Decorating the ceiling with skirting boards helps to achieve a complete look for the entire renovation. At the same time, to give a special design effect, various options for decorating their surface can be used. A popular type of baseboard is made from foam plastic. What compositions are suitable for foam material and how best to paint the ceiling plinth will be discussed below.
Is it necessary to paint foam ceiling plinths?
Before gluing skirting boards to the wall, you need to think through the stage of painting it in advance. However, beginners do not know for what purpose this may be required, and most often consider the stage unnecessary. Usually the ceiling is made white, and the baseboards are selected in the same color. But this option is not always correct. Professionals note the following reasons for painting:
- Expanded polystyrene products may have minor defects, which may appear in daylight;
- Polyurethane material is not thick, for this reason it is translucent, and coloring allows you to get a more pleasant appearance;
- Uncolored white color loses its beautiful appearance from exposure to ultraviolet rays, and it also attracts dust;
- Paint coatings are easier to clean;
- White skirting boards are highlighted by emphasizing the joints; when the surface is painted, these areas will be less noticeable;
- The painted layer helps to obtain a more compatible coating with the finishing material used on the walls.
It is advisable to paint the material before gluing it; painting on the surface may result in paint getting onto the ceiling.
If the color remains white, it is still worth painting it to get a more durable finish. When specifying the cost of painting work, specialists imply the treatment of a linear meter of surface.
Coloring allows you to get a more pleasant appearance.
Features of the work
Plastic skirting boards, like any other surface, must be primed before painting. In this case, the paint consumption will be less (the baseboard is made of plastic - the material is porous), and it will lie much neater and smoother. By the way, the products can be primed even before cutting and fitting to the installation sites.
Another example of painting a floor plinth
If you need to paint a baseboard that has already been installed, then cover the walls and floor around it with masking tape. This measure will avoid damage to surfaces by paint. It is unlikely that without adhesive tape it will be possible to carefully decorate the glued-on baseboards even with the thinnest brush.
Attention! Don't use regular tape! It will leave sticky marks on the floor that are difficult to clean, and it can tear off wallpaper from the walls when removed.
By the way, during painting you can protect the walls and floor without using tape. In this case, a wide spatula is used, which is applied to the joint between the baseboard and the wall to protect the surfaces.
White foam plinth in the interior
It is advisable to apply paint to the baseboard in two layers - this way the surface will be painted better. However, the second layer is applied only after the first has at least partially dried. If you apply a lot of paint at one time, then there will be unpleasant streaks on the baseboards. When applied, the paint should rub well and spread over the surface. And it is applied with long and smooth strokes.
Advice! It is not advisable to use a newly purchased brush of poor quality to paint baguettes. Such a brush may leave bristles on the surface of the paint, which will ruin the appearance of the product if it is not removed. And this is unnecessary fuss during work.
Paint brushes
It is worth remembering: newly opened paint that is in a container looks somewhat brighter than the same paint that has already been applied and dried. And this aspect is important to consider when choosing the shade of the composition.
On a note! Before painting, the plastic plinth can be covered with plaster using a fine mesh. This measure will make it very durable.
Place a rubber band around an open paint can to wipe off your brush.
Choosing paint for ceiling skirting boards
The choice of how to paint a foam plastic ceiling plinth should be made taking into account the characteristics of the material. Here it is important to choose a suitable composition that will improve the base and not harm it. The presence of thinners in the paint is not allowed; these substances can dissolve polystyrene.
Suitable compositions include water-dispersed ones. When the drying stage is completed, the water included in the composition will evaporate and the layer will remain strong and resistant to water. The products are fireproof and environmentally friendly.
The presence of thinners in the paint is not allowed; these substances can dissolve polystyrene.
Types of coloring compositions - what is better to paint
Since the material for the production of skirting boards is distinguished by the fact that it is loose and has certain properties, when deciding how to paint ceiling fillets, you cannot use solvent-based compositions, for example, white spirit.
Such paint can greatly damage the products. For finishing work, water-based paints should be used. The peculiarity of applying such coloring compositions to polyurethane skirting boards is that the polymer substances present in the water fall on the surfaces of the fillets, as a result of which a dense film layer of a certain color is formed on them. During the drying process, the liquid evaporates.
In addition, when choosing what to paint a foam plastic ceiling plinth, you should pay attention to how fireproof and environmentally friendly the composition is.
There are several types of paints on sale today:
- Acrylic
. They have excellent decorative properties that remain unchanged over many years of use. As a result of painting ceiling fillets with such compositions, they are distinguished by color fastness, water resistance and vapor permeability. Ceiling products will be able to “breathe,” which is of great importance for rooms with constantly high levels of humidity. - Polyvinyl acetate
. They are intended for rooms that are always dry and free of dampness. The fact is that polyvinyl acetate paint compositions do not have water-repellent properties. - Latex
. These mixtures are used in damp areas. The composition applied to the fillets creates a hard film that prevents water absorption. Products after painting are cleaned with detergents and a cloth. The disadvantage of such paints is that they fade under the rays of the sun, so they are best used for decorating a bathroom.
When deciding what to paint ceiling fillets with, you definitely need to take into account the purpose of the room. Water-based paint compositions are excellent for coating polyurethane foam products. They are sold at an affordable price and have good protective properties.
What is the best way to paint a foam plastic ceiling plinth?
The compositions required for painting differ in their constituent components. They have different properties, so you need to choose with knowledge of the features so that they can withstand operating conditions. The following options are suitable:
- Based on acrylic, they are distinguished by the creation of a beautiful coating that will last for many years, the painted surface will be waterproof, the layer will be vapor-permeable, and will not fade quickly. For rooms with high humidity, the paint must be able to allow air to pass through so that condensation does not form and fungus and mold do not appear;
- Polyvinyl acetate are optimal for rooms with a dry microclimate; they should not be used in other rooms, they do not withstand exposure to moisture;
- Latex-based, also suitable for rooms with high humidity levels, you can use detergents for cleaning. However, they do not tolerate sunlight, so they are better suited for a toilet or bathroom where there are small or no windows.
The choice of paint is made based on the type of room; water-based compositions are the best option for such work.
The choice of paint is made based on the type of room; water-based compositions are the best option for such work.
Why is painting the baseboard necessary?
Such work is carried out to hide dents or scratches on the baguette, if any. If you do not take this detail into account, then in bright light all the shortcomings will appear. Also, foam has a weak density, which is why it can be translucent. The problem can be solved by painting, which will give the material a good look.
It is necessary to take into account the ability of polystyrene foam to fade in the sun. In addition, dust always collects on it, which is why the baseboard will turn gray rather than white. Therefore, this side should also be taken into account when thinking about the need for painting.
Cleanliness in the house is important for housewives. And the painted surface is easier to clean than foam elements. Simply wipe with a damp cloth.
When gluing, there are joints at the corners that can also be hidden by painting. In addition, the latter contributes to the combination of baseboards and wallpaper with interior details.
Preparing for painting foam ceiling skirting boards
The preparatory stage will help to obtain a uniform gluing of the material that will look beautiful and dignified. Foam plastic material, unlike PVC and wood, is a more fragile material; therefore, work with skirting boards should be carried out with extreme caution. The first step is to prepare the paint, check its viscosity, and add color if necessary.
It is necessary to cover up the existing defects. For this purpose, a putty solution is used, the joining zones are processed, and the areas between the surface and the baseboards are sealed if recesses are found there. They work carefully so as not to break the baseboards themselves; use a rubber spatula to select the tool. At the end, the surface is treated with fine-grained sandpaper.
The preparatory stage will help to obtain a uniform gluing of the material that will look beautiful and dignified.
Product coloring technology
First you need to make sure that there is no garbage in the room. There is a risk that dust particles will rise and stick to the freshly painted surface. And it will be difficult to correct this situation.
If the ceiling and plinth are the same shade, then paint the ceiling with a roller and at the same time cover the baguette with a brush. Wait until the layer dries, and then cover it with another one.
If the color of the base and the baguette is different, then in this case the ceiling is painted first, and after drying, the baseboard is painted. You can use masking tape to avoid staining the walls and ceiling with paint. Just glue it after the surface has dried.
After painting the baseboard, the tape must be removed immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of removing part of the painted surface along with it if you leave it glued for a long time. Instead of tape, you can simply use a spatula. When painting, you need to press it tightly against the baseboard and then brush it with paint. In this case, the ceiling is reliably protected from paint of a different color getting on it.
Depending on at what point the painting is done (before gluing or after), there are 2 processing methods.
For example, if the product is painted before gluing. The room in which the work is being carried out must be emptied, and the floor covered with film or paper so that the paint does not get on the finish. The room in which painting is carried out must be protected from direct sunlight and wind.
You can paint without streaks using a spray can or brush. If the first one is used, then painting must be done at a distance of at least 30 cm from the baseboard. When using a brush with paint, the work is carried out with a smooth movement along the ceiling plinth. If the mixture is not distributed well enough or there are gaps, you can go over it with the brush one more time. But the 2nd coating can be applied only after the first has dried.
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There is an option in which the baseboard is painted directly after installation. With this method, you can use masking tape or tape. The tape is removed after the painted baseboard has dried. The paint will dry faster with the window open. But sunlight should not fall on the baseboard.
It is more convenient to paint with option 2, since in the first case you will have to work with a stepladder, worrying about the likelihood of ruining the finished ceiling. In case 2, the risk is exhausted, but it is necessary to trim the fillets correctly and fit them in the corners. But do not forget that after gluing the painted baseboards, the joints will still have to be filled with a primer and contamination of the finished material is possible.
What tools are needed to paint ceiling moldings?
Having all the necessary tools at hand makes the work process easier. Therefore, it is useful to know the entire list of items that should be available. You will need:
- Wide spatula 40-60 cm;
- Masking tape;
- Thin brush;
- Ladder;
- Paint and varnish material.
Having all the necessary tools at hand makes the work process easier.
Important Precautions
Painting the baseboard yourself is a fairly simple task. However, it requires certain precautions to be taken. The order in which the work is performed will vary depending on whether the fillet is painted before or after installation.
Before starting processing, all products will need to be cleaned of dust and, if possible, primed.
If the baseboard is already installed, but the walls and ceiling are not yet finished, then you can use a spray can for painting.
If the baseboard has not yet been installed or is installed on an as yet unfinished wall, you can use spray paint. And if the walls and floors in the room are already finished, they will need to be protected from paint. Masking tape will help you with this. Apply it along the baseboards, making sure there are no exposed areas.
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When peeling off the tape, decorative coating may be removed from the wallpaper, or the wallpaper itself may peel off from the surface. To prevent this from happening, you can use another protective measure. You will need cardboard or thin plastic and a wide spatula. To protect the surface, a spatula will need to be applied to the appropriate area during the painting process.
Painting technology
So, how to paint foam baseboards to get the desired result that will last for many years. There are 2 ways to paint. The technology will be as follows:
- If you paint the material in advance, then allocate a place for painting, the surface is covered with paper or film to protect it from the paint material. The room is provided with a draft-free condition, and access to ultraviolet radiation is also removed. If an aerosol type of paint is chosen, then the product is applied at a distance of 30 cm and painted with a brush as standard. If a single-layer coating does not give the desired result, after drying it, apply the next layer;
- When the baseboards are already attached to the wall, the base next to it is protected with masking tape. For painting, a brush is selected, movements are made lengthwise, and the protective tape is removed after the drying stage is completed.
The layer dries faster when there is air movement, but ultraviolet rays should not reach the baseboard during this period. It is important that the brush does not leave lint or streaks on the surface.
The layer dries faster when there is air movement, but ultraviolet rays should not reach the baseboard during this period.
Preparatory work
Painting the ceiling plinth
Before starting the painting process, you need to correct all defective areas, such as corners, joints and other defects. It is better to do this with finishing putty or white silicone. Preparatory work is carried out in several stages:
- First, let's find a container with water and a sponge, and to putty the joints, use a rubber spatula or a piece of plastic plate.
- Then apply putty to the joint with a rubber spatula - this is done along the seam. In this case, you need to press the spatula firmly against the baseboard, but not too hard.
- Remove excess putty with a cloth or sponge.
- Then cover the corners with your finger; if you don’t want to injure your fingers, it’s better to wear a glove.
- If there are gaps left along the edges of the plinth, they can also be sealed.
- After the plinth has dried, all defects are removed with fine sandpaper.
Decorative painting methods
Designers have expanded the options for painting skirting boards; they can create a separate effect, complementing the overall interior. Painting has become not only a way to strengthen the material, but also a method to improve the design of a room. For this purpose, different colors are used to help create the desired effect. For example, gold, you can get the effect of stone coating, wood, patina.
Designers have expanded the options for painting skirting boards; they can create a separate effect, complementing the overall interior.
How to make effects
The previously listed effects are obtained by a certain coloring. A stretch or other type of ceiling will be emphasized by these options, and the choice is made based on the overall interior of the room, complementing the overall composition.
The choice is made based on the overall interior of the room, complementing the overall composition.
Stone
For this option, you need to purchase green-colored glaze (this is a type of tinting agent, similar to stain), and you also need a tampon made of natural or artificial leather material. A cotton swab helps to get the desired effect; if a light tone is chosen, then a regular feather will do.
For this option you need to purchase green glaze.
Gold
For this purpose, the same coloring composition is used as when obtaining the stone effect, but the color is chosen accordingly to be golden. They work with a thin brush, paint the relief areas of the plinth, move the brush along without much effort, making the surface “gilded.”
Work with a thin brush and paint the relief areas of the plinth.
Aged wood
In this case, a brown coloring composition is needed, and the brush must be hard. The paint is applied with force, the wood pattern is drawn with a thin brush in a shade darker than the first layer applied with glaze.
In this case, a brown coloring composition is needed, and the brush must be hard.
Patina
For the patina you will need the color “Taire”; you need to apply the layer with a thin brush to make the layer thin. The middle zone is not painted; the paint on the connecting areas is then shaded with a rag.
For the patina you will need the color “Taire”; you need to apply the layer with a thin brush to make the layer thin.
Types of paints
To paint the baseboard, you should never use paint with white spirit or another solvent, since polystyrene foam is a loose material and when using such a mixture it can deteriorate and dissolve. It is best to use a water-dispersed mixture. This paint is based on solid polymer substances, which, when applied to the surface, create a thin transparent colored film, and the water simply evaporates.
When choosing paint, you need to pay attention to the composition. There may be substances that have fire hazards or are harmful to the body.
There are the following types:
- Latex. Suitable for rooms with high humidity. When painting, a dense film is formed that does not allow water to pass through, due to which such plinth can be washed without fear of spoiling it. The only “but” is sunburn. Therefore, this paint is suitable for treating baseboards in a bathroom where exposure to sunlight is minimal.
- Acrylic. They are aged for many years and retain their decorative characteristics for a long time. The mixture is resistant to color fading and waterproof. The material is vapor permeable, so the product will “breathe” even in a room with high humidity.
- Polyvinyl acetate. This type deteriorates when exposed to moisture, so it can be used in dry rooms protected from moisture (for example, a corridor).
If you need paint of the required shade, which is not available in the store, you purchase a white composition and independently, using dye, “adjust” it to the desired shade.
To create a molding (a decorative bulge on the surface), you can use glaze. This is a tinting agent that is often used to paint wood products. The glaze is sprayed using a spray bottle/can on the desired surface and then rubbed with a sponge, brush or rag. Using this mixture, the plinth can be given the appearance of wood/gold/natural stone.
Select the desired paint for the baseboard.
For example, to create a gilded effect, take a silver/gold glaze and a thin brush, which is dipped into a paint solution, and then wiped almost dry. After this manipulation, the brush is passed along the relief surface of the baguette. “Gold” remains on the convex parts.
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Or the dirty stone effect is applied using Taire (light spots) and Umber (dark spots) glaze. First, apply Taira evenly and blend with a brush, obtaining light strokes. Then - dark spots, using Umber glaze, and shaded. Afterwards, you need to wait until the strokes dry and apply a bronze-colored glaze to the relief contours of the plinth.
The effect of malachite, which is created using green glaze, looks beautiful. It is applied to the surface and veins are created using a leather tampon. Then they take a feather and dip it in a light glaze, which is slightly diluted with water. This is used to paint the surface.
Tahire glaze is also used to create a patina effect. The mixture is applied in an even layer to the baguette, leaving the center unpainted. Using a sponge, shade the border between the painted and unpainted parts. The top layer of the substance is removed. The relief layer of the coating is highlighted with dark glaze.
The effect of aged wood looks interesting. It is achieved using a brown glaze. Paint is applied to the surface, and then stripes or fibers with dark paint are painted on top with a thin brush with stiff bristles. This pattern is typical for wood.
Non-standard methods of painting ceiling fillets
Among the unusual painting options, there are options for highlighting a relief pattern on the baseboard, if a similar type is chosen. You can lighten the relief, or vice versa darken it. They create the effect of malachite or a gilded surface. You can get an imitation of wood that lasts for many years, or imitate a patina.
Among the unusual painting options, there are options for highlighting a relief pattern on the baseboard, if a similar type is chosen.
Some tips for painting ceiling plinths
Professional recommendations will simplify the process to create a skirting board that will please the eye for a long period of time. The following tips can be highlighted:
- Aerosol paints help you achieve a more even finish without difficulty;
- If it is possible to get on the wallpaper, then it would be optimal to use water-based paints; they are easier to remove;
- The roller is only suitable for working with wide fillets;
- You should only choose paints of good quality; cheap compositions will quickly lose their aesthetic appeal.
Aerosol paints help you achieve a more even finish without difficulty.
At home, you can extend the durability of foam ceiling skirting boards by painting them. Several types of paints described in the article are suitable for this purpose. By completing all stages of the work, you can do the painting yourself without difficulty.
What kind of paint is needed?
The paint for painting should be chosen depending on the material . On store shelves there are a large number of different kinds of dyes that are suitable for painting baseboards.
For foam baseboards, paint based on ordinary water is suitable . If you use products with a chemical composition, this can cause damage to the material. If you haven't found something that perfectly suits your decor, then you can buy white water-based paint with added tint .
Water-based paint with added color is suitable for baseboards
Almost any product is suitable for polyurethane baseboards. It is recommended to use oil-based or water-based paint . Oil paint will give the surface a gloss, while water dispersion will create a matte surface.
Water-dispersed paint for polyurethane baseboards
Oil for polyurethane will give the surface a gloss
All types of paint materials are suitable for MDF panels. This can be alkyd enamel, varnish and acrylic paint .
Alkyd enamel
Acrylic paint
