How to Fill in Paneling Grooves

Dark wood paneling was a popular wall covering in the 1970s. Unfortunately, it can make rooms feel dark, dated and closed in. Paneling is usually made of thin wood panels with dark grooves running vertically every eight to 10 inches. Updating a room with paneling can be tricky because removal of the paneling can destroy the wall on which it was installed. Instead, a good option for eliminating the paneling look is to paint it. You can leave the grooves alone, but if you decide you want to fill them, it is a simple process. Most supplies for this project can be found at hardware or home improvement stores. Allow a few hours for completion.

Things You'll Need

• Electric sander
• Sandpaper
• Ammonia
• Water
• Bucket
• Cloth or brush
• Mesh drywall tape
• Utility knife
• Trowel
• Drywall compound
• Paint roller

Instructions

1. Sand the paneling to remove the sheen. This will rough it up for application of primer if you choose to paint later.

2. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water. Add 1/2 cup ammonia.

3. Wash the paneling with the ammonia water mixture using a cloth or soft brush. Rinse with clean water. Dry with a cloth.

4. Cover each groove or recessed area along with any seams with the mesh drywall tape. Use a utility knife to cut the tape. Smooth the tape down with a trowel.

5. Put drywall compound on the seams and grooves with a roller until it is smooth in appearance. Let dry completely.

6. At this point, you can paint the paneling with a primer. Apply one or two coats of your choice of paint on top of the primer, drying completely between coats.

References

• Hammer Zone