How to remove skirting board without disturbing the plaster

Question

In the middle of renovating some rooms. I want to take the skirting board off before decorating, but I’m worried I’ll end up ripping chunks out of the plaster if I’m not careful. How do I go about removing and replacing the skirting board without causing damage that creates more work?

Colin · Answer

Put a block of wood behind the crow bar as this takes the pressure off the plaster when forcing the skirts away from the plastered wall

Andra · Answer

🛠 Tools You’ll Need
	•	Sharp Stanley knife / utility knife
	•	Wide filling knife or scraper
	•	Pry bar (flat bar)
	•	Hammer
	•	Thin wooden wedges or off-cuts
	•	Pliers
	•	Dust sheets

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Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣ Score the Caulk Line First (Very Important)

Run a sharp knife along the top edge where the skirting meets the wall.
Cut through:
	•	Decorator’s caulk
	•	Paint build-up
	•	Any wallpaper

👉 This prevents the plaster from tearing when you pull the board away.

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2️⃣ Protect the Wall

Place a wide filling knife or scraper between the wall and the pry bar when levering.
This spreads the pressure and protects the plaster.

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3️⃣ Start at a Joint or End

If possible:
	•	Start at an external corner
	•	Or where two boards join

These areas usually loosen easier.

Gently tap the pry bar behind the skirting using a hammer until it slides in slightly.

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4️⃣ Ease It Off Slowly
	•	Lever gently
	•	Move 20–30cm along
	•	Lever again

Don’t pull it off in one go.
Work gradually along the length to avoid cracking plaster.

If it’s nailed:
	•	Pull nails out through the back of the board using pliers
(Not back through the plaster – this causes damage.)

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5️⃣ Watch for Adhesive

If the skirting was stuck on with grab adhesive:
	•	You may need to cut behind it with a multi-tool
	•	Or gently work a wide scraper behind it to separate it

Adhesive is what usually causes plaster damage.

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🔧 Pro Tips (From a Decorator’s Point of View)
	•	Older houses (especially solid plaster walls) are more fragile.
	•	If the wall sounds hollow when tapping, be extra gentle.
	•	If the plaster starts cracking, stop and widen the leverage point.
	•	Expect minor filler repairs — even the cleanest removal usually needs a skim of filler.

Michael · Answer

put a claw hammer behind the skirting and prize off the skirting, depending on what it was put on with is how much damage could be done to the plaster from none to a small amount being pulled off the wall but easily filled with filler .

How to remove skirting board without disturbing the plaster

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