Stair Skirt Boards and Trim Refresher

Begin by inserting a putty knife between the skirt board and the wall to break any paint seal. Then, slide a pry bar into the gap and gently lever the skirt board away from the wall, working in sections. Use a second putty knife or a thin piece of wood to protect the wall surface from the pry bar. Continue this process along the entire length of the skirt board and any associated trim until it is completely detached.

Once the main skirt boards are removed, inspect their bottom edges for any smaller trim pieces, such as base shoe or quarter-round. Use the putty knife and pry bar in a similar fashion to remove these smaller moldings, taking care not to damage the flooring or the wall.

Wipe down the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Inspect the wall for any dents, gouges, or loose paint. Use a drywall putty or wood filler to fill any nail holes left from the old trim. Once the filler is dry, sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Scrape away any loose paint and feather the edges.

Measure the length of the wall where each skirt board will be installed. Account for any angles at the top or bottom of the stairs. Use a tape measure for accuracy. Transfer these measurements to your new skirt board material and mark your cut lines. Use a miter saw or a hand saw to make precise cuts. For angled cuts at the base or top of the stairs, use a miter saw or protractor to set the correct angle.

Hold each cut skirt board in its intended position along the wall. Check for gaps, awkward angles, or areas where the board doesn't sit flush against the wall or stairs. Make any necessary adjustments by trimming small amounts from the edges or ends. This step is crucial for a professional finish and helps identify any measurement errors.

Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the skirt board where it will contact the wall studs. Position the skirt board against the wall, ensuring it is flush and aligned correctly. Secure the board by driving finish nails through it into the wall studs at regular intervals (e.g., every 12-16 inches). Use a nail gun or a hammer and finishing nails. Ensure nails are driven slightly below the surface for later filling.

Measure and cut your chosen trim (e.g., base shoe or quarter-round) to fit the length of the skirt board. Apply a small amount of construction adhesive to the back of the trim. Press the trim into place along the bottom edge of the skirt board and against the floor. Secure it with finish nails, ensuring they are placed at an angle to go into the skirt board and not the floor sub-straight if possible. Drive nails just below the surface.

Using a small putty knife, apply a small amount of wood filler or spackle to each nail hole. Overfill slightly to account for shrinkage. Smooth the filler flush with the surface of the trim. Allow the filler to dry completely according to the product manufacturer's instructions.

Once the wood filler is dry, lightly sand all the filled nail holes and any rough spots on the new skirt boards and trim with fine-grit sandpaper. The goal is to create a smooth surface for painting. After sanding, wipe down all surfaces with a tack cloth or a slightly damp cloth to remove all dust.

Apply a coat of high-quality primer to all new trim and skirt boards. Allow the primer to dry completely. Lightly sand any areas that feel rough after priming. Apply your chosen paint color in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Typically, two coats of paint are sufficient for good coverage.