Please help settle debate on hall painting

[Hoopsadazy]

So, my friend is about to move into a new house. She really wants to paint the new hall a lighter colour. I agree on it being a great idea.

However, we cannot decide on whether she should paint it in the time the house is hers but empty (between getting keys and moving in) or wait until the removal guys have traipsed through, scuffing the walls (potentially!).

After moving in, it will no doubt end up 'on the list' as opposed to a priority and would have to move furniture, etc. back out to do it.

So, we are turning to you, lovely MNers as you are wise and full of great experience to help her decide TO PAINT or NOT TO PAINT.

How about painting it but be prepared to paint over scuff marks after the move?

paint before hand. Any scuffs can be patched over and like you say it will be a much easier job before she's moved in than after.

Paint and top up scuffs. Definately, otherwise it'll ne'er be done

Not to paint fully!

I've just had workmen in and out... inevitably the walls need more than one coat so we gave the hall / stairs / landing the bottom coat then waited until all of the work was completed before the final coat which also allowed for any filling and sanding.

Very glad we did it that way because they did mark the new paint.

If it was any other room I'd say paint before moving... but hallways don't have much furniture in do they? So I'd say paint after as there won't be much she needs to move out.

I like your great ideas on part painting and covering scuff marks. Mainly cos they all support my side of the argument :)

Friend is a putter-offer, so I think you have good arguments for me making her do it beforehand.

Cheers all you lovely professional decision-makers.

Mini - the problem with halls is the amount of traffic these get so very hard to keep everyone out while painting and drying etc.