How to Prep Paneling for Painting

Wood paneling

Painting wood paneling is an easy and cheap way to improve the look of your home. It's essential to take time to prep the paneling before beginning to paint. Prepping the paneling will make the paint job last longer and look better, according to the House Painting Info website. It's helpful to allow time to prep a large area on one day. This way you can clean or prime one small area of the paneling while waiting for other areas to dry.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff brush
• Bucket of warm water
• No-rinse TSP cleaner
• Dry rags
• Rubber gloves
• Masking tape
• Spackle paste
• Caulk
• Primer paint
• Paintbrush or roller

Instructions

Prep Work

1. Remove dirt with a stiff brush. Mix the no-rinse TSP cleaner concentrate with water. Put on gloves. Scrub the paneling with a rag and the cleaning solution. Allow three hours for the paneling to dry.

2. Cover wall edges with long strips of masking tape.

3. Carefully paint the paneling with primer paint. Allow two hours for the primer to dry.

4. Use your finger or a rag to spread spackle paste over nail holes. Fill cracks with caulk. Wipe away excess product with a clean rag. Allow the spackle paste and caulk to dry.

References

• House Painting Info: Painting Paneling