Unfinished wood and paint

Q: I own a painting company and I am doing a job for a home owner who is concerned about paint dripping on his unfinished Brazilian walnut hardwood floor. The installer told him that the paint can not be removed and I need to know if this is correct or not.

This floors still are going to be sanded and finished when I am done painting.

A: It is a risk to drip paint on any unfinished wood because it can get in the grain where it is about impossible to remove. As an alternate, I would suggest the floors be sanded, with at least 1 coat of finish applied. Then he can back off and let you paint. You will still need to cover the floor and use care, but having some finish on it should allow some protection. After you are done, he can come back and give it another couple of coats.