[Bugman1400]

I just paid to have hardwood floors installed upstairs. This was after I had my stairs completely ripped out and replaced. Then, I went back and put in the base boards and cap molding myself. My question is about shoe molding. Because there is a gap between the base board and the hardwood floor, I'd assume shoe molding is appropriate. So, I have a couple of questions:

1.) Is it common practice among professionals to paint the shoe molding first?
2.) I know caulking goes between the shoe and the base but, what about the shoe and the floor? What is best method to paint afterwards...just tape it?
3.) In the picture, after turning the shoe molding around the corner towards the stairs, how far do I stop before the nose of the first tread?

Many thanks!

 

[firehawkmph]

Bug,
1.) I prime and paint the first coat on the shoe before installing.
2.) no caulking between shoe and floor. If you install the shoe tight to the base, paint will more than likely bridge the gap on final coat. If you have a gap here and there, caulk with a paintable caulk. On the final coat of paint, I don't tape, but stay about a scant 1/8" off the bottom of the base. If you get any paint on the floor, wrap a damp cloth around a stiff putty knife and wipe it off.
3.) I would stop the base at the point on the tread where the bullnose radius begins. Return it into itself so you have a nice finished end.
Mike Hawkins:smile:

 

[BigJim]

Bug,
1.) I prime and paint the first coat on the shoe before installing.
2.) no caulking between shoe and floor. If you install the shoe tight to the base, paint will more than likely bridge the gap on final coat. If you have a gap here and there, caulk with a paintable caulk. On the final coat of paint, I don't tape, but stay about a scant 1/8" off the bottom of the base. If you get any paint on the floor, wrap a damp cloth around a stiff putty knife and wipe it off.
3.) I would stop the base at the point on the tread where the bullnose radius begins. Return it into itself so you have a nice finished end.
Mike Hawkins:smile:

Ditto...