How To Paint Wood Paneling

Wood-paneled walls have been in vogue for many years. Most of the home owners simply forget about renovating their walls for a long time, once they get wood paneling installed. This is because; wood-paneled walls not only look elegant, but provide a cozy atmosphere for the room as well. However, over the years, many people get tired of looking at same old, dark wood paneling. If you are one of them and want to brighten up your room, painting the wood paneling is the best thing to do. Here we have provided systematic guidance on the best way for painting wood paneling.

How To Paint Wood Paneling

Supplies Needed

Wall Paint
Stain-killing Primer
Paint Roller
Cleaning Agent - TSP / Ammonia
Warm Water
Sandpaper
Sponge Mop
Plastic Drop Cloths
Box Fan

Procedure

Before you start painting the wood paneling, clear out the furniture from the room or assemble them at the center and cover with plastic drop cloths. Remove the wall fixtures as well. Protect your floors by laying down plastic drop cloths all over the place.
Good ventilation is a pre-requisite for the project. You may either open one of the windows in the room or install a box fan in an open window, for the purpose of cross-ventilation.
Clean the walls with a cloth dipped in warm water and ammonia or any other cleaning agents, such as TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate). This will clear out the grease and grime that might have built up on the wood paneling, over the years.
For stubborn stains on the walls, make use of abrasive cleaning pad, dampened with mineral spirits or any of the cleaners mentioned above.
After the cleaning process is over, sand the paneled walls lightly, using grit sandpaper. This will smoothen the wooden surface.
Make use of a dampened sponge mop to remove any sanding dust holding to the wooden surface. Allow the wall to dry completely.
After cleaning and sanding, it is the time to start painting the wood paneling.
To begin with, apply a bonding primer on the walls. Although it is not obligatory to apply primer on a wooden surface, the painted paneling will look much better, if you apply a stain-killing primer.
Tint your primer to the approximate color of the top/finishing coat.
Once the primer has dried out completely, apply the top coat of your chosen color, using a paint roller.
Let the paint dry completely and then, replace the wall fixtures and furniture of the room.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Home & Living'