Can You Paint Paneling Walls

Wood paneling can make your home look dated and cramped but replacing it is an extensive project that isn t always a viable option.

Can you paint paneling walls. In some instances you may be able to remove the paneling and paint the walls directly. Cut in the edges with a brush and roll on the primer using a 3 8 inch roller cover. This project can easily be completed in a weekend but you ll be able to enjoy the results for years to come. A deglosser is wiped onto the paneling acting as a liquid sandpaper so the paint will stick.

If the paneling is darker it may take more. If you plan to keep the trim s color as is or paint it a shade different than your wood paneling remove it from the wall. Wood paneling can make a home feel warm and comfortable. If you plan to paint the trim the same color as the wall lightly sand the adjacent wood trim on baseboards to allow the paint to adhere to it.

Clean the wall paneling with diluted tsp. When painting wood paneling sanding is not necessary. Prime the paneling with a stain blocking primer. It can instantly make that dingy paneling look fresh and bright for a fraction of the cost.

Just ensure the surface is clean. Next a primer is applied with a paintbrush and roller. This home depot guide gives you step by step instructions on how to paint paneling. But often paneling was installed with both nails and adhesive and you could damage your walls if you try to remove the paneling.

A fresh coat of paint quickly updates old wood paneling or wainscoting for less than the cost of replacing the walls. When you choose to paint wood paneling in the house use high quality products and take the proper steps. Allow to dry completely at least 24 hours. Home repair expert henry harrison teaches a homeowner how to paint paneling starting with the most important step which is surface preparation.

Allow the final coat of paint to dry overnight and then remove any painters tape and tarps. Wood paneling requires extra attention so that the walls can look their best. However if your house is full of paneling that is dated damaged or made of an inferior veneer it might have to go. Repeat painting and sanding until you have the desired color on your walls.

If you don t have the budget to remove it consider a coat of paint. Use a prybar and gently pull it loose. Paint it on just like a normal wall masking off the ceiling trim and baseboards. It will probably take 2 or 3 coats of paint for the wood paneling to be completely covered.

When you re ready to start painting make sure that your paneling is made of solid wood. If any grease or stains bleed through the primer several coats will be needed. Once everything has been sanded go over the walls and trim with a clean damp cloth to remove any dust or particles. Also in some cases the paneling was placed directly on the wall studs with nothing behind it.