How to Paint a Room With Paneling

Eliminate the old lodge look with a coat of paint.

A quick and easy way to spruce up a room that has dark 1970s paneling on the walls is paint. Painting is a cheap and simple way to cover up old paneling or wainscotting, but getting it right is a little different than painting regular walls. Use light colors for a cheerful, cottage look and deep colors for a more sophisticated effect.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Paint roller
• Drop clothes
• Wood putty
• Joint compound
• Putty knife
• Sanding block

Instructions

1. Fill any nail holes and other imperfections with wood putty to prepare the walls. Overfill slightly and wipe away the putty flush with with the walls with a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry according to manufacturer instructions.

2. Wipe the entire wall clean with water and a mild soap solution after the wood putty has dried.

3. Lightly sand the entire wall with 220-grit sandpaper and a sanding block or electric sander. This helps the primer and paint to stick to the wall.

4. Determine whether you want to maintain the paneling's vertical grooves. You don't have to fill these if you don't want to, but you will be able to see the lines once you paint if you do nothing with them. If you don't want to see the lines, you have to take the time to fill each groove using drywall joint compound. Let dry and thoroughly sand the entire wall.

5. Put down drop cloths and painter's tape to protect anything that you don't want to get paint on. Place drop cloths on the floor and over any furniture that is in the room. Use the painter's tape to cover outlet covers and trim.

6. Apply a high-quality primer to the entire wall. Cut in around the perimeter using a paintbrush, then roll the primer on the entire wall. Allow the primer to dry completely.

7. Allow the primer to dry. Paint the entire wall with your paint in the same manner as with the primer and allow to dry. You will probably want to put a second coat on your paneled wall as well, particularly with a dark color.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use high-quality products when painting to achieve the best results.

• Consider applying a faux finish to your wall to take the attention away from the grooves in the wall and focus the attention on the texture of the wall.