How to Make Old Wall Paneling Look Like Drywall

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By bellerose
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (12 Ratings)

Old dated wooden or composite wall paneling can be a home decorating challenge: Should you go through all the work to pull it off and sand, spackle, prime and paint the walls underneath? Should you paint over it, leaving the paneling texture visible? A reasonably attractive-looking solution can be to clean the paneling surfaces, tape the edges and rough spots of the paneling with drywall tape (the mesh kind, for holes), and then roll on several coats of Drywall jointing compound or "mud" for a finish that resembles drywall. Here's how:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

damp cloth and mild cleanser;
drywall tape, net type;
roller;
drywall mud (jointing compound);
primer;
paintbrush;
drop cloths;
hammer for nail removal;
gloves

Step 1

1. Remove nails and smooth other objects protruding from the wall panels.
Step 2

2. Clean the panel surfaces with mild cleanser; dry.
Step 3

3. Cover the paneling edges and other rough spots with drywall tape (the mesh kind used to cover holes in wallboard). The smoother the surface before you start applying jointing compound, the fewer coats of mud you'll have to apply.
Step 4

4. Mix jointing compound and pour into a paint tray. Apply with roller, working in one direction.
Step 5

5. Allow mud to dry per directions.
Step 6

6. When first application is dry, apply at least one additional coat of mud. Depending on smoothness of the panels, you may want to apply up to four coats.
Step 7

7. Sand any rough spots.
Step 8

8. Before painting, apply at least one coat of primer.