How to paint paneled walls

When you are living in a home that has dark paneling and you want to lighten the atmosphere inexpensively, the solution is to paint or paper. Painting the walls is cheaper and can give you the effect your desire.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• sandpaper
• primer paint
• wall pain in the color os choice
• paint pan
• brushes and rollers
• plastic cover or tarp for protecting surfaces
• masking tape
• "dap" putty or wood fill
• putty knife
• patience and time

1. Move all the furniture out into the middle or into another room. If this is not possible, then move all the furniture away from one wall, and finish one wall at a time.
2. Use masking tape and tape edgings around doors and window frames.
3. Remove pictures off the wall, and remove all nails in the wall.
4. Fill in nail holes or imperfections in the wood with fill.
5. Gently sand and smooth the places you have filled.
6. Paint the entire paneled wall with primer coat.
7. Then paint over the primer coat with the paint you have chosen.
8. Remove the masking tape from the window and door frames and complete any slight touchups around these areas,

Tips & Warnings

• If your paneling is old or warped, you can use tiny framing nails to correct these problems before you paint.
• To store brushes and rollers between use, wrap tightly in two plastic bags. This will avoid wasting any paint that is in the roller or bristles until you are ready to start painting again. Do not wash the roller or brushes out until you are completely finished using that kind of paint.
• Use water base paint which is easy to clean up and keep a roll of paper towel handy to wipe up any spills
• Keep all children and pets away from any painting until the paint is dry.
• If possible always have plenty of ventilation when you are painting. Keep ceiling fans running and open the windows.