So, you’ve got wood paneling in your Biltmore Forest home and you want to change it without breaking the bank. You’ve come to the right place and we’ve got some tips for you!
Wood paneling can give a room a rustic or vintage look, but sometimes it can make a room look outdated or dark, as wood paneling was trendy for a substantial period of time. If you're tired of the look of your wood paneling, painting over it can be a great way to update your space without spending an arm and a leg on a remodel.
Keep reading below for some tips on how to paint over wood paneling!
1. Clean the Paneling.
Before you begin painting, you'll need to clean the paneling to remove any dirt, grime, or grease for maximum paint coverage and appearance. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the surface, and allow it to dry completely before painting.
2. Sand the Paneling.
After cleaning, sand the paneling to create a smooth surface for your paint. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface, but be careful not to sand too hard as this could damage the paneling. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.
3. Prime the Paneling.
To ensure that the paint adheres properly to the paneling, you should prime the surface before you paint. Use a high-quality oil primer that is compatible with the type of paint you plan to use. Apply the oil primer with a brush or roller, and allow it to dry completely before painting. Why use oil primer instead of regular primer? The reason you need an oil primer or a bonding/blocking primer instead of a regular primer is to block out any stain/sealant/knot holes from the paneling. A regular primer will not do it.
4. Fill in Cracks and Holes.
For a smooth, uniform look to your painting, and if the paneling has cracks or holes, use wood filler to fill them in. Apply the wood filler with a putty knife, and smooth it out as much as possible. Allow the filler to dry completely, and then sand the surface.
5. Choose the Right Paint.
When choosing the paint for your wood paneling, you should consider the type of wood and the look you want to achieve. If you want a classy, modern finish, you may choose high-gloss or semi-gloss paint to achieve that look. If you want a more rustic, textured finish, you might choose a matte or eggshell finish to give it a warm, welcoming look. You should also consider the color of the paint and how it will complement the rest of the room. It's best to avoid trendy colors and stick with a classic, never-go-out-of-style one, but the choice is up to you!
6. Paint the Paneling.
When painting the paneling, use a brush or roller to apply the paint in smooth, even strokes. Be sure to paint in the direction of the wood grain to avoid streaks or patchiness. Apply the paint in thin layers, and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
7. Add Decorative Elements.
After the paint has dried, you can add decorative elements to the paneling to give it a unique look. For example, you could stencil a pattern onto the paneling, or add a border or trim. You could also use a glaze or antiquing technique to give the paneling a distressed or aged look. Be creative!
Painting over wood paneling can be a fun and rewarding project that can completely transform the look of a room. If you don’t consider yourself crafty, or a DIYer, our team of professionals here at Burlett Paint would love to help you achieve your painting goals for your Arden or Hendersonville, NC home! To get a quote, head on over to our “get a quote” page here!
For more tips on how to paint wood paneling, click here.