When To Paint Skirting Boards

[tearinghair]

I'm having a new carpet fitted in the landing, stairs and hall in two weeks' time. Thought it would be sensible to cheer up the skirting board with a fresh coat of paint. Before or after? I'm sure there is a 'correct' way to do this, but I can see pros and cons on both sides. I should add that the carpet is being professionally fitted, but that it will be me splashing (or preferably not splashing) the paint about.

[melv16]

Beforehand.

[TonyV]

I would take carpet up yourself then you can sand and paint skirting with no worry of spoiling your new carpet.

[stevepostie]

before deffo or chance of paint on new carpet

[tearinghair]

Thanks, I thought that would be the advice. I don't want to risk scratches on the new paint when the old carpet is taken up, but I'm sure I can trust the fitters to do it carefully (a well-established family firm). I'm just a bit concerned that the paint won't be right down to the edge, in case the carpet is thinner than the present one. No chance of taking it up myself though (76 and with arthritic neck and shoulders).

[teacake44]

Do it well before to give the paint plenty of time to dry. If you don't want to take up the carpet due to exposing the gripper rods, that can be very dangerous going up and down stairs, also deadly for pets paws, ( if you have a pet) do as I do, get a good sharp Stanley knife and cut a three inch boarder of carpet away from skirting, and stair wells, give a good hoover, and paint. You then still have carpet down in the main areas, and no problem with exposed gripper rods.

[TonyV]

If you don't have friends or family that can help you, maybe ask carpet fitting company if they will take it up a few days before your new one is installed.

[TonyV]

Good advice teacake

[tearinghair]

Just realised what you mean by gripper rods, teacake44. This dates me - I was thinking back to the 1950s when we had stair rods on top of the carpet or lino... Thanks for the advice, I'll see what I can arrange. I'm sure my cats will be grateful too.

[whistonian]

It's a no brainer,remove your old carpets and complete any decorating BEFORE the new carpets are fitted.

[Old_Geezer]

I concur. Lift old carpet. Then sand/paint woodwork. Then get folk to lay new carpet.

[-SharonA-]

I cannot believe this question was asked!!

[Old_Geezer]

Well, there's not a lot else you can do with a question.

[-SharonA-]

Lol old geezer!

[aelmpvw]

i wouldn't have a pot of paint in a room with newly laid carpet ...

[TonyV]

SharonA thought this was an helping site?

[tearinghair]

I tried to explain that a) I could see pros and cons for both answers and would appreciate advice, though I guessed what this might be, and b) that I am not personally able to lift the carpet. I am sorry if it is felt that I should have known better than to ask, but thank you to those who have given me helpful advice which I shall try to follow.

[jack daniels]

What I would add to all the other good answers you've had so far, is to paint asap so it has plenty of time to dry because remember that the carpet fitter will be 'knocking' the carpet back in all edges, with their knee kicker if using.

[teacake44]

tearinghair, take no notice of the idiots, some of them never read the post right. :)

[nailit]

Best way is ALWAYS without carpets, but even if WITH carpets, nothing that a bit of masking tape wouldn't take care of.
If without carpets and the fitters somehow manage to 'chip' a bit of paint, then a bit of 'spot' touching on the gloss work would only take a couple of mins to put right.