How To Paint Wall Paneling

Home repair expert henry harrison teaches a homeowner how to paint paneling starting with the most important step which is surface preparation.

How to paint wall paneling.

Apply a thin coat of your paint to all paneling surfaces. Prime paneling with a latex stain blocking primer. Painting wood paneling is a simple way to change the look of a room. It should have a long enough nap to fill the vertical grooves in the paneling but short enough to leave a smooth surface.

Any dust dirt or oily fingerprints can prevent the paint from sticking well to the wood paneling so start by thoroughly washing the wood. A fresh coat of paint quickly updates old wood paneling or wainscoting for less than the cost of replacing the walls. For even coverage we recommend having your primer tinted with colorant similar to the finished paint. As you re wiping the walls down focus especially on the crevices in the panels since dirt tends to build up here.

If your walls have a vinyl or thin veneer finish you ll need to. A deglosser is wiped onto the paneling acting as a liquid sandpaper so the paint will stick. Clean the wall paneling with diluted tsp. When you re ready to start painting make sure that your paneling is made of solid wood.

Let the first coat dry as directed then apply a. If any grease or stains bleed through the primer several. Take care of any drips right away too. This home depot guide gives you step by step instructions on how to paint paneling.

Some paneling actually consists of a vinyl print that simulates the look of wood. It lists paint tools you ll need tells you the best paint for paneling and gives tips on choosing a primer for wood paneling. Wipe down the paneling with a damp rag to remove dust and dirt. Use a roller with a medium nap to paint paneling.

To check sand a small area on the wall. Remove any excess paint that collects in the panel grooves using your brush. Next a primer is applied with a paintbrush and roller. Vinyl coatings come off quickly revealing the pressboard underneath.

Dust dirt and other debris will create an uneven surface that will show beneath your paint.