cement/plaster behind skirting?

[RMB]

I removed an old skirting board and behind it was cement (which broke)rather than plaster.The wall above the skirting has plaster.Before I attach the new skirting board I need to replace the cement.What mix of sand to cement should I use?

 

[JohnD]

You might find it easier to screw a timber batten to the wall, of the same thickness, and screw your skirting to that.

Is it a ground-floor skirting? Mortar might have been used to resist damp.

 

[RMB]

Yes I think it was treated for damp just before I moved in 12 years ago

 

[JohnD]

I'd use battens then, so there's an air gap between wall and skirting. Give the battens a couple of coats of Cuprinol Green before fixing, and prime the backs of the skirting boards.

 

[RMB]

Thanks John