Home > categories > Textiles & Leather Products > Carpet/Rug > Paint or Carpet first?
Question:

Paint or Carpet first?

I am redoing a room. Should it be painted before new carpeting? I want the baseboards nicely painted. Just not sure what should be done first.

Answer:

You should always paint first. You might get paint on carpet and you could tell more about the kind of carpet it would go with the paint.
I would always paint first, too hard to get paint from the carpet. If you have baseboard of any kind, that should come off. Paint down just below that area, lay the carpet, then put up the painted baseboard again.
There is not a wrong or right answer to this question. I always recommend to paint first, that way you don't have to worry about getting paint on your new carpet. Be sure to pull the old carpet away from your baseboards, just to make sure you don't get aline that will show if the new carpet that goes in is shorter. If you really are replacing the carpet it is easy to take a utility knife and just cut about an inch into the existing carpet and pull that part away from the wall. If you are having to live with the carpet for while, then just take an edger and pull the carpet back as you paint. If boards get scuffed when new carpet goes in, it is easy to touch up the scuffed areas. You might want to paint as much as 30 days in advance to give the paint a chance to cure out, less chance of scuffing as paint will be harder, not soft.
Paint Or New Carpet First
My husband is a carpenter, actually a Assist Super on constructions sites - and our daughter is going through the same thing!!! Always do your wall painting first. Carpet/flooring is always the last thing to go in, then your base boards!!! Paint/Stain your base boards BEFORE you install them - then you don't have to worry about getting paint on your carpet. Install baseboards w/ finishing nails, after carpet is in! You can touch up your baseboards w/ caulk to cover the nail holes, let dry, which is very quick, maybe 1/2 hour, then touch up your nail holes w/ your paint/stain. Enjoy your new room from there!!!

Share to: