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Paint woodwork.
Skirting, architrave, doors and frames — sanded, primed and finished in eggshell or satinwood.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Top tips
Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Knot bleed-through
Untreated pine knots leak yellow-brown stain through paint within months. Always shellac-prime knots.
Brush marks
Wrong brush or thick paint. Use synthetic brush for water-based paint; thin paint with a small amount of Floetrol.
Yellowing white woodwork
Oil-based gloss yellows fast. Use water-based satinwood or eggshell for non-yellowing white finish.
Drips on adjacent surfaces
Paint runs onto floor and walls. Quality decorators mask everything.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Skirting and architrave per metreBrush, two coats
£4–£15
Single internal door, both sidesIncluding prep, two coats
£40–£120
Stair spindles per spindleFiddly, time-consuming
£10–£30
Bedroom woodwork (door + skirting)Full room
£80–£200
Living room woodworkIncluding window frames
£120–£300
Staircase + landing woodworkNewels, spindles, handrail
£300–£900
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Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Skirting, architrave and doors are 30–40% of any decoration job, and the difference between a quality finish and a cheap one is most visible here. Expect to pay £80–£350 per room for UK woodwork painting depending on amount of trim and finish.
What Does the Work Involve?
Existing finish is sanded with 180-grit to break the surface. Cracks and nail holes filled with caulk or fine filler. Knot blockers (shellac-based) applied to any visible pine knots. Primer coat (water-based primer-undercoat) applied to bare wood. Two top coats of eggshell or satinwood, laying off in long parallel strokes for a brush-mark-free finish. Spray-finished for higher-spec projects.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skirting and architrave per metre | 4 | 15 | Brush, two coats |
| Single internal door, both sides | 40 | 120 | Including prep, two coats |
| Stair spindles per spindle | 10 | 30 | Fiddly, time-consuming |
| Bedroom woodwork (door + skirting) | 80 | 200 | Full room |
| Living room woodwork | 120 | 300 | Including window frames |
| Staircase + landing woodwork | 300 | 900 | Newels, spindles, handrail |
| Whole-house woodwork | 800 | 3,000 | Doors, skirting, architrave |
How Long Does It Take?
Single door both sides: 3–4 hours. Bedroom woodwork: half a day. Living room: 1 day. Staircase and landing: 2 days. Whole-house woodwork: 4–7 days.
DIY or Professional?
DIY-able with patience. Brush-mark-free finish requires good brush (Wooster, Purdy), correct paint consistency, and laying-off technique. Spindles especially are professional work — too much fiddly detail.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A painter and decorator. Ask about brushes — Wooster Pro Nylox or Purdy XL are the pro standards. Confirm the paint brand and finish (eggshell, satinwood). Insist on knot-block primer on any visible knots.
UK Regulations
Lead-paint regulations on pre-1960s woodwork. Listed buildings: original woodwork retention.
Common Problems
- Knot bleed-through: Untreated pine knots leak yellow-brown stain through paint within months. Always shellac-prime knots.
- Brush marks: Wrong brush or thick paint. Use synthetic brush for water-based paint; thin paint with a small amount of Floetrol.
- Yellowing white woodwork: Oil-based gloss yellows fast. Use water-based satinwood or eggshell for non-yellowing white finish.
- Drips on adjacent surfaces: Paint runs onto floor and walls. Quality decorators mask everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gloss, satinwood or eggshell?
Gloss: shiniest, shows dirt, oil-based versions yellow. Satinwood: medium sheen, modern standard. Eggshell: lowest sheen, hides imperfections best.
Best brush for woodwork?
Synthetic brush (Wooster, Purdy) for water-based paint. Natural bristle for oil-based. A 50mm/2-inch flat brush is the workhorse.
Oil-based or water-based for woodwork?
Water-based modern paints (Dulux Quick Dry, Crown Trade Fastflow) — non-yellowing, low-VOC, faster cure. Oil-based is increasingly old-school.
Do I need to sand between coats?
Yes — light 320-grit between top coats for the smoothest finish. Removes any dust nibs from the previous coat.
How long until I can use the room?
Touch-dry: 1–2 hours. Hard-dry: 24 hours (no leaning furniture). Fully cured: 7 days.
Should the woodwork match the walls?
Traditional: white woodwork (or off-white in heritage homes), coloured walls. Modern: woodwork matches walls (tonal) or contrasts boldly (dark wall + lighter trim).
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
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