Can You Paint Over Wood Paneling?

Do you have a wall of wood paneling in your home that is screaming for you to paint over it? While paneling may be making a comeback, plenty of homeowners are ready to invest in a modern trend and get rid of old paneling.

Fortunately, with the right steps, you can paint over any wood paneling. Here are the steps that you should follow for success!

    1. Prep and Clean the Wall

The first step in painting over wood paneling is to prep the surface. To do so, you’ll have to remove any loose pieces of paneling, fill in any holes with joint compound, prime the wall, and clean it thoroughly.

By creating a clean surface, you’ll be able to paint your wall easily and create a non-porous surface so that the paint won’t have any trouble adhering. Filling in holes or cracks also ensures that the finished product will look even and smooth.

When it comes to cleaning off your wood paneling, you can either use an all-natural cleaner, such as vinegar, or a chemical cleaner such as TSP (a product that is usually found in the paint section of your local hardware store).

Both of these cleaners will remove any dirt and grime from the wall.

    2. Apply Wood Putty and Sand Smooth

Once your walls are ready for paint, you can apply a coat of wood putty to fill any holes and make your wall as smooth as possible. As with the filling in of cracks, this step ensures that the final result will be a smooth painting surface.

After you’ve applied wood putty and allowed it to dry (following the directions on the package), sand away excess material and wipe the wall down with a damp rag, the wood putty should be level with the wall and appear very close to the same color as your primer.

    3. Prime the Wall

After you’ve allowed time for your wood putty to dry, it’s time to paint on some primer! Primer will help ensure that the surface is well covered, the paint will stick to your walls, and your final coat of paint will last a long time.

   4. Apply Your First Coat of Paint

Finally, you’re ready to pick out your paint color and get to painting! Your first coat of paint should be a thin, even application. If it’s too thick, the wood paneling may show through underneath.

While waiting for this coat to dry, keep in mind that your wall may not look completely smooth just yet. If any areas of paint have clumped up, use a plastic putty knife to even out the appearance.

   5. Apply Additional Coats as Necessary

Once you’ve allowed your first coat of paint to dry completely (this should be at least an hour), you can apply additional coats as necessary. If some areas need additional work, don’t be afraid to use your putty knife to fix up any problem areas.

Remember to let each coat thoroughly dry before applying another. By following these steps for painting over wood paneling, you can create a smooth wall that will look great in just about any room!