Polymer Skirting Boards

Where to Use Polymer Skirting Boards

Polymer skirting boards cover flooring expansion gaps and create a finished junction between internal walls and floors. Their waterproof, UV-resistant construction makes them suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms exposed to moisture or strong natural light, while resistance to swelling supports dimensional stability in changing indoor conditions. The available profiles are supplied in 2000mm lengths with a primed surface, so buyers should select the height and depth according to the required wall coverage and adjoining joinery.

Cutting and Joining 2000mm Polymer Skirting Boards

Measure the complete wall run before ordering and allow additional material for corners, joints and cutting waste. Walls longer than 2000mm require more than one board, so joint positions should be planned before the profiles are fixed.

The supplier provides dedicated accessories for preparing mitres and finishing joints. Follow the current installation guidance for the selected profile rather than assuming that every polymer moulding requires the same cutting method.

• Measure wall runs – Record each section separately and deduct door openings from the total.
• Plan the joints – Position board ends before cutting to avoid unnecessary short sections.
• Prepare corners – Use suitable mitre equipment designed for decorative polymer mouldings.
• Check the profile – Keep the moulded detail aligned across adjoining lengths.
• Finish joints – Use a compatible filler where required by the installation instructions.

Dry-check the prepared sections before adhesive is applied. This allows the board lengths, corners and profile alignment to be confirmed before permanent fixing.

Polymer Skirting Boards vs MDF Skirting Boards

Polymer and MDF suit different room conditions and installation priorities. Polymer profiles are waterproof, UV-resistant and resistant to swelling, while MDF skirting boards provide longer lengths and a wider selection of reversible machined profiles.

Polymer is suitable where moisture resistance and colour stability in strong light are important. MDF may be preferred for dry internal rooms where longer wall runs, traditional profile choices and coordination with matching MDF architraves are required.

Customers searching for polymer coated skirting boards should check the core material before purchasing. The products in this category are manufactured from polymer and supplied with a primer-coated surface rather than being MDF boards covered with a polymer layer.

Preparing Primed Polymer Skirting for Painting

The factory-applied primer smooths the surface and prepares it for further decoration. The supplier recommends painting the mouldings after installation using a compatible water-based paint.

Completing the fitting first allows joints and minor installation marks to be decorated with the rest of the skirting. The surface should be free from dust and uncured adhesive before the finishing coat is applied.

Do not assume that solvent-based coatings are suitable. Check the paint manufacturer’s compatibility guidance before applying any coating that is not water based.

Fixing Polymer Skirting Boards with Adhesive

Use a supplier-approved mounting adhesive suitable for decorative polymer profiles and the wall substrate. The wall must be dry, stable and free from grease, dust, peeling paint or crumbling plaster, with at least one bonded surface being porous.

• Prepare the surface – Remove contamination and unstable finishes before applying adhesive.
• Apply evenly – Use strips, dots or waves as directed by the adhesive manufacturer.
• Position the board – Press the profile firmly against the wall for several seconds.
• Allow curing – Leave the fixing undisturbed for the stated 24-hour drying period.
• Remove residue – Clean uncured adhesive with water before it hardens.

Dried adhesive must be removed mechanically, so visible residue should be cleaned before curing. Where the skirting meets Standard Internal Doors, check its depth against the adjoining door trim before permanent fixing.