Painting touches almost every surface and comes after almost every trade. Good sequencing keeps it from becoming an endless punch list.
In this article
Why painting is tricky
Painters follow drywall, trim, cabinets and fixtures. Every trade after them can damage the walls.
Color approval
Get colors and sheens approved early with samples on the wall.
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Drywall finish
Confirm the drywall finish level before priming. Paint shows every flaw.
Prime coat
Prime before trim and cabinets go in, when access is easy.
Final coat
Apply after the trades that damage walls are finished.
Protection
Protect floors, windows and fixtures during painting.
Touch-ups
Plan a final touch-up round after the last trade leaves.
Exterior
Watch the weather. Temperature and humidity affect drying.
Getting started
Add a color approval date and a final touch-up round to your next schedule and assign the painter to the last week of the punch list.
Common mistakes
Late color approval, final coat too early and no touch-up round.
Example
A contractor started scheduling final paint after flooring and fixtures, with one touch-up round in the last week. The painter returned once instead of five times, and the punch list closed days earlier.
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Frequently asked questions
When should final paint happen on a construction project?
After the trades that can damage walls are done, such as flooring, cabinets, fixtures and trim, leaving touch-ups for the end of the punch list.