We know first-hand how difficult it can be to hide that wood paneling from the 1970s and 80s. The good news is wood paneling can be painted over - as opposed to going through the trouble of having to replace it. Changing up the color of the wood panels can help you achieve a more updated look as well as adding your own personal style and color to your home in a unique way.
Painting your wood paneling can be easy but without proper planning, it can be a bit trickier than it should be. Fortunately, the experts at Texas Professional Painting are here to walk you through it – step by step!
Cleaning and Sanding the Wood Paneling
First make sure the wood paneling that you will be painting is free of any dust, dirt or oil. We suggest using a mild cleaner and water. Use a rag or soft cloth to gently rub the mixture onto the wood panels. Having a clean surface to paint on will make a huge difference in the overall look of the finished paint job.
Once your walls are dry, begin to lightly sand it down, and wipe away any dust left behind. This will take away any gloss or shine from the current wall that could impact the finish of your new paint. Sanding down the walls is not always required unless you have a super mirror finish, which most walls do not. You’ll typically find sanding down the paneling is worth the effort when you are rewarded with a smooth and even painting surface.
Masking the Ceiling
Just like painting any other wall, you need to mask off the ceiling, trim and baseboards so they will be protected from any paint. Use painter's tape to help tape off any surfaces you don't want to be touched by the new paint. This is also a good time to move any furniture or accessories that may obstruct your painting or that you would not want to risk being accidentally splashed or dripped with paint.
Painting the Wood Paneling
Before painting is to commence, using a primer or using a 2-in-1 paint and primer combination to help ensure that your paint has a nice easy surface to stick to. Using primer will help to take out any imperfections in the wood paneling and will provide a good base for the new paint you have selected. Try to look for stain-blocking paint as this will help keep your walls nice and clear of scuffs and marks and also hide any knots that may show through in the existing wood paneling. Apply at least two thin coats of paint to ensure proper coverage and saturation of the paint. A satin finish will be best for durability. Use a 2-inch angle brush to cut in at the corners. This will be good to get in all the grooves of the wood. For the bigger areas, switch to a paint roller - preferably a foam sponge roller cover. This will help avoid a weird texture on the panels. Lightly sand in between the two coats, and wipe out any excess buildup of paint on the grooves to avoid clumps in the paint.
Voila! Your wooden paneling has a new fresh paint job and you have transformed a room with a fresh new pop of color.
If you would like to leave this to the professionals: contact Texas Professional Painting today!
