How to Wallpaper Over Paneling
You lived through the 1970s, and you have the paneling in your rec room to prove it. You're finally ready to move on, but removing that paneling could be a bigger project than you want to tackle. It's OK. You can easily update the décor in your home with some supplies from the hardware store. The first thing you need to do is wallpaper over that paneling. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Joint compound
- De-glosser
- Wallpaper
- Wallpaper paste
- Wallpaper roller
- Utility knife
Instructions
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Fill the cracks. Wallpaper needs an even surface to adhere to. Paneling, of course, has those dark grooves in it to make it look like individual pieces of wood. Fill those cracks with joint compound the same way you would fill a nail hole in drywall. If you're not experienced at applying joint compound, clarify the technique with someone in your local hardware store. Allow the first application to dry, sand it down, and apply a second coat.
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De-gloss the surface. Paneling also has a shiny surface that doesn't allow the wallpaper paste to adhere very well. If the paneling is old enough, the shiny surface may have worn off. Just to be sure, wipe the paneling down with a de-glossing solution you can buy at any hardware store.
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Buy a textured wallpaper. There are different weights and textures of wallpaper available. You don't want to use the kind they sell at the local hardware store; this project requires a high-quality wallpaper. Stick with the name brands, and choose a paper that has some texture to it. That will help hide and contain the paneling.
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Hang the paper. Use wallpaper paste, even if you're hanging a pre-pasted paper. Apply the paste to the back of the paper with a brush and apply the paste to the wall as well. Once the paste has had a few minutes to dry and get a little tacky (you've been living with paneling, you can't be afraid of tacky), stick the wallpaper on the pasted wall. Use the wallpaper roller to get out any air bubbles, and trim the top and bottom of the paper with a blade.
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Comments
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Susan Perry Lockette cool, thanks..wonder what in box they went to. Ever had any luck re doing a brick fire place. Our family room is so stuck in the 70's I expect the partridge fam for dinner on occasion
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Ok pics are on their way to your inbox!!!
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I had the same problem....except I primed mine and painted it and now I LOVE it!!!! I'll message you pics!
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been living with tacky....time for a do-over.
