As a professional painting and remodeling contractor with years of experience, I have been asked countless times by homeowners: “Should I paint the walls before or after changing the floor?” And my answer is always the same: finish the floor first. This may come as a surprise to many, who wonder how it is possible to paint without spilling or dripping onto the new floor. But with some basic precautions, the benefits of this approach far outweigh any potential objections. The general rule of thumb is to start with the part of the room that takes longer and is more difficult to damage. And when it comes to flooring, whether it's carpet, laminate, tile, or hardwood, it definitely falls under this category.
Not only does flooring installation require precision and time, but any type of flooring can also pose a hazard to walls if not done carefully. For example, carpet installation is known to cause scratches, scrapes, and crevices in walls. And even laminate floors require a deck, while tiles use cement and pallets. So if you start by painting the walls first, you run the risk of damaging them while installing the flooring. This can lead to frustration and disappointment when you see a big scratch on your freshly painted walls. So what's the solution? Start by installing the new floor and adjusting the height of the baseboards.
Then, protect the floor with painter's plastic or a good tarp. Use adhesive tape to secure the edges along the walls, making sure to create a straight and tidy line. If your new floor is carpeted, place a wide strip of painter's tape over the carpet around the perimeter of the room. Next, use a spatula to tuck the carpet fibers that are stuck together with adhesive tape under the edge of the baseboard. This will ensure that your walls are protected from any potential damage during the painting process.
And once you're done painting, simply remove the tape and enjoy your newly painted walls without any scratches or marks. But what about the concern of paint spilling or dripping onto the new floor? This can easily be avoided by taking some simple precautions. Before starting to paint, make sure to clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. This will prevent any particles from getting stuck in the paint and causing an uneven finish. Additionally, use a drop cloth or old sheets to cover the floor and protect it from any potential spills. And if you're using a ladder, make sure to place a piece of cardboard or a towel under each leg to prevent any marks on the floor.
These small steps can make a big difference in protecting your new flooring from any paint mishaps. So why do some people still argue for painting walls first? One reason may be that they want to avoid having to touch up the paint on the baseboards after installing the flooring. But in my experience, this is a small price to pay for ensuring that your walls are not damaged during the flooring installation process. Another argument is that painting walls first allows for easier access to corners and edges. However, with proper planning and technique, this can easily be achieved even after installing the flooring. And let's not forget that painting walls first also means having to cover and protect them while installing the flooring, which can be time-consuming and tedious. In conclusion, while there may be some debate on whether walls or floors should be fixed first, as a professional contractor, I highly recommend starting with flooring.
Not only does it make more practical sense in terms of time and potential damage, but it also leads to a smoother and more efficient painting process. So the next time you're redecorating a room, remember to put floors first!.
