diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py b/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py
index 5efce74c08..60224aefc7 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/widgets.py
@@ -863,11 +863,11 @@ class SplitterHandle(QSplitterHandle):
             self.update()
 
     def paintEvent(self, ev):
+        QSplitterHandle.paintEvent(self, ev)
         if self.highlight:
             painter = QPainter(self)
             painter.setClipRect(ev.rect())
             painter.fillRect(self.rect(), Qt.yellow)
-        QSplitterHandle.paintEvent(self, ev)
 
     def mouseDoubleClickEvent(self, ev):
         self.double_clicked.emit(self)