To paint before carpet installation or after?

To Paint before or after?

This is a question we are asked when our customers are planning to renovate or spruce up a room or multiple rooms.

In our experience carpet installers are not the most careful people when removing, carrying in or installing flooring. (Sorry carpet guys)

We often suggest that the prep for the painting project be done prior to the carpet install.  This would include sanding, sparkling, removing wallpaper and other general prep.  At this time the ceiling could even be painted.

We always protect carpets even if they are being removed as during one renovation when they came to replace the carpets an emergency came up and they could not replace them as soon as they wanted.  So protect your flooring at all times.

After the carpet is installed all walls and trim can be painted with proper protection of the new flooring.   Why do we prefer it this way?

1. Quite often during the flooring install the fold up the carpets and unroll them in the room scratching the newly painted walls.
2. The carpets pile (thickness) is less/shorter than the previous carpet leaving a ridge of paint with old carpet remnants stuck to the baseboard.
3. When cutting the carpet for the desired fit of the room, some of the installers are a little aggressive with their cutting tools and leave a cut line on the baseboard which needs repair and repainting.

Imagine completing your painting project over your weekend off only to walk in after the carpet installation has been completed to find scratches on the walls and all the baseboard needing repair and repainting.

If you would like a professional opinion and or an estimate on your next home project, please give us a call at  978-683-9119 or 1-800-PAINTING