The working title for this film was The Straw Cellar. Principal photography began the week of 13 October 1917, according to that day’s Moving Picture World, in which Fred Church was listed as a cast member. A release date of 4 February 1918 was scheduled. The 4 January 1918 Variety noted a title change to The Painted Lip; however, the film was released as Painted Lips.
       For the opening of Painted Lips in Chicago, IL, the Chicago Board of Censors required the following cuts, as stated in the 2 March 1918 Exhibitors Herald: “Reel 1, last seven fight scenes, to include felling of man; letter and newspaper clipping referring to ‘Farnsworth girl’ and vision of man and girl on street following letter. Reel 2, hugging scenes between girls and man at at table in ‘Straw Cellar’; subtitle, ‘If we love why is marriage necessary?’ Reel 3, all exchange of glances between man and girls at table; subtitle, ‘It’s too speedy for you,’ etc., and scene of older girl leaving table and joining young man and two scenes following showing them at table together. Reel 4, girls drinking with men at tables. Reel 5, man locking girl in room; subtitle, ‘I rang you up to say that I shall send her back to you the kind of woman you thought she was’; man unlocking door and inserting key in inner side of same; all but first struggle scenes between man and girl; flash five fight scenes between Slater and girl’s father.”
       The National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) included this picture on its list of Lost U.S. Silent Feature Films as of February 2021.