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Drywall → Paint/Finishes Sequence

Updated Mar 25, 2026
After drywall hung and taped: prime, texture, paint. Flooring after paint (or protect if before). Cabinets after drywall, before countertops. Trim/millwork after paint. Final clean before CO inspection.

The finish phase has strict sequencing to avoid damage and rework: (1) Hang drywall after insulation inspection passes, (2) Tape, mud, and sand — 3 coats minimum, each requiring dry time (24hrs per coat typical), (3) Prime all surfaces, (4) Texture if specified (knockdown, orange peel, smooth), (5) First coat paint (walls and ceilings), (6) Install cabinets (after drywall, need backing/blocking), (7) Install countertops (after cabinets), (8) Install tile (backsplash, floors — protect finished cabinets), (9) Install hardwood/LVP flooring (after paint to avoid drips, or before with protection), (10) Second coat paint (touch up after cabinet/counter install), (11) Install trim and millwork (baseboards, crown, casing — after flooring), (12) Install fixtures (lights, plumbing fixtures, hardware — LAST), (13) Final clean, (14) Final inspection / Certificate of Occupancy.

TAGS
sequencingfinishesdrywallpaintcabinetsflooringtrimpunchlist
DETAILS
activity
finishes
prerequisites
[{"type":"hard","activity":"insulation_inspection"},{"type":"hard","activity":"drywall_complete"}]
trade conflicts
["painters and flooring installers should not work simultaneously in same room"]
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