How to Paint Glossy Wood Paneling

Painting over glossy wood paneling will save you time and money versus removing it, which includes repair, and sometimes even replacement of the drywall under it, in order to end up with a smooth, paintable surface. The construction of this type of paneling is pressed board with a vinyl-like finish, and is normally glued and nailed onto drywall.
Painting over the paneling will offer a beautiful look in your choice of color and finish, such as flat, eggshell or semi-gloss.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint brush (2-inch wide works well)
• Paint roller (medium nap)
• Primer (oil base suggested)
• Paint thinner when using oil-based primer
• Quality water-based paint
• 220 to 320 grit sandpaper or flexible sanding block
• Quick-drying ready-mixed spackle
• Paint roller tray
• Rags for clean up
• Cleaning solution for washing paneling
• Masking or painters tape
• Hammer and nail tap
• Paper face-mask when using oil-based primer
• Plastic or canvas painters' drop cloth

1. Wash down the paneling thoroughly with a cleaning solution that will remove stains and oils that have built up over time. Paneling should be absolutely clean.

2. 

   Tap down any nail heads sticking above the panel surface using a nail tap and hammer, then fill over with spackle. Also fill in any scars or cuts found on the paneling. You may also apply spackle into the corners where the panels meet each other and also between any sheets of paneling that may have gaps. Now is also a good time to add finish nails if the paneling is not as stable and flush as it should be to the wall under it. As an option you may also fill in all the vertical seams on the paneling with spackle if you want to eliminate them, but this will entail much more spackling and sanding. It is common to leave the seams evident.

3. 

   Sand over any areas to which you applied spackle to a smooth finish using your sheet sandaper or flexible block sander.

4. Tape off all areas around the paneling you do not want to paint, such as along baseboards and the ceiling edge. Also lay out your painters' drop cloth on the floor below the panels to be primed and painted.

5. 

   Stir the primer well, and put on a face-mask if it is oil-based, so as not to inhale the fumes. Then, using your paint brush apply the primer over all the vertical seams on the paneling, and also use your brush for priming the edges and into the corners of the panels that your paint roller will not reach.

6. 

   Roll out the primer completely over the paneling and allow sufficient time to dry. Oil-based primer will take longer than water based. One good coat of primer is normally sufficient, even though it may not appear to dry evenly. The key is not to miss any areas with the first coat. No harm in a second coating.

7. 

   Stir your paint and then apply with your brush along all edges and into the corners, the same as with the primer, and then roll the paint over the paneling, covering it completely.

8. 

   Apply a second coat of paint after the first one has dried, typically within 30 minutes. When using quality paint, two coats will do quite nicely. Remove your masking tape and enjoy your new painted paneling.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using an oil-based primer you will not be able to reuse the brush and roller for your water-based paint unless you thoroughly clean with a paint remover or thinner. Best to use a new roller and fresh brush when applying the actual paint. A flat paint will leave a duller finish, eggshell will leave more of a sheen, and semi-gloss will leave a bit of a shine. Always use a quality paint that will last some years and be scrubbable. Even if the first coat of paint looks fine, still apply a second coat to ensure durability. A coat of primer over the glossy paneling is critical in order for the paint to stick well and not roll off while painting or chip very easily when dry. If you notice any rough spots or scars not patched and smoothed over to your liking after the paint has dried, you can respackle and sand smooth the specific area, then use a brush to touch up the area. Always save some paint for touching up future scratches or chips from accidents. Even though the oil-based primer will take longer to dry and is tougher to clean up after, it is suggested when painting over glossy paneling, since it will provide better adhesion than a water base. Avoid hanging pictures or bumping furniture onto the new paint for two to three days, allowing time for it to cure and harden.
• Oil-based primers will cause a strong odor until dry. Always work with ventilation and wear a face-mask while stirring and applying.

[sullysee]

on 8/22/2009 Wonderful and detailed article on painting wood paneling.