How To Paint Wood Paneling: Step-by-step Guide
Does your wood paneling fade over time? Don’t worry! In fact, you can paint the wood so they look completely different. The painted wood will give your house a more modern and bright feel. But how to paint wood paneling? This article will walk you through the steps and give you extra tips to achieve the best outcome. Let’s read on to discover!
How To Paint Wood Paneling?
You have to manage every step of this process with extreme caution all the way through. Here is what you need to get ready:
- Cloth
- Cleaner
- Sandpaper
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Caulk
- Roller or brush
- Primer
- Paint
Step 1: Clean the wood paneling
Start the project by cleaning the wood paneling. You need a smooth surface so that the paint can stick easily. You have to clean the dirt and dust by wiping it down with a damp cloth. If you see a stubborn crust, scrub it off with a cleaner. Once finished, let the wood paneling dry completely before continuing.
Step 2: Patch the cracks and holes
Wood paneling may develop little cracks and holes over time. So, as you learn how to paint over wood paneling, repair these imperfections first. You need to use a putty knife to apply wood filler to fill in the holes. The filler requires a drying time of several hours.
Step 3: Sand the wood
As you apply the wood filler, the wood surface may turn rough. In this case, use sandpaper to smooth it out. Then, wipe away any dust from the filler.
Step 4: Caulk the trim
Use caulk to seal the joints between wooden panels. The caulk also helps fill cracks between the panels and trim. This stage is essential for ensuring a beautiful finish for the paint job. Just make it a paintable caulk so the paint will adhere to it! It also means you must follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions.
Step 5: Prime the wood
Paint requires a primer layer to pull off its best. So, you need to apply a thin, even coat of primer to your wood paneling. You should use a roller for large areas. The brush is what you need when thinking about how to paint wood paneling with grooves. When putting the primer on, make sure to go over the trim so everything looks consistent.
What is the primer you need? Either water-based or oil-based products will work better. Both will prevent wood stains and grease from penetrating.
If you’re painting knotty pine, this step will be more challenging. You need a specialty prime that is going to block knots. When not properly sealed, these knots can bleed through the paint layers.
Step 6: Paint the paneling
It’s time to paint over your wood paneling. What color to paint wood paneling? It depends on your own taste. The color should match your interior design and establish your preferred style.
Carefully spread the paint across the paneling surface starting at the top and working down. You must fill the cracks between the boards and brush excess paint that collects in the grooves. Be wary of the drips too, as they can spoil the entire look.
Brush on a second coat once the first coat is completely dry. Even if your wall looks quite good after just one layer, the second layer can give it a great deal more coverage. The extra step makes the wall more durable.
Step 7: Paint the trim
The trim needs coloring as well. You should opt for a glossy finish so the trim can really pop. The paint provides an additional smooth, durable surface which is much easier to clean.
Tips for Painting Over Different Paneling Types
As you wonder how to paint wood paneling walls, consider the type of paneling. Here are some tips to work on wainscoting, beadboard, and solid wood.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting has grooves and detailed areas. You need an angled brush to paint it to access small spaces and minimize brush marks. Work in tiny sections to maintain control and even coverage. As you move to the flat panel surface, use a foam roller.
Beadboard
A paint sprayer ensures even and fast coverage. This tip works best when you are struggling with the grooves, as the sprayer covers large areas with intricate details effectively. Otherwise, you can choose a roller or a brush. Use the brush to work your way into tight spaces first, and follow with the roller.
Solid Wood
The trickiest part when working on solid wood is its grain. To protect the texture of the paneling, you want to paint along their grain. Use a roller or brush with smooth, long strokes to eliminate visible marks.
Maintenance Tips for Painted Wood Paneling
After painting the wood paneling, you have to maintain it properly for the paint to last long. Follow the maintenance tips below:
- Cleaning techniques: You need to vacuum or dust the surface regularly to maintain its fresh look. The side brush should be made of soft material so that the vacuum will not scratch the surface. If the paneling requires a deep clean, go over it with a damp towel. Do not use harsh chemicals as they can damage the paint.
- Touch-up procedures: The paneling may have chipped areas or scuffs over time. In this case, you can paint over those flaws to keep its look seamless. The new paint should match the color of the old one.
- Preventive measures: You can apply a protective topcoat over the paint. This extra coat protects the paint from daily wear and sun exposure. If you worry about scratches, consider installing furniture pads.
Get Premium Wood Panels from WoodyWalls
The instructions on how to paint wood paneling are straightforward. As you follow the steps above, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish.
If you need premium wood panels, WoodyWalls can help. Our chic products provide a fast and stylish way to modernize your room. So why wait? Visit WoodyWalls today and get the right wood panels for your next project!
FAQs
1. What kind of paint can I use on wood paneling?
Interior acrylic paint would be best. This type of paint can also be more durable and stick to wood better than oil-based paint.
2. Can you paint over paneling without sanding?
Yes, you can. However, you need to follow these steps for the best result:
- Clean the surface to remove dirt, grease, and dust
- Apply primer so the paint adheres to the surface.
- Choose the paint made for interior use.
- After the primer is dry completely, apply the paint using a roller or a brush.
3. Should I paint paneling with a brush or roller?
It would be best to use both. You can start with the brush when focusing on tricky areas, like grooves. Then, switch to a roller to cover large parts of the paneling.
4. Can you paint over old fake wood paneling?
Yes. You should clean the paneling thoroughly and fill grooves with spackle. Then, apply primer to get a glossy surface. Finally, apply multiple paint coats.
