PAINTING PANELING

In the sixties and seventies wood paneling was a choice because it was easier and  cheaper than drywall it was easier and cheaper.  The problem with paneling is that it's dark, dull, outdated, and difficult to replace.

Painted paneling can make a tremendous difference in the look and feel of a space.  Update (and upgrade) your outdated and dull rooms by painting paneling.

Not everyone has the money or energy to take on the project of tearing out walls of old paneling and replacing them with drywall.  It can be a financial and mental drain.

Thankfully there is a cheaper solution. 

Painting paneling has been an overlooked solution to this common problem.  Neither of those is true.  Paneling can be painted, and it can look great. You can turn that dark and dingy paneling into something bright in the course of a few hours. 

Here is what you'll need:

· Liquid De-glosser

· Oil-based (Shellac-based) Primer

· Latex Eggshell or Satin Finish Paint

· 3/8" Nap Paint Roller

· 2" Nylon-Poly Brush

· Painter's Tape

De-glossing

Wooden paneling has a natural gloss or shine to it.  The first step in ensuring that your paint will adhere to the surface is to remove the gloss.  You could sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper...  But that is entirely too messy and labor intensive.  There's an easier way.

Liquid de-glosser removes the gloss from painted and wood surfaces, allowing primer and paint to better adhere to the surface. Be sure to have ventilation when using de-glosser.

Using a lint-free cotton rag, apply the de-glosser lightly to the surface of the paneling in five foot strips.  Allow the de-glosser to sit on the surface for the directed amount of time (follow label instructions), then move to step two.

Work across the wall in sections…de-glossing and then priming the de-glossed area.  De-glosser is only effective for a set amount of time (usually no longer than an hour) so the primer must be applied over the de-glosser in that amount of time.

Priming

Select the right primer for your project.  For wooden paneling, it is suggest that one use an oil-based primer.  This adheres better than water-based and provides superior stain-hiding coverage.  

Apply the primer with a brush and roller.  Use the brush to "cut in" and prime into the grooves of the paneling.  Roll out the remainder.

Painting the Paneling

Finally, apply the eggshell or satin finish over the dried primer.  Be sure to allow primer sufficient time to dry before beginning to apply the paint.

Cut in along the edges and into the paneling's grooves with a 2" brush, then roll out the remainder of the wall with a 3/8" nap roller.

If necessary, allow the base coat at least 6 to 8 hours to cure before applying a second coat.

When finished, remove all tape as soon possible.  If the paint has dried and formed a skin over the edge of the tape, run a utility knife along the edge of the tape to separate them.

If you have any questions, please email us.