Home renovations come with plenty of details to consider, and getting the order of each task right makes all the difference. When you’re updating your carpet and painting your walls, you might wonder what should happen first. Knowing the dos and don’ts of painting before your carpet installation helps you avoid extra hassles and leads to a better-looking result.
Most experts recommend painting before you lay down new carpet. That way, you’re not worried about splatters or drips hurting your brand-new floors, and the process moves along much faster. Painters can work without having to protect the carpeting, which saves time and money for everyone.
However, there’s a bit more to a great outcome than just applying paint before your carpet goes down. Careful prep and a good plan set you up for success, so your paint and flooring look their best. Here’s what to keep in mind for a smooth project from start to finish.
Prepare the Room Thoroughly
Start by giving yourself a blank slate. Move all furniture, decor, and the old flooring out of the way. If you’re pulling up carpet, make sure you remove every tack strip, staple, or nail, so nothing gets left behind.
Take a close look at the walls. Fill in any holes, cracks, or dents with spackle, then sand those spots until they’re smooth. Paint goes on best when the surface is even.
Wipe down your walls and baseboards. Dust and dirt stop paint from sticking the way it should. Use a little mild soap and water, or a dedicated cleaner, and let everything dry before you grab your rollers and brushes.
Don’t Skip the Primer
Jumping straight to color may seem tempting, but skipping on applying a primer usually comes back to haunt you. Primer helps your paint stick, keeps the color true, and makes the job last longer.
If you’re covering a bold color or a stained surface, primer stops anything from bleeding through your fresh paint. That way, you don’t have to pile on extra coats to get solid coverage, which saves you both time and money.
Choose the right primer for your situation. Use drywall primer-sealer for new walls or patched areas, and stain-blocking primer for tough spots. Don’t cut corners on this step if you want a long-lasting, professional finish.
Paint Ceilings and Walls First
Painting strategically saves you time on touch-ups later. Work from top to bottom. Start with the ceiling, move to the walls, and save the trim and baseboards for last. That way, any splatters will get covered when you paint lower surfaces.
For crisp trim, painter’s tape is your friend. Line the edges for sharp, clean results. Even if you’re painting before the carpet arrives, you’ll thank yourself for the extra attention when you see how sharp the finished product looks.
Use a durable finish on trim and baseboards, like semi-gloss or satin. These can stand up to bumps from vacuums and daily life once the carpet’s down.
Don’t Rush the Drying Process
Fresh paint needs plenty of time to cure, not just dry. When you rush things, you risk smudges or scratches on your newly painted surfaces.
Most latex paint feels dry fast, but it takes days, sometimes even weeks, to fully harden. Check the label for the manufacturer’s advice, but at a minimum, wait 24 to 72 hours before installing any carpet or moving things back in.
Good airflow matters, too. Open up windows and use fans to help things dry and speed up the curing process. Build in a little buffer time between painting and the carpet installation to avoid regrets.
Protect Your Baseboards
Even with the right timing, your trim can take a beating during the carpet installation. Tools like power stretchers and knee-kickers can scuff or dent fresh paint around the baseboards.
Safeguard your work by running a strip of wide painter’s tape along the trim before installation day. You can even add thin cardboard as extra protection.
Let your installation crew know that you recently painted the rooms that are receiving new carpet. Most professionals are happy to help keep those surfaces looking perfect.
Don’t Paint the Final Coat on Baseboards
A smart trick is to wait until after the new carpet’s installed before finishing your baseboards. Go ahead with primer and your first coat now while the room’s open, then save the final touch-ups for last.
Once the carpet’s installed, fill in any dings or nail holes left from the process, then apply the last coat. It’s a simple way to guarantee your trim looks flawless after everyone’s done.
Here’s a quick rundown of the process.
- Paint the ceiling and walls completely.
- Prime and apply one coat to the baseboards.
- Install the carpet.
- Patch up any marks or holes on the baseboards.
- Finish with the final paint coat for the best results.
This two-stage process keeps your trim and baseboards looking professional and damage-free.
Consider Your Timeline
Success comes with solid planning. Allow enough time for preparation, painting, and curing before bringing in the flooring crew. Rushing won’t deliver the results you want.
Coordinate with each team involved. Working with painters and separate carpeting contractors? Make sure everyone’s schedule lines up so one job won’t disrupt the other. This keeps your project neat and efficient, with no one stepping on freshly-painted trim.
Keep an eye on the humidity and weather, too. Paint dries best in mild, dry weather, so try to plan accordingly. Giving yourself a couple of extra days can save huge headaches if things go off track.
Don’t Forget About Ventilation
Never underestimate the power of fresh air during and after painting. Paint fumes can be harsh, and a stuffy room slows down drying.
Open the windows and doors to get a cross-breeze going. Set up box fans—one blowing in, one blowing out—to really move air in and out of the space. You’ll clear away fumes and make sure the paint cures just as it should.
After painting, keep things aired out for at least another day or two. Your family and anyone sensitive to smells will find your home much more comfortable.
Choose the Right Paint Finish
The paint finish you choose really makes a difference. For most living rooms and bedrooms, an eggshell or satin finish gives a subtle shine and cleans up easily.
In bathrooms, kitchens, or high-traffic spots, pick a semi-gloss for walls that need extra protection. For trims and baseboards, semi-gloss or high-gloss is a strong choice. These finishes hold up well against dings, cleaning, and general wear.
Make Every Detail Count
Choosing to paint before your new carpet installation makes your life easier and your remodel simpler. With careful prep, realistic cure times, and basic protection throughout the process, your paint and your flooring will shine. Following each of the dos and don’ts of painting before your carpet installation keeps your timeline on track, and you’ll enjoy a finished space that looks as polished as you planned.