I’ve lived in my house for ten years now and was always nervous to paint the paneling in my dining room. After a lot of research, I realized how to easily paint over wood paneling, and I want to share my tips with you!
How To Easily Paint Wood Paneling
- Put painter’s tape around the wall surface beneath and around the wood paneling.
- Use wood putty or drywall mud to fill in any holes- lightly sand it down for a smooth surface to paint.
- Wash the rest of the entire surface properly- you don’t want to go over bumps and dirt when painting paneling.
- Paint on two coats of a high-quality oil-based primer, letting each coat dry once applied.
- Once the second coat of primer is dry, coat the walls with one coat of High-Quality Latex Paint and let dry. Apply another coat if needed.
You Can Easily Paint Over Wood Paneling
When we bought our house in 2010, there were A LOT of wooden wall panels… the foyer, the kitchen, the dining room, and another room downstairs had real and faux paneling.
Needless to say, I’ve painted paneling quite a bit in my house and have tried several methods. The method that I’ve found works best is actually the easiest as well!
And the picture above is the FINAL paneled wall in our house, finally covered with paint! This wall is part of a DIY series where redecorating our dining room.
Here’s how it looked before painting. As far as wood paneling goes, it could be a lot worse and it’s fairly high-quality varnished hardwood, but it’s definitely not my style.
You can paint paneling without much prep if the wall is in good shape- sometimes, you can wash the walls with a damp cloth or damp rag and get right to priming and painting!
Just be sure any dents or nail holes are filled with wood putty and putty knife (or finger lol), and you’re set.
What You Need
- High-quality OIL-BASED primer. I use KILZ Interior Oil Primer and have had great results. This barrier stops anything from bleeding through and also helps the paint go on evenly. Tip – you can tint the primer to match the final color.
- High-quality latex paint. I used to buy bargain paint, and sometimes if I was in a really crazy mood, I bought the “middle-of-the-road” paint. Then one day I came home from Lowes with a gallon of the Valspar Signature Series paint, I was not happy with the cost. But then I tried it. Literally, ONE nice & even coat is all it took. That stuff is great. I don’t know about you, but I’d gladly pay an extra $10 or $15 to NOT have to paint a room twice! (note that certain colors cover differently, so you might need more than one coat regardless of what paint you choose)
I’ve used this method to easily paint over the wood paneling in three of my rooms with fantastic results. If you take a look at the walls in our back toy room, this is how I painted those as well.
FAQs
Do I need to clean the paneling before painting?
Absolutely. Dust, dirt, and any oily residues need to be removed for the primer and paint to adhere properly. Use a mild detergent and warm water solution for cleaning, and make sure the paneling is completely dry before you apply the primer.
How long should I wait between applying primer and paint?
It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the primer you’re using. Generally, it should be dry to the touch before you start painting. This often means waiting at least a few hours to keep from mixing paint layers.
Can I use a water-based primer instead of an oil-based one?
Oil-based primers are best for wood paneling as they offer better adhesion and stain blocking capabilities. If you prefer using a water-based primer for personal or environmental reasons, look for a high-quality one designed specifically for use on wood and glossy surfaces.
Is there a particular type of paintbrush or roller I should use?
For oil-based primers and paints, natural bristle brushes or rollers designated for oil-based products work best. For latex paints, synthetic bristle brushes and rollers are ideal, as they don’t absorb water and swell like natural fibers can.
How can I avoid brush or roller marks?
To avoid brush marks, use a high-quality brush and apply the paint with smooth, even strokes. For rollers, use a microfiber roller cover to obtain a smooth finish. Also, avoid overloading the brush or roller with paint, which can lead to drips and uneven application.
Other Home Improvements
There have been a few more home improvements we’ve done since we moved into our house – here are some of my favorites:
- My DIY Bed Canopy Tutorial
- We renovated our attic to turn into an office space, but we now have our own office out of the home. Our attic is now a playroom for the kids and a spare bedroom for guests
Final Thoughts
Transforming wood paneling with paint is not only achievable but also surprisingly straightforward. This approach to home improvement is a testament to the fact that with the right materials and a little bit of know-how, you can significantly alter the look and feel of your home without extensive effort or expenses.
Empower yourself with these simple steps, trust in quality products, and you’ll see that revitalizing your living space can often be done with just a few coats of paint and a weekend’s worth of work.
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