How to Paint the Wooden Panels in My Kitchen

Change the look of your kitchen by repainting the wooden panels.

Wood paneling was a very popular design element in homes and offices during the 1970s and 1980s. More current design trends shy away from dark colors covering every wall and include lighter and brighter colors. You can easily brighten up the panels in your kitchen with any paint color. The panels are typically very slick and resist paint without the proper preparation. You can paint these panels with good results if you take the time to prepare the surface properly before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap and water
• Palm sander
• Rags
• Low-tack painter's tape
• Primer
• Paint
• Trim brush
• 1/4-inch-nap roller

Instructions

1. Clean the walls thoroughly with mild soap and water. Make sure to remove all grease and grime before you begin painting. Oils and particles will interfere with the paint, causing eventual peeling or bubbling.

2. Attach medium-grit sandpaper to the palm sander. Sand the walls to create enough texture for the primer to grip. Do not completely remove the surface coat. Once most of the shine has been removed, you are ready for primer.

3. Dampen a couple of clean rags and wipe the walls to remove all sanding dust. Dust that remains on the wall will interfere with paint application.

4. Tape off the adjacent ceilings, floors, walls and any other areas that you don't want to paint. Lay drop cloths to protect the furniture and floors.

5. Use a trim brush to cut in the corners of the wood panels with primer. Roll on primer with a 1/4-inch-nap roller. Allow the first coat to dry completely. If you can still see the original finish through the primer, apply a second coat. Allow the second coat of primer to dry.

6. Again with the trim brush, cut in the corners of the wood panel walls with paint. Roll on the paint using a clean roller. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely. Remove the tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint over wood paneling may scratch easily and may take a few days to fully cure. To avoid scratches, wait two to three days before hanging pictures and pushing your furniture against the walls.