How to Paint Paneling So It Lasts

Update panelling with paint

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.

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

Instructions

1. 

   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. 

   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. 

   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. 

   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