Wall moulding frames and skirting: layout, mitre cuts, painting

I start every job with a measuring visit. I check the wall height, the ceiling line and how straight the corners really are, then draw a frame layout with equal margins so the panels look calm and balanced. The profile is chosen by ceiling height: a slim moulding for a standard room, a wider one where the ceiling is high. Before any drilling I check where hidden wiring runs, so no anchor ends up in a cable. On a crooked wall a frame set perfectly level can look skewed against the ceiling, so we decide together whether to follow the level or the lines of the room.

I mark the frames with a laser and a chalk line, then cut the corners on a mitre saw. I always work with safety glasses and a firm stop, and I ask that no children are nearby while the saw runs. Joints are dry-fitted first, then the profile goes on adhesive with spot fastening. Adhesive, filler and paint are used only with the room ventilated.

After mounting I fill joints and fastener heads, sand everything smooth and paint the mouldings to match the wall or in a contrasting shade. Skirting boards are fitted neatly around pipes and corners, with a tidy joint where the skirting meets the door casing.

— measuring visit and frame layout with equal margins
— laser and chalk line marking
— profile selection by ceiling height
— mitre cutting and joint fitting
— adhesive mounting with spot fastening
— filling, sanding and painting
— skirting around pipes, corners and door casings
— cleanup and removal of offcuts