How to Paint Over Dark Wood Paneling in the Basement

Dark wood paneling getting you down? Brighten up your basement with my painting tips!

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Can of white latex primer
• Can of latex paint
• Two paint rollers
• Drop cloths
• Two small paintbrushes
• Painter's tape

1. First, remove all items from the room and place in adjoining room. Sweep up any dust and debris from the floor and clean the paneling with a damp sponge.

2. Prep the room by using painter's tape on the baseboards. Professionals can apply this without cutting until the end, but being a novice, I cut pieces and then applied them. Place some drop cloths or plastic garbage bags on the floor.

3. Use a latex white primer to lighten the walls. Paint into the grooves vertically with a paintbrush. Then apply the primer with a roller. Also fill in the corners with a paintbrush. Allow to dry at least two hours and apply second coat. Allow to dry another two hours.

4. Once the primer has fully dried you can begin to paint. Apply one coat of paint to the walls with a roller and touch up the corners with a paintbrush. Allow to dry, then apply second coat. I applied my second coat the next day, but you could do it in the same day according to the time you have for the project.

5. Once the paint has fully dried, remove the painter's tape at a 45 degree angle and pull it slowly. It should come over cleanly, but touch up and imperfections with a small paintbrush.

[funmom970]

on 11/6/2009 Wood paneling should be painted! Great article. 5*

[candoitall]

on 10/30/2009 Good advice for people with dark basements.

[sbarry77]

on 10/23/2009 Great tips on lightening paneling! 5* and recommended