How to Paint Over Wall Panels

Paneling was a popular decor option in many homes a few decades ago. Today, many homes are still bearing the mark of the paneling years, and that same paneling isn't necessarily looking quite so good any longer. Homeowners have a couple of options when deciding how to eliminate the paneled look. They can tear down the paneling, fix the walls underneath and paint the result, or simply paint over the wall panels themselves. The second option is less costly as well as a much quicker option.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint Paintbrushes Roller Sandpaper or power sander Wood putty or filler Putty knife Painters tape

1. Wash the wall panels with ammonia or an all-purpose cleaning solution, to remove dirt and grease that can significantly build up over the years. Dry thoroughly with a towel or rag, and allow a couple of hours of air drying time as well.

2. Fill any cracks or dings in the paneling using wood putty or filler. Allow the filler to dry completely. Decide whether you want to preserve the grooves between each wall panel or fill them in. If filling, they will require a little more filler than normal cracks or holes. Use a putty knife rather than just your finger when applying the wood filler to the grooves between each wall panel.
   Tape the edge of the ceiling and any adjacent walls, woodwork or baseboards that are not to be painted the color of the wall panels. Use painters tape, as it comes off much easier than masking tape.

3. 
    
   Choose to either fill the grooves between wooden slats with putty or simply paint over them.

   Sand all areas where wood filler was used, once the filler has dried completely, using sandpaper or a power sander on a low setting. Use a clean paintbrush to clean the dust from sanding off the wall panels.
   Apply a coat of primer to the wall panels. Allow it to dry completely, and decide whether a second coat of primer is needed. If opting for a second coat, allow to dry at least 12 hours before applying the first coat of paint in the color of your choice.

4. Apply the first coat of paint color and allow to dry for an hour or more. Determine whether a second coat of paint is required. Depending on the shade of the wall panels, up to three coats may be required. Darker paneling will require more coats of paint to cover completely.

5. Remove painters tape carefully once the paint is completely dry. Carefully touch up any areas that may have become chipped or smudged during the painting process.
   Enjoy the new look of your room now that your wall panels have been successfully painted over, at a fraction of both the cost and time that would have been spent to replace them.

Resources

• HGTV