If your wood paneling looks a little rough around the edges or you want a new color, it’s possible to paint over it and keep it looking great. First, however, you’ll need to do the necessary prep work and ensure you pick the best paint for the job. So just what do you need to know?
First, clean and vacuum the walls to give yourself a good surface for the primer to stick to. Then you can put painter’s tape up and apply the primer, followed by the paint and a top coat. Give the wall plenty of time to dry, and apply more coats as necessary.
Let’s take a closer look at how to paint directly over wood paneling, including choosing the right paint and cleaning the wall beforehand.
How to Paint Wood Paneling
If you want to paint wood paneling, you’ll need a detailed step-by-step guide. Let’s break down the best way to do it.
Prep the Wood
The first thing you’ll have to do is prep the wood paneling, which we’ll take a closer look at later. You can do this by using wood filler (on Amazon) to cover any gaps and make a smooth surface for the paint to go over.
You should then sand it down where you filled in the gaps; the surface should feel slightly rough. You’ll then have to ensure you clean the whole thing. After that, you can place painter’s tape (on Amazon) around the edges.
Use a Primer
After you’ve prepared the wood, it’s time to lay down your primer. Make sure the primer you’re using matches the paint, and then apply an even coat all over the wood paneling.
Paint the Wall
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to get painting! You can use angled paint brushes (on Amazon) to apply a thin, even coat to the wall. Once you’ve applied one coat, step back and let it dry before using a roller to apply another coat of primer.
Depending on the surface you are working with, you may choose to repeat these steps for a smoother and more firm finish. You can judge how many coats you need as you go on, but make sure the paint dries completely before you keep going.
Pull the Tape Down
Once it’s dry, you can pull the tape down and clean it up. If you need to return for another coat later, don’t forget to retake these preparation steps.
How Do You Clean Wood Paneling Before Painting?
Although many people skip the cleaning step before they begin painting, it’s a mistake. Cleaning your wood provides a good surface for the primer and paints to stick to, and when finished, you’ll notice the coat is even and smooth.
The first thing you’ll want to do is scrub with some soap and water. This should be enough to get most particles off the wall. You can also use a degreaser if necessary.
Once you’ve done this, use a vacuum all over the wood. This will remove any dust that might otherwise become trapped under the paint.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Wood Panels?
When wondering what kind of paint you should use on wood panels, there are a few things to consider: if you want to pick oil-based or water-based. So let’s look at the differences between them and which is best for this purpose.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is highly durable and often used for outside decks and furniture because it’s notorious for being able to stand against the elements.
It can be one of the most expensive types and takes a long time to dry; however, as well as having an odor. This may make it an excellent choice for outside, but you might want to think twice about using it inside.
Still, it’s a solid choice if you aim to have the most durable paint around and don’t mind an extended drying time.
Water-Based Paint
For outside jobs, water-based paint is not ideal. It also doesn’t withstand temperatures and water, and wear and tear will make it lose its finish much more quickly.
However, for inside wood paneling, it might just be ideal as it has a lot of advantages that make sense for this job. For example, it has no odor, dries quickly, and can be cleaned up much more easily.
If oil-based paint gets somewhere it wasn’t supposed to; the clean-up job is much more challenging. Water-based paints are also thinner and, while they still provide a good finish, can be easier to work with without the pressure of making a mistake.
How Do I Find a Good Brand of Paint?
There are a few things you should look for when choosing your brand. The first is that the company has been in business for a long time, which is a big indicator that they’re successful and know what they’re doing.
The second thing is good reviews. Amazon has a plethora of reviews available, so you can check them out before making a purchase. If possible, make sure some of the good reviews mention wood paneling so you can ensure it’s the right paint for this specific job.
You should also ensure you read and follow the instructions on any paint can. They’re the experts.
Can You Paint Wood Paneling without Sanding?
You can absolutely paint wood paneling without sanding. The only parts you will have to sand are any wood filler you used to create a more even surface with the rest of the paneling.
However, the paneling should provide a good base without you having to sand it. Sanding a whole wall of wood paneling could take many hours and a lot of elbow grease, so you don’t have to worry about it as you might with other wood furniture.
Wrapping Up
Overall, painting wood paneling shouldn’t be a difficult job, even for beginners. Wood paneling doesn’t take a lot of coats, and you don’t have to work with an oil-based paint for it to look smooth and even.
The key to an amazing finish is to prep the wood well beforehand. You don’t have to sand it, but you should make sure to clean it well and fill in any holes with wood filler. Also, give the paint plenty of time to try before you touch it, using as many coats as are necessary for your wall.