I just purchased a house and want to refinish the wood floors after I pull up the old rugs. I also have to paint almost every room where there is wood floors. Should I paint first and then redo the floors or vice versa. I am told that if I refinish the floors first and then paint and all of the dust from sanding is not cleaned up, my paint may not stick well. My other thought is if I paint first, I will not have to be so careful in covering the wood floors before painting. Finally, I am having a contractor do the floors, but I will be painting myself. Thanks for any help.

 

Dave,
I would positively paint first. Your old carpets are your drop cloths. Just be careful when removing the old carpet. And if the floor contractor nicks or scrapes the walls, just hand him the paint brush. LOL. A little touch-up here or there will not be noticeable with freshly painted walls.

 

I agree with Fewalt. I've been handed the paint brush on occasion, as well as doing minor drywall repairs. Mistakes happen.

 

Thanks for the input guys. A follow-up question is what about the dust clean-up after the sanding. Is that going to be a problem? What's the best way to go about doing a complete clean-up. I gotta bring the kids in the house soon after the jobs are done. Thanks.

 

Dave,
A majority of the floor snding dust will fall to the floor, however, some may adhere to the walls. I would do a dry dusting of the walls if it is noticeable. Avoid water usage (damp sponge), as this may streak your freshly painted walls.

 

Paint first & use the old carpet as drop cloths. Afterwards, you can pick up some dry sponges from the janitorial supply or home center and wipe down your walls. They work like a big eraser to collect all the dust.