How to Paint Paneling So It Lasts

Update rooms covered with old paneling with new paint. The old-school look walls can be transformed into contemporary and colorful spaces by painting them properly. The grooves in the paneling will actually add an interesting depth to the walls.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• BIN primer
• Wall paint
• Respirator strongly recommended
• Paint brushes
• Roller $ 1/2" (nap) sleeves
• Wil-Bond
• Spackle and knife
• Painters caulk & gun
• Medium sandpaper

1. 
   Wil-Bond

   Before you can paint the paneling, the surface MUST be prepared. Vacuum thoroughly and then wipe the paneling down with Wil-Bond, which is a liquid surface preparation and deglosser. THE VAPORS ARE STRONG AND CAN BE DANGEROUS! Wear a respirator and open windows.

2. 
   B-I-N Primer

   Use painters masking tape to protect the adjacent areas and trim. Then, using the brush to cut-in the perimeter and the roller to apply, prime the paneling with B-I-N primer/sealer. This is an alcohol based product and will also emit dangerous vapors. (There are other primers, but the B-I-N will do the job right and ensure adhesion of your finish paint.)

3. 
   Use painters caulk for seams

   Fill nail holes with spackle and sand smooth. If there are gaps where the paneling was seamed, use painters caulk to fill. Allow to dry and then use the brush to spot prime the patches and caulked seams with B-I-N.

4. 
   Benjamin Morre Eggshell Finish

   Once primed, you can use whatever finish paint you like. Eggshell finish will look the best, but if not completely confident in your spackle and caulk work, use flat finish as it will hide imperfections better. Using the brush and roller, cutting in and rolling into the cut as with the primer, apply 2 coats of finish paint to the paneling.

Tips & Warnings

• Preparation is everything on this job!
• RESPIRATOR IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
• ENSURE PROPER VENTILATION
• ALWAYS BE CAREFUL WHEN WORKING FROM LADDERS

[paint-it]

on 3/20/2009 Lorilaw...caulk the gaps between the sheets (normally 4 X 8). The "grooves" are cut into the panels and those add the depth. Hope this helps!

[lorilaw]

on 3/17/2009 Do each of the vertical gaps/grooves (there are many rows of them!) need caulked? OR Does anybody know how it looks if all of the grooves are not filled in with caulk???At the introduction of this article it was mentioned that the grooves in the paneling will actually add an interesting depth to the walls. Is this true anybody?

[Wasatch]

on 3/11/2009 On a remodel I love to replace it, but for a rental this is a cheap alternative. Thanks

[SharonJeanne]

on 2/5/2009 I never knew paneling could be painted, I need to use this article and paint my Mom's living room for her so she can move out of the 70's and into today. Thanks for the great article. 5*!

[Elander]

on 2/3/2009 Thorough advice. Thanks.