How to Paint Mobile Home Wall Paneling

Painting paneling in a mobile home can brighten the room, and update the look of the home. Many older mobile homes have dark panel. The process of painting the paneling is not difficult and can be done with a minimum of effort. You will need to do a little sanding, and prime the walls before you apply the paint. You can fill the cracks in the paneling if desired, but it is not required.

Things You'll Need

• 180 grit sand paper
• Sanding block
• Tack cloth
• Paint
• Stain blocking primer
• Paint roller
• Roller pan
• Painter tape
• Paint brushes in assorted sizes

Instructions

1. Mask off any molding or trim work that you will not be painting with painters tape or masking tape. Use drop cloths to cover the floor, and items in the room that you want to protect.

2. Sand the surface of the paneling using 180 grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Rough the surface just enough to remove any shine to allow the primer to better adhere to the paneling.

3. Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove the sanding dust from the wall. Any dust left behind will not allow the paint to adhere and may cause the paint to bubble on the wall.

4. Cut in the edges of the wall with primer, using a small paint brush or corner roller. You will need to use a small brush and cut in the grooves on the paneling as well.

5. Prime the paneling with a stain blocking primer to seal the paneling. Dark paneling may need several coats, but a good stain blocking primer will block the darker colors more effectively.

6. Cut in the edges, corners, and grooves with the paint you will using on the walls. Use a small paint brush, and get the paint completely into the grooves and edges.

7. Paint the entire wall with a short nap roller, applying several thin coats. Cover the wall completely, but keep the paint thin enough to prevent running or spattering during painting.

8. Remove the masking tape, and drop cloths from room. Allow the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

References

• Lowes.com: Paint Wood Paneling
• Indobase.com: Painting Wood Paneling