Painting Over Wall Paneling

Paint it on just like a normal wall masking off the ceiling trim and baseboards.

Painting over wall paneling.

When painting for wood paneling choose either a stain blocking latex primer or an oil based primer. Apply a thin coat of primer with a roller. In some instances you may be able to remove the paneling and paint the walls directly. Allow to dry completely at least 24 hours.

Once the second coat of primer is dry coat walls with one coat of high quality latex paint and let dry. Use a brush to fill in any grooves. Allow the primer to dry a full 24 hours before painting over it. If you plan on covering over your wall paneling you should first and foremost inspect the surface.

It has always been a common question among homeowners whether they should or should not paint over wall paneling. Prime the paneling with a stain blocking primer. Use a prybar and gently pull it loose. Here are the steps on how to easily paint wood paneling.

Some paneling actually consists of a vinyl print that simulates the look of wood. Paint on two coats of a high quality oil based primer letting each coat dry once applied. If you plan to keep the trim s color as is or paint it a shade different than your wood paneling remove it from the wall. Vinyl coatings come off quickly revealing the pressboard underneath.

When you re ready to start painting make sure that your paneling is made of solid wood. If you plan to paint the trim the same color as the wall lightly sand the adjacent wood trim on baseboards to allow the paint to adhere to it. Next a primer is applied with a paintbrush and roller. A deglosser is wiped onto the paneling acting as a liquid sandpaper so the paint will stick.

Apply caulk to fill in any visible seams. Any dust dirt or oily fingerprints can prevent the paint from sticking well to the wood paneling so start by thoroughly washing the wood paneled. When rolling keep a brush on hand to get into any cracks seams or corners where the roller can t go and to remove drips. Apply a thin coat of primer to all of the paneling using a foam sponge roller and a brush or just a brush alone.

Clean the wall paneling with diluted tsp. To check sand a small area on the wall. Cut in the edges with a brush and roll on the primer using a 3 8 inch roller cover.