🖌️ Should You Paint Before or After Installing New Floors?
When planning a home renovation, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
“Should I paint the walls before or after the new floors go in?”
The answer can impact your timeline, budget, and even the final finish of your home. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each approach — and share our expert recommendation after years of painting homes across Jacksonville.
🏠 Option 1: Painting Before Installing New Floors
✅ Pros:
No need to protect new floors: Painters can work quickly without having to cover and tape off expensive new flooring.
Smoother workflow for painters: No worry about damaging flooring while using ladders, sprayers, or drop cloths.
Easier wall access: Especially in baseboard areas, where new floors may create tighter working space.
❌ Cons:
Risk of floor damage during install: If you paint first and then install flooring (especially hardwood or tile), tools or materials could scuff the fresh paint on walls or baseboards.
Dust and debris: Floor installation often generates dust that can cling to fresh paint if it hasn’t fully cured.
🛠️ Option 2: Painting After Installing New Floors
✅ Pros:
Everything looks crisp and final: Walls are painted last, so any nicks or scuffs that happen during floor installation can be covered.
You can match wall color to flooring: If you’re unsure about paint colors, seeing the new floor first helps with better coordination.
❌ Cons:
Extra prep work: Painters must spend more time (and materials) protecting floors with drop cloths and tape.
Risk of paint drips or damage to new floors: Even with the best protection, accidents can happen — especially with sprayers.
🟨 So… What Do the Pros Recommend?
At Sunshine Pro Paints, we usually recommend this approach:
✅ Do major floor demolition or sanding first.
🎨 Paint walls, ceilings, and trim next.
🪵 Install floors last.
🖌️ Touch-up paint and baseboards after flooring is complete.
This gives you the best of both worlds:
Clean, professional finish on your walls
Fresh floors with minimal risk
Final touch-ups that leave everything looking flawless
💡 Bonus Tip: What If You’re Keeping the Baseboards?
If baseboards stay in place and you’re installing new flooring around them, we recommend painting after the floors — to avoid scuffs and height mismatches. But if you're replacing the baseboards, paint first and then do the floor install.
🟩 Final Thoughts
There’s no single “right” answer — just the smartest process for your specific project.
Whether you're refreshing a rental or remodeling your dream home, planning the order of tasks can save time, money, and headaches. Let our team at Sunshine Pro Paints guide you through a smooth and efficient painting process.
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📍 Serving Jacksonville and surrounding areas with high-quality interior painting.
