 Paint
Over Paneling for Brighter Decor
A lot of people have dark wood paneling
in their older homes. It darkens rooms and leaves
homeowners feeling as if they have no decorative
options save major remodeling to replace the paneling.
Many people never consider painting dark wood
paneling, but this inexpensive, quick decorating
fix is a good way to go when remodeling with plasterboard
or wall board is not an option. Professional house
painter can apply wood graining techniques to
simulate whatever look you desire. Also painting
and plastering the paneling can be done relatively
easily.
Painting wood paneling is fairly simple if the
surface is properly prepared first. Paneling has
a slick surface that doesn't readily accept paint.
A good quality primer should be applied to wood
paneling to give it a surface that can accept
the paint, without peeling and blistering becoming
a problem down the road. A light sanding before
the primer coat will further encourage primer
and paint adhesion.
 The
other benefit to priming is covering the dark
color of the wood panels. Without a good primer
coat, it may take three or more coats of paint
to cover the dark paneling adequately so that
trace of wood panel shows through. Primer can
be tinted to closely match the color of the paint
that will be applied as well. Tint primer in the
same shade or a shade or two lighter, and only
one or two coats of paint will be needed to cover
dark paneled walls.
Grooves in paneling will not cover easily with
a roller when applying primer or paint. Before
the wall is rolled, the grooves in the wood paneling
should be painted with a paintbrush, or patched
with joint compound.
With cutting in complete and panel grooves painted,
the paneled wall is ready to be rolled. Paint
the paneled walls with a paint roller as you would
any other wall surface.
As an alternative to simply covering wood paneling
with paint, paneled walls can be skim coated with
plaster, sanded and painted when the plaster is
cured. Skim coating eliminates the need to hand
paint grooves and provides a smooth, uniform wall
surface that any visitor will take for drywall.
Skim coating eliminates the need to rip down paneling
and hang drywall, an extensive remodeling project
to be sure. However, skim coating is a sizable
project, much more involved than simply painting
over paneled walls. It takes some practice to
get the plaster even and fill smoothly over grooves,
and some sanding is also involved. It is often
worth hiring a contractor to skim coat the wall,
then save the painting portion of the project
for yourself.
 Living
with dark, outdated wood paneling, or log home
siding is not a must. Even without a large remodeling
and redecorating budget, paneled walls and log
home siding can be wood grained and or painted
to create a brighter, better wall space in any
living area for just a small investment of time
and money. The difference created by simply painting
paneled walls is dramatic, and an investment well
worth the effort.
If you have tired of dark wood paneling or just
want to brighten a paneled room or log home, you
can paint or woodgrain the paneling, provided
you properly prepare the surface. This involves
removing grease and dirt and scuff-sanding the
factory finish so the paint will adhere better.
Before you start, consider your options. If for
example, inexpensive paneling has been applied
over furring strips nailed over drywall or plaster,
you might want to remove the paneling and furring,
make the necessary wall repairs, and paint the
walls. In most cases, however, the easiest approach
is to paint the paneling, and drywall tape all
seams necessary.
 1.
Prepare the Room: Remove everything that
you can from the room, and move anything that
you cannot remove to the center and cover it with
plastic drop cloths. Remove electrical outlet
plates and any wall fixtures. Remove area rugs
and cover carpeting with canvas dropcloths.
2. Provide Ventilation: Provide
good cross-ventilation by installing a box fan
in an open window so that it exhausts air outdoors.
Open another window just outside the room so that
when the fan is on air will flow into the room
and out the
3. Clean the Paneling: If the
paneling is in or near a kitchen and has a buildup
of grease, take time to clean it with an ammonia/water/detergent
cleaning solution. In stubborn cases, use an abrasive
cleaning pad dampened with mineral spirits. In
both cases, turn on the exhaust fan and wear rubber
gloves and eye protection.
Tip: As you clean the paneling
keep an eye out for any loose areas and secure
them with paneling nails before you paint.
 4.
Remove the Shine: There are two ways
to remove the shine that would prevent the paint
from bonding well to the existing finish. You
can sand the entire wall with fine sandpaper in
a pad sander; or you can brush on a deglossing
chemical, such as Liquid Sander (or use a combination
of the two). The fan will help keep down the dust
but sanding is best done with a sander equipped
with a dust collector, preferably the type that
attaches to a vacuum. Nevertheless, wear a dust
mask. If you use the chemical approach, follow
cautions on the label. Most deglossers are only
effective for a few hours before they must be
coated with paint, so keep that in mind when you
plan your work.
5. Apply a Bonding Primer:
Although it may not be necessary, you are virtually
guaranteed success if you apply a special stain-killing
bonding primer before painting. The primer is
applied with a paint roller and brush in the usual
manner. Most of these primers dry very quickly
and can be topcoated within a few hours, but check
the label. Instead of or in addition to a bonding
primer, a bonding additive can be stirred into
the first of two topcoats.
 Tip:
Have your primer tinted to the approximate color
of your topcoat.
6. Caulk Cracks: Paint will
make any joints and open cracks between the paneling
and trim (or ceiling) more noticeable. This is
a good time to seal them with siliconized acrylic-latex
caulk. Cut very little of the tip off the cartridge,
fill the joints, and then smooth with a wet finger.
7. Paint: Topcoat the paneling
with 100% acrylic latex paint. Cut in (outline)
an area with a brush or edging-pad paint applicator
and then roll on the paint using a 1/2-inch nap
roller cover.
9. Restore the Room: Replace
fixtures, outlet plates, pictures, etc., as soon
as the paint is dry. Restore power, replace furnishings,
and enjoy!
Ask Your Painting Over Paneling Question Here!
For Local Painting Over Paneling Contractors or
Services CLICK HERE
Things you’ll need for painting over paneling
• Ladder 
• Plastic
• Drop cloths
• Drywall pan and blades
• Drywall tape
• Caulk and caulk gun
• Patching compound
• Dust masks
• Area fan
• Plastic snap off razor blades or utility
knife
• Odorless oil base primer
• Blue tape
• Sandpaper or sponges
• 500 watt Halogen lights
• Paint brushes
• High quality non shedding solvent resistant
sleeve for priming
• 100% acrylic latex paint
• Nails
• Hammer
|
