How to Paint a Room With Paneling

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to spruce up a room that has paneling on the walls, paint might be your best choice. Painting is a cheap and simple way to cover up old paneling, but getting it right is a little different than painting regular walls. Here's some tips on how to paint a room with paneling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Primer
• Paint
• Paint Brush
• Paint Roller
• Drop Clothes
• Wood Putty
• Joint Compound
• Putty knife
• Sanding Block

1. 
    
   Prep your Walls

   Just like with any project, when you are painting paneling, the first thing you should do is to prep your walls. Begin by filling any nail holes or other imperfections using wood putty.

2. After filling the holes, it's smart to wipe the entire wall clean with water and a mild soap solution.

3. Next, you should lightly sand the entire wall. This will help the primer and paint to stick to the wall. The simplest way to do this is by using 220 grit sandpaper and a sanding block.

4. 
    
   Decide if you want to fill the grooves

   Now, you have an important decision to make. Most paneling has grooves in it. 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 will have to take the time to feel each groove using drywall joint compound. You'll then need to sand the entire wall very well.

5. 
    
   Use Drop Cloths to protect floor and furniture

   Once you have your wall completely prepped, and before you start to paint, you'll want to use drop cloths and painters 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 Primer

   You are now ready to start painting. Your first step will be to apply a high quality primer to the entire wall. Begin by cutting in using a paint brush and then roll the primer on the entire wall. Allow the primer to dry completely.

7. Once the primer has completely dried, you are ready to paint. Paint the entire wall with your paint and allow to dry. You will probably want to put a second coat on your paneled wall as well.

8. 
    
   Consider a Faux Finish if you don't fill Grooves

   One more option to consider when you you paint a room with paneling is the possibility of applying a faux finish to your wall. If you don't fill the grooves in your paneling, many faux finishes are easy to apply and will take the attention away from the grooves in the wall and focus the attention on the texture of the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Alway use high quality products when painting to achieve the best results - including high quality primers, paints, brushes, and rollers.

[Devero]

on 1/9/2009 Nice tips. I have paneling in my place, so this may come in handy.