Knowledge Centre

– Skirtings finish off the transition between the floor and the wall.
– Architraves are the frames around doors and windows.

They have different functions and proportions, but they can complement each other in terms of design.

It is generally not recommended.

Skirtings and architraves are designed for different purposes and have different shapes. For the neatest and most accurate result, you should use mouldings specifically intended for the purpose.

Yes, skirtings can be glued in place.

Adhesive is a popular solution, especially if you want to avoid visible nails.

The surface must be clean, dry and solid to ensure good adhesion. On uneven walls, a combination of adhesive and a few nails may give the best result.

When mounting with nails, we recommend the following:

– Nails or staples (typically 1.2–1.6 mm)
– The length must be adjusted to suit both the moulding and the type of wall

The nails can subsequently be filled for a neat and discreet finish.

Skirtings are best removed by:

1. Cutting away any paint or grout along the top edge
2. Carefully pry the moulding loose with a wide putty knife or a crowbar
3. Work in small steps to avoid damaging the wall

Skirtings that are glued in place require extra care.

A finishing moulding, also known as a trim mouldings, is used to provide a neat and functional finish, for example at:

– Transitions between materials
– Edges and exposed ends
– Where walls, floors or fittings meet

It conceals any unevenness and gives a neat, finished look.

A raised beading is a sturdy moulding often used to finish off the junction between the wall and the floor, or as a kitchen skirting board. It protects against water and wear and tear, and is therefore often used in kitchens, utility rooms and other practical rooms.

Raised beadings are typically installed using:

– Glue / adhesive
– Screws (particularly on hard or uneven surfaces)

Ensure a proper fit and seal the board if necessary if it is to be used in damp areas.

For a neat finish, you can create the finest end join, see how here.

A triangular floor moulding covers the junction between the floor and the wall and ensures a tight seal against dirt and draughts.

Triangular floor mouldings are used to:

– Hide the join between the door threshold and the floor
– Make cleaning easier
– Provide a neat, smooth finish against the floor

A Scotia moulding is a moulding with a rounded inner surface, used in the corners between the wall and the floor or the wall and the ceiling to create a smooth and hygienic finish. It can also provide a neat finish between the kitchen worktop and the wall.

Scotia mouldings are usually installed using adhesive. It is important that:

– The skirtings are mounted precisely
– The corners are cut correctly
– The surface is clean and flat

Scotia mouldings must be cut at the correct mitre angle to ensure a neat finish in the corner. In short, this means that the moulding must be positioned correctly when cutting.

Always use a mitre box or a chop/mitre saw, and consider making a test cut first. The direction and angle are crucial for a good result.

We have put together a guide you can follow here.

A cornice creates an elegant finish between the wall and the ceiling and gives a light, modern look.

It all depends on which type of glazing bead you have.

Primo has three types of glazing beads:

– Solid glazing beads
– FibreCore glazing beads
– Alu bottom glazing beads

Solid glazing beads are mounted using stainless steel nails. You can find the mounting instructions here: PDF

Both FiberCore and Alu glazing beads are fitted using clips, making the installation invisible. You can find these fitting instructions here: FiberCore PDF and Alu bottom glazing beads PDF.

Glass glazing beads are designed to hold the pane in place within the window frame. They must fit tightly against the glass to prevent water ingress and help to ensure that rainwater is channelled away from the window.

The glazing bead must be positioned so that it holds the glass securely in place and covers the edge evenly. The black glazing tape fixed to the bead must always face inwards towards the window. It is also important that the glazing bead is positioned so that water is channelled away from the window – always follow the specific instructions for the product.

Yes, glazing beads can be painted if they are prepared correctly. HOWEVER, we strongly recommend that you do not paint glazing beads black or in other dark colours, as this can cause the beads to shrink.

Cleaning, light sanding and the application of a suitable plastic or adhesive primer are recommended before painting.

No, Primo glazing beads are only available in white, but they can be painted. However, we do not recommend painting glazing beads in dark colours.

Gaskets are soft mouldings used to create a seal between two elements, most commonly on windows and doors, where they are mounted either between the frame and the sash or in the gap between the rebate and the sash.

The purpose of gaskets is to seal windows and doors, thereby preventing heat loss, draughts, odours and noise.

Read more about our gaskets here.

The classic signs that the gasket is worn and needs replacing are if you notice:

– Draughts and cold coming from, for example, a window
– An increase in noise levels
– A rise in your heating bill

In addition, you should be aware that if even a small amount of paint gets on your gaskets, they will immediately lose their ability to seal properly.

There are 4 simple methods you can use to check whether your windows or doors are draughty:

– The paper test – Open the window you want to check and wedge a piece of paper in place by closing the window again. Now pull the piece of paper towards you. If you feel resistance, or if the paper tears, the window is airtight.

– The candle test – Light a candle and hold it up to the window or door you want to check. If the flame flickers a lot or goes out, it means the window or door is draughty.

– The slam test – Close your windows with the same force. If you can hear the frame and window closing tightly without any resistance, this suggests there are draughts.

– The pressure test – Here, you check the weatherstripping directly. Press on the weatherstripping with your finger. If the weatherstripping springs back into shape when you release it, your window is airtight.

Here you can read more and watch videos showing just how easy it is to test the airtightness of your windows and doors.