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How to paint wall panelling


How to Paint Wood Paneling the Right Way

Reviewed by

Johnathan Brewer

Reviewed by Johnathan Brewer

Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience.

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Fact checked by

Jessica Wrubel

Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel

Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.

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The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Project Overview

Wood paneling can make a home feel warm and comfortable. However, if your house is full of paneling that is dated, damaged, or made of an inferior veneer, it's worth considering an upgrade. Since removing it could be costly, consider a coat of paint. It can instantly make that dingy paneling look fresh and bright for a fraction of the cost.

Whether or not to paint wood paneling and moldings is often up for debate. The answer is a resounding yes when it comes to the cheap wood veneer that was so popular during the 1970s. When discussing higher-quality, solid wood-paneling, the decision can be more complicated. First, there's no going back, as it's pretty much impossible to completely redo the process if you ever change your mind. Also, solid-wood planks have numerous joints that can open up and show hairline cracks if the planks contract during periods of low humidity.

Warning

If the paneling has old paint that was likely applied before 1980, do not sand the paneling unless you have the paint tested to confirm that it does not contain lead. If old paint tests positive for lead, skip the sanding and simply apply a good primer to ensure the paint job will stick.

If you decide to paint over the wood paneling in your home, follow the proper steps to ensure it's done correctly. It may seem like cleaning, sanding, and priming are unnecessary, but paneling requires extra attention if you want the wall to look its best. Consider an oil-based primer for good coverage and to aid against bleed-through.

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Equipment / Tools

Materials

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  1. Clean the Molding and Paneling 

    Begin by making sure the paneling is clean. A damp rag will remove most of the dust, dirt, and cobwebs. If there are layers of grime, use a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate, a heavy-duty cleaner) or a TSP substitute (which can be less toxic) and water to get it all off.

    Never paint over a dirty surface because the paint won’t adhere properly. It will also look low-grade because the paint will pick up clumps of dirt, making it impossible to get a flat, clean look.

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  2. Fill and Sand the Wood

    Apply wood putty with a putty knife to fill any holes or cracks and allow to dry. If desired, lightly sand all of the paneling, along with trim and moldings, with 150-grit sandpaper. The idea is to take off the sheen and create a lightly gritty surface so the paint will adhere. Try not to get carried away and sand too hard. When you're finished, wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth to remove all the dust.

    Note: Sanding is optional and often is not necessary. Using a good primer that will stick to the old finish usually means you don't have to sand the wood. Just keep in mind that if the primer doesn't stick well, neither will the paint. Sanding always improves adhesion.

    Some paneling that appears to be wood may just be a melamine finish. If it is, sanding and a primer are recommended. Check with your paint supplier for the proper primer.

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  3. Caulk Around the Trim

    Apply caulk to any gaps between paneling planks, between the panels and trim, and around the windows and doors. Make sure to use "paintable" caulk. Allow the caulk to dry, as directed by the manufacturer.

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  4. Prime the Wood

    Use a foam sponge roller and a brush or just a brush alone to apply a thin coat of primer to all of the paneling. When rolling, keep a brush on hand to get into any cracks, seams, or corners where the roller can’t reach and remove drips. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including any trim. It’s best to use an oil-based primer or a water-based stain-blocking primer. These will prevent any grease or wood stains from coming through and ruining your paint job. 

    When painting knotty pine, use a primer formulated to cover knots, which can bleed through several coats of paint if not properly primed.

  5. Paint the Paneling

    Apply a thin coat of paint to all paneling surfaces. Begin at the top and work your way down, making sure to cover all the gaps between the panels. With your brush, remove any excess paint that collects in the panel grooves. Take care of any drips right away, too. Let the first coat dry, as directed, then apply a second coat.

    After the primer and first coat, your wall may look finished, but a second coat will ensure the best coverage and improve its durability. It’s definitely worth the extra time and materials.

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

  6. Paint the Trim

    Paint the trim your desired color. It is usually best to use a glossier finish for the walls, which helps the trim stand out, and creates a smoother surface that's easier to clean. However, this really comes down to personal preference.

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Lead in Paint. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How to Paint Wall Paneling: Painting Wall Panels

How to Paint Wall Paneling: Painting Wall Panels
  1. Angi
  2. Solution Center
  3. Home Interiors

Wood paneling can be your favorite feature if you know how to paint it correctly

Photo: Perry Mastrovito / Image Source / Getty Images

Difficulty

Simple project; big impact.

Time to complete

48 hours

This project can take a whole weekend, depending on the prep work and drying time.

$50–$100

You’ll wonder why everyone doesn’t do this themselves.

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What you'll need:

TOOLS

SUPPLIES

Whether you call it “potentially charming” or “always ugly,” wood paneling makes a statement. The good news is learning how to paint wall paneling is a weekend project that will personalize and transform this feature into one you’ll love. Use this guide for a budget-friendly and stylish way to update your room without tearing up walls.

  1. Evaluate the Wall Paneling’s Condition

    Photo: Andreas von Einsiedel / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images

    Before rolling on the prettiest paint, note the paneling’s condition so you can buy the right supplies and plan your painting strategy. Your attention to the prep work matters—washing and prepping the walls are the most important factors for the perfect finish.

    Is the paneling heavily soiled and stained? Washing the walls is an important step, and most cleaning jobs only require grease-fighting dish soap, but getting rid of cigarette smells might require a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner.

    Determine if your paneling is solid wood or has a vinyl finish that looks like wood. You can check by sanding a hidden piece of paneling and see if the vinyl falls away. If it does, you’ll have to skip the sanding and look for a high-performance primer.

  2. Purchase Your Supplies

    Photo: AllNikArt/ iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Note how many holes, cracks, or damaged areas you’ll need to fix, so you’ll know which products to buy, like caulk and wood filler. This also helps you plan how much drying time to schedule between repairs and painting. You’ll also decide whether to fill the grooves that wood paneling often has. You might prefer a flat finish or decide to keep the lines visible because they add a stylish dimension similar to beadboard paneling.

    You’ll either choose an oil-based primer or stain-blocking latex primer. Generally, latex products work for most wood panel painting projects and are easier to apply and clean up. However, some paneling (especially sheets with lots of wood knots) requires an oil-based primer to keep stains from seeping through. Talk with a paint pro at a home improvement store if you’re unsure of which primer to use.

  3. Empty the Room

    Photo: Spiderstock/ E+/ Getty Images

    It's easiest to paint a room without furniture, so remove as much furniture as possible. After, unscrew the outlet and light switch covers and store them in plastic bags, or consider adding new ones to help freshen up your room’s overall look.

  4. Protect the Floor and Wash the Walls

    Photo: M.Dörr & M.Frommherz/ Adobe Stock

    Protect the floor from the soapy water and paint products with a plastic sheet or painter’s drop cloth. Then, wash the paneling with dish soap or TSP. You might need a ladder to reach the highest points. Make sure to let the paneling dry before moving on.

  5. Fill the Holes and Grooves

    Photo: DmitryPK / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Take the time to correct the paneling’s blemishes with paintable caulk and wood filler for the smoothest finish. Fill in gaps, cracks, seams, and grooves (if you choose to do so), but let everything dry before sanding, priming, and painting.

  6. Sand the Paneling

    Photo: M.Dörr & M.Frommherz/ Adobe Stock

    Sand away extra texture from the wood filler and caulk with 150-grit sandpaper or sanding blocks so the primer and paint go on evenly. If your paneling needs light sanding for the primer and paint to adhere, now is the time. Later, use a damp cloth to remove excess dust from the paneling. Don't forget to vacuum the remaining dust before applying primer and paint.

  7. Tape Off Before Painting

    Photo: Visual Art Agency/ iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Decide whether or not to prime and paint the trim (molding, doors, or ceiling) in addition to the wood paneling. If you only want the paneling covered, apply painter’s tape to protect the existing trim colors. 

    Note: If you plan to add another color to your trim, prime everything at once, and then add the painter’s tape to the trim after it's dried so you can paint straight lines with the new color.

  8. Brush and Roll on the Primer

    Photo: Irina Vasilevskaia / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Start by working from the ceiling down and priming the grooves with brush strokes. Then, use the paint roller to cover the rest. After the primer is completely dry, you may need another coat to hide stains. Let the second coat dry before adding the color.

  9. Paint the Paneling

    Photo: Nitchakul Sangpetch / EyeEm / Getty Images

    To paint like a pro, follow the same steps as priming the paneling, but be careful not to let the paint in the grooves dry before you can smooth it over with the paint roller. The paint roller pulls double duty and erases brush marks. Plan for a second coat of paint to get a professional look.

  10. Paint Your Trim, Ceiling, and Windows

    Photo: SolStock/ E+ / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    If you need a big update and want to paint the room’s trim, ceiling, or windows, wait for the paint on the paneling to dry, add painter's tape to protect the new color, and then tackle the last bit of the project.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Painting wood paneling is a great beginner DIY project. But if you're short on time, tools, and patience, a professional interior painter can knock out the project quickly with expert results. On average, you can expect to pay about $3.30 per square foot for the cost of interior painting.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, paint primer is necessary before painting over wood paneling. A hardy primer formula covers up stains and leaves a grippy surface for the new paint to hold onto. If you don’t use a primer first, you risk poor adhesion, visible blemishes, and a paint top coat that could flake away later. 

There are two primer choices: oil-based or latex-based. Choose an oil-based primer for durability and adhesion, but prepare for extra dry time and more VOC (volatile organic compounds) fumes. Or, pick a stain-blocking latex primer. They’re easy to apply, clean up, and affordable.

Latex paint is a good option to use on wood panels because it's user-friendly and easy to find in home improvement stores. It comes in a variety of finishes ranging from high-gloss to flat. Depending on the amount of paneling, a professional painter’s favorite is often a satin or eggshell finish. They add a bit of sheen and shine, but not too much. Latex paint is also water-based, so cleanup is quick, and you can easily scrub your brushes clean.

It's possible to paint over paneling without sanding if you use a primer that masks defects and provides a strong base layer for the final coat of paint to adhere to. If you have solid wood paneling, it's helpful to sand it lightly so your primer and paint stick. But, if your paneling has a faux veneer, skip the sanding because you’ll remove a layer and expose the pressed board underneath.

Instead of just painting over wood paneling, you should apply a couple of coats of high-quality primer before your final paint color. The primer pulls double duty by covering up any marks or tree knots that would bleed through the last paint coat. It also serves as a sticky base for your paint color. If you paint over the paneling without priming, you won't brush and roll on a near-professional finish.

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Recommended Articles

paint selection, step by step instructions and options

Lining is one of the most popular, versatile and affordable finishing materials. But at the same time, you often want to diversify or update your interior! In this case, painting the lining is indispensable. In this article, you will learn about the main criteria for choosing paintwork materials for lining, about the stages and technology of painting, as well as decor options.

The paint on the lining is applied not only for decorative purposes, painting is a necessary stage of finishing or facing the room.

Benefits of painting lining:
An example of painting a lining in different colors

How to paint a lining?

Two goals: protecting the lining from the damaging effects of light, moisture and fire by updating old wood or a radical change in the style of the interior - suggest two options for painting.

Lining protection compounds

Decorative products for lining

What to do before painting?

Preliminary preparation is important for standard lining, and for eurolining, pre-treatment of panels is not required, in addition, we have white painted eurolining in the catalog, which is ready for use.

For new lining:

  1. Sort the material, carefully checking each lamella.
  2. Clean up imperfections in lining by bleaching.
  3. Remove grease stains with acetone (25%)
  4. Use sandpaper or a wire brush to smooth the surface.

Tip! Purchase dry lumber so you don't have to worry about drying boards before installation.

An example of the use of sandpaper for grinding the surface of the lining

For old lining:

Stages of lining painting

We have already told you how to mount the lining and gave a description of the various ways of fixing it, now we will tell you about the nuances of painting this finishing material.

  1. Apply a small amount of paint to the lining with a roller or brush, spread the coating evenly over the surface with rubbing movements.
  2. Leave the paint to dry.
  3. Resand the surface for a patinated effect. Then apply a second coat of paint and wait for it to dry completely.

Important! The number of layers of paintwork materials depends on the ability of the composition to completely paint over the surface, as well as on the desired staining effect.

Often, after painting, unpainted spots, paint smudges, and spots remain on the lining. To avoid all this, carefully prime the surface before painting and follow the painting technology, or simply use the service of factory painting lumber.

Lining options

We have already talked in detail about the variety of types of lining for interior and exterior cladding. The lining can be painted in different ways.

If you want to preserve the unique grain of the wood, use azure, wax or oil. These compounds are absorbed within 10 minutes, after which the residue must be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth. You will receive a brushed lining.

And if you want to get a lining in the color of bleached oak, then take the appropriate stain or oil and apply several layers to the lining. It is not recommended to use a primer for this effect, as over time the surface may turn yellow.

If you are tired of the standard arrangement and painting, decorate the wall or the entire interior with lining of different thicknesses and paint them in different shades of the same color.

When decorating a children's room, the lining can be painted with bright drawings from children's fairy tales or patterns. Be sure to cover such a pattern with colorless varnish or oil.

It is advisable not to use paintwork materials for the interior finishing of the sauna, as in hot air they will quickly begin to evaporate, and under the influence of high temperature the paint will quickly crumble. We advise you to use high-quality lining made of aspen varieties “Extra” and “A” for finishing the steam room. Such material will last a long time, retain texture and will not deform. The advantages of lining for interior decoration of the bath are described in one of our blog articles.

In the country, you can lay the lining in a herringbone pattern or place it vertically. Thus, you will visually expand the room accordingly and make the ceiling visually higher. An original design solution would be firing the lining before varnishing or painting in light colors.

How to paint the lining inside the house in the country - beautiful and high quality

05/21/2019

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We tell you how to choose the type of finishing material, color and diversify the interior with the help of a decorative staining effect. And at the end of the article - a video instruction on painting the walls from the lining.

pixabay

The owner often has to think about how to paint the lining inside the house, in the country or in the apartment, so that it retains its properties and attractive appearance. Let's talk about this process.

All about lining board painting

Why is it necessary

What can be used to paint

How to paint

Wood finishes are eco-friendly and very beautiful. In addition, it retains sound and heat well, and is easily mounted on the ceiling or walls. All this explains the popularity of the finishing material. They decorate interiors of different purposes and styles. Unfortunately, natural wood deteriorates quickly.

But before choosing the composition, you need to understand what factors negatively affect the wood.

It is good if, as a result of processing, the material is protected from all of the above negative factors. This will significantly extend its service life.

Pixabay

There are a lot of ideas on how to paint the lining inside the house, the photo shows that even in the bathrooms and kitchen you can use this technique.

Instagram @fazendahouse

Instagram @fazendahouse

Instagram @fazendahouse

The choice of remedy ultimately depends on the expected result. If you need to prevent damage to the finish, choose protective preparations. If it is supposed to change its color, paint is needed. Let's take a closer look at both groups of funds.

Protective preparations

Designed to prevent the destruction of wood exposed to adverse factors.

Flame retardants

Retard flame spread. Impregnation does not prevent ignition, but it makes burning as difficult as possible. Due to this, you can buy time for extinguishing or evacuation. Highly recommended for rooms finished with wood. Flame retardants are safe for people, do not change the color of the wood.

Antiseptics

They contain bactericidal substances that prevent the development of microorganisms and insects. Thanks to this, antiseptics prevent the appearance of mold, fungus, etc. Moreover, they are successfully used even after signs of infection have appeared. The disadvantage of all preparations is gradual weathering, so the surface has to be treated regularly.

Available as stand-alone or complex products. The former are colorless, the latter are colored. They change the natural color of the tree to the tone chosen by the owner. In addition, they form a film that protects the wooden base from moisture.

Linseed oil

Natural water-repellent impregnation. Penetrates deep into the structure of wood, tightly seals natural pores. Due to this, moisture loses the ability to be absorbed into the material and destroy it. Microorganisms do not survive in such conditions, so flax oil immediately has a double effect. In addition, it gives the tree a light shade, vividly drawing its texture.

Bleaches

Removes stains of various origins. They are applied to the base for a short time, after which they are washed off with water. Do not paint white, but prepare the material for further finishing.

Mordants

Antiseptics with tinted effect. Prevent the appearance of insects and microorganisms, give the base the desired shade. From subtle to intense. The texture is not painted over, it only appears brighter. To maintain the effect for a long time, additional staining with varnish is desirable.

Drying oils

Preparations based on natural or synthetic oils. There are combined options. Penetrate inside the lining plates, protect it from moisture. Slightly shade the structure. Over time, oiled surfaces turn noticeably yellow and become sticky.

Varnishes

Protective and decorative products. Prevent damage to wood from excess moisture, microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation. They create a vapor-permeable film on the surface, which preserves the unique "breath" of natural wood. For rooms choose acrylic or scuba diving. As a result, coatings of different colors are obtained with a semi-matt, matt or glossy effect.

Waxes

Compounds with varnish-like action. They tint wood and give it a noble semi-gloss sheen. Produced in different forms. Liquid waxes and water-based waxes are immediately ready to use. Solids need to be reheated. The main problem is the difficulty of applying wax to the surface. It lays unevenly. This can be corrected by pre-treatment of the base with a primer.

Pixabay

Decorative coatings

High hiding power products completely cover the texture of wood and change its color. They can be used to paint the lining inside the house in different colors, the ideas in the photo can be seen below.

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photo

Instagram vagonkann

Instagram vagonkann

Instagram vagonkann

Instagram vagonkann

Instagram vrdesigngroup

Pexels

The paint is chosen as a decoration or to hide the old darkened material. For interior use:

Oil paints

After drying, a dense waterproof film forms on the substrate. It resists external influences well. The drug closes the pores of the base, which deprives it of vapor permeability. The disadvantage of the drug is a sharp unpleasant odor, which disappears over time. Oil solutions dry for a long time. The initially pleasant sheen on the surface is quickly lost, the brightness of the tone decreases.

Acrylates

Products with high decorative properties. Dries quickly, gives the base a bright, non-fading shade. Despite the fact that acrylates penetrate deep into the wood, its vapor permeability is completely preserved. The paint layer is plastic, does not crack if the lamellas are slightly deformed by temperature changes. The disadvantage of acrylates is the high price.

Acrylic scuba shoes

The prefix aqua indicates that the basis of preparations is water. This guarantees their safety, lack of smell, high drying speed. The coating formed by them is bright, does not fade for a long time. It is moisture resistant, durable, resistant to abrasion. The price of funds is lower than that of acrylates. Therefore, they are often chosen for home decoration.

This finish is versatile, but its natural tone is not suitable for all interiors. Therefore, paint or tinting agents are used. When choosing a tone, you need to remember that light colors visually increase the space. It will be good for a small cottage, for example. Dark, on the contrary, reduce the room.

How to choose a color

Pexels

Many creative ideas, they can be seen in the photo on the Internet, are associated with a special processing of the material during painting.

What techniques to use

The most interesting solutions combine special processing with coloring. It's not as difficult as it might seem. We offer you to watch a video on how to properly brush the material before painting.

Learn more