleaning the skirting boards to test resistance to chipping, peeling, and stains.

We monitored for signs of long-term wear, such as cracking or yellowing, ensuring the retail paint could withstand frequent use and cleaning.

Odour and Cleanup

We evaluated how strong the paint’s odour was during application and drying. Low-odour, water-based paints performed best, making indoor projects more comfortable.

Cleanup was equally important—paints that allowed easy washing of brushes and rollers with soap and water scored highly for convenience.

Eco-Friendliness

To assess environmental impact, we checked product specifications for VOC levels and eco-certifications. Paints with low VOC content and sustainable formulas were prioritised, as they are safer for indoor use and better for the environment.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Should Skirting Boards Be Painted in Any Colour Other Than White?

Yes, skirting boards can be painted in colours other than white. While white is a classic choice, opting for contrasting or complementary colours (the same colours) can enhance the room’s overall design and add visual interest. Darker tones or muted shades work well to create a modern, stylish look.

Do You Paint Skirting Boards with a Brush or Roller?

You can paint skirting boards with both a brush and a roller. A brush is ideal for precision and detailed areas, while a small roller helps achieve a smoother, more even finish on larger, flat sections. Combining both tools often yields the best results.

How to Paint Skirting Boards Without Brush Marks?

To paint skirting boards without brush marks, use a high-quality brush with fine bristles and apply thin, even coats. Avoid overloading the brush and maintain a steady, smooth stroke. Lightly sanding between coats and using self-levelling paint can further minimise brush marks.

Can You Use the Same Paint for Walls and Skirting Boards?

No, it’s not recommended to use the same paint for walls and skirting boards. Wall paint typically lacks the durability needed for skirting boards, which face scuffs and wear. Skirting boards benefit from specific skirting board paint that is more durable, semi-gloss or satin paints that are easier to clean and maintain.

Should Skirting Boards Be Gloss or Semi-Gloss?

Skirting boards should ideally be painted with gloss or semi-gloss finishes. While gloss offers a high-shine, reflective look that is durable and easy to clean, semi-gloss provides a softer sheen with similar durability. Both options enhance skirting boards and protect against daily wear and tear.

How Many Coats of Satin on Skirting Boards?

Typically, two coats of satin paint are sufficient for skirting boards. The first coat provides a base layer, while the second ensures an even, solid finish. For darker or heavily used areas, a third coat may be needed for full coverage and added durability.

---

Final Word

We hope our guide to the best paints for skirting boards has helped you find the perfect option for your next project. Choosing the right paint can be tricky, but one stood out for us.

The Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood Paint is our top pick for its smooth application, quick drying time, and durable, bright white finish that resists yellowing. It’s low-odour, easy to clean up, and delivers professional results with minimal effort—ideal for any DIYer.

However, not all paints made the cut. JKG White Gloss Paint is one to avoid due to its thin consistency, streaky application, and lingering fumes, which make it unsuitable for indoor projects.

What did you think of our guide to the best paints for skirting boards? Are you ready to get painting, or do you need more time to decide? Share your thoughts in the comments below!