revamp your drab or outdated space with our expert tips for painting wood paneling flawlessly.
Without taking appropriate measures, you could end up with an unevenpaint jobthat you’ll have to redo later.
Be sure to get in the panels' crevices, which tend to collect dirt.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Allow the wall to dry completely before moving to the next step.
For stubborn stains, use mineral spirits to scrub the surface of your wood-paneled walls.
Just be sure to wear protective gear and use adequate ventilation when applying the spirits.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Use a putty knife to spread the compound smoothly over the holes or imperfections.
Don’t worry about the color of the puttyit will dry neutral and be covered with paint.
Allow the putty to dry, thensand the spacklingflush with the surface.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.
This will take the sheen off the finish, which will allow the paint to adhere better.
Use a prybar and gently pull it loose.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Touch up any rough sanding spots along the way.
This will give your room a nice, polished look.
Allow thecaulking to drythoroughly before painting your wood paneling.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to see how long you should let it cure.
It will keep the edges of your room looking clean and sharp.
First, cover the floor with drop cloths large enough to reach along the paneled walls.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
If the paint drips, the drop cloth will store your flooring.
Step 7: Prime and Paint Paneling
Prime paneling with a latex-based, stain-blocking primer.
For even coverage, we recommend tinting your primer with a colorant similar to the finished paint.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Use a rollerwith a medium nap to paint wood paneling.
Once the primer has dried, finish it with two coats of latex wall paint.
More Ways to Update a Wood-Paneled Space
Paint is a versatile tool for transforming outdated wood-paneled walls.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
A dark, moody color can turn an unstylish den into a sophisticated gathering place.
But you’re not limited to a single color and you’re not limited to paint.
Here are a few other ways to makeover your wood-paneled walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in some cases, you might paint wood paneling without sanding.
Just clean, sand, and prime the surface as you would with unpainted or varnished wood paneling.
If the existing paint is thick, heavily layered, or significantly damaged, stripping may be necessary.
Use a sander and heat gun for small projects and chemical strippers for larger jobs.
