
When renovating, it is generally recommended to complete all interior painting before installing downlights. This is because drilling holes for downlights before painting may result in plaster dust ruining the paint finish. Additionally, if you drill holes before painting and make a mistake, it is easier to fix before the final paint coat. However, some people prefer to paint after installing downlights, as it is easier to see the colour of the paint and check the paintwork with the lights on. If you are installing can lights, you may want to install them before painting, as it will be easier for the electrician to do so before the drywall is installed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of lighting | Can lights, recessed lights, flush mount fixtures, lights that hang down, spotlights, pendants, downlights |
| Type of renovation | New construction, remodelling |
| Timing of installation | Before or after painting |
| Advantages of installing before painting | Easier to work with, avoids cutting into the ceiling after painting, avoids repainting due to mistakes, easier to see the colour to paint, avoids sullying new paint job, neater and more professional-looking paint job |
| Advantages of installing after painting | Avoids damage or theft of expensive light fittings |
| Other considerations | Type of light bulb, ease of access for electrician, skill level of painter, whether rewiring is required |
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What You'll Learn
- Install downlights before painting to avoid cutting into the ceiling after painting
- Install downlights before painting to avoid repainting the ceiling in case of mistakes
- Install downlights after painting to avoid dirtying the freshly painted ceiling
- Install downlights before painting to avoid having to remove the fixtures finish trim
- Install downlights after painting to make it easier to see the colour to paint

Install downlights before painting to avoid cutting into the ceiling after painting
Installing downlights before painting is a good idea if you want to avoid cutting into the ceiling after the painting is done. This is especially true if you are installing can lights as part of a renovation or new construction. During the rough-in phase of the project, before the drywall is installed, it is easier for the electrician to install the can lights.
If you are doing a remodel and the existing ceiling will stay in place, you will likely be installing remodel can lights, which are held in place by clamps on the light fixture that use the drywall to support the weight of the can light. In this case, it is still recommended to install the lights before painting to avoid cutting into the ceiling after painting.
If you are installing recessed lights, it is also recommended to paint the ceiling before installing the lights. This is because, if you paint after installing the lights, you will have to remove the fixtures and finish trim to paint right up to the ceiling opening. Painting before installing the lights will also make the job quicker and easier, and the finish will look more professional.
However, some people prefer to paint after installing the lights, as it can make it easier to see the colour of the paint and check the paintwork. It can also be a good idea to leave the installation of expensive lights until last to avoid damage or theft. If you are completing a remodeling project that does not involve rewiring the house, you may also want to paint first, as you can use the existing electrical service for power for lights.
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Install downlights before painting to avoid repainting the ceiling in case of mistakes
When it comes to renovating, the short answer is that it is generally recommended to install downlights before painting to avoid repainting the ceiling in case of mistakes. This is especially true if you are installing can lights or doing a renovation that involves rewiring.
If you are installing can lights, the type of light will determine the order of your renovation tasks. For new construction can lights, it is typical to install them before painting as they are attached directly to the ceiling joists or framing. For remodel can lights, it is also preferable to install them before painting. This is because remodel can lights are held in place by clamps on the light fixture that use the drywall to support their weight, and it is easier to work with them before the ceiling is painted.
If you are doing a renovation that involves rewiring, it is also recommended to complete the electrical work before painting. This is because you will be able to use the existing electrical service for power for tools and lighting during the renovation. However, if you are not rewiring, the decision of whether to paint before or after installing downlights may depend on personal preference and convenience.
In some cases, it may be easier to paint before installing downlights. For example, if you are installing recessed lighting, it may be easier to see the colour of the paint with the lights on. Additionally, if you are concerned about damage or theft, you may want to leave the installation of downlights until the end.
To avoid repainting the ceiling in case of mistakes, it is generally recommended to install downlights before painting. However, there may be instances where it is more convenient or preferable to paint first. Ultimately, the decision of whether to paint before or after installing downlights may depend on the specific circumstances of your renovation project.
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Install downlights after painting to avoid dirtying the freshly painted ceiling
There are differing opinions on whether to install downlights before or after painting a ceiling. Some people suggest that it is best to paint the ceiling first, to avoid dirtying the freshly painted ceiling.
If you are installing can lights, the type of light you are installing will determine when you should paint your ceiling. If you are doing a renovation or new construction, you can install and lay out your light fixtures before the drywall is installed. New construction can lights are attached directly to the ceiling joists or framing. However, if the existing ceiling will remain, you will likely be installing a remodel can light, which is held in place by clamps on the light fixture that use the drywall to support the weight of the light.
If you are installing recessed lights, it is possible to install them in a freshly painted ceiling, but the painting will be quicker and easier if done prior to installing the lights. It is also neater and more professional-looking if the ceiling is painted beforehand. To avoid sullying the paint job, turn off the breaker to the lighting circuit and check with a non-contact voltage tester. You can also use masking tape to protect the lights from paint.
Some people prefer to paint after installing lights, as it is easier to see the colour of the paint and check the paintwork with the lights on. It is also prudent to leave the installation of expensive items, such as certain types of light fittings, until last to avoid damage or theft.
If you are installing flush mount fixtures or hanging lights, you can use painter's plastic to wrap the light fixture and tape to hold the plastic in place.
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Install downlights before painting to avoid having to remove the fixtures finish trim
Installing downlights before painting is a good idea if you want to avoid having to remove the fixtures finish trim. If you paint first, you will need to cut into the ceiling to install the downlights, and if you make a mistake, you'll have to repair and repaint the ceiling.
If you are installing can lights, the type you are installing will determine when you should paint your ceilings. If you are doing a renovation or new construction, you can install and lay out your light fixtures during the rough-in phase of the project, which occurs before drywall is installed. New construction can lights are attached directly to the ceiling joists or framing, so they should be installed before painting. Remodel can lights are held in place by clamps on the light fixture that use the drywall to support their weight, so they can be installed either before or after painting. However, it is generally recommended to install them before painting to avoid having to cut into a finished ceiling.
If you are installing recessed lights, it is also recommended to paint the ceiling before installing the lights. This is because you will need to cut openings in the ceiling's finish before installing the lights, and it is easier to do this before the ceiling has been painted. Painting before installing recessed lights will also result in a neater and more professional-looking paint job.
Some people prefer to paint after installing downlights because it is easier for the painter to see the colour of the paint with the lights on, and it is also easier to check the paintwork. Additionally, if you are completing a remodelling project that does not involve rewiring the house, you can use the existing electrical service for power for lights during the painting process. However, if you paint first, you will need to cover the lights with plastic or tape to protect them from paint.
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Install downlights after painting to make it easier to see the colour to paint
There are various considerations to take into account when deciding whether to install downlights before or after painting. The type of downlights being installed is one factor that can help determine the order of tasks. If installing can lights, for example, the renovation or new construction project will allow for the installation and layout of light fixtures during the rough-in phase, which occurs before drywall installation. In this case, it is easier for the electrician to install the lights before painting.
However, if the existing ceiling will remain in place during a remodelling project, a remodel can light will be used. In this instance, it may be preferable to paint the ceiling first, as cutting into the ceiling to install the lights after painting could result in mistakes and the need for repainting.
Another factor to consider is the convenience of having adequate lighting while painting. It is easier for the painter to work with the lights on, and lighting also facilitates checking the paintwork. Additionally, if the wiring has not been installed before skimming, it is important to ensure access from above, which may influence the order of tasks.
To avoid the need for repainting, some sources suggest using painter's plastic to wrap light fixtures before painting to prevent paint from getting on them. Overall, the decision of whether to install downlights before or after painting depends on the specific circumstances and preferences of the project.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to complete all interior painting first and then finish the electrical work. However, if you are installing can lights, the type of light will determine when you should paint your ceilings. For new construction can lights, it is typical to install them before painting. For remodel can lights, it is easier to install them before painting, but it is possible to paint first and then install the lights.
Installing downlights before painting can help you avoid cutting into the ceiling after painting, which may ruin the finish. It also makes it easier to fix any mistakes made during installation, as they can be patched up before the final paint coat.
Painting first can result in a neater and more professional-looking finish. It is also easier for the painter to work with the lights on and for you to check the paintwork.
































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